How To Choose The Best Walleye Trolling Lures

By Olive Pate


Walleyes are schooling fish native to the northern United States and large portions of Canada. The name stems from the fact that their eyes point to both sides. These fish are visible underwater after dark because the eyes reflect moonlight, a phenomenon known as eyeshine. Using the right walleye trolling lures can ensure any angler will have a successful fishing trip.

Anglers will have to adapt their methods according to the season. These fish spawn in sandy areas or in a swift moving river current. Fishing season usually begins after the fish spawn but they are relatively easy to find because they protect their spawning beds during this time.

The fish are aggressive this time of year, so casting with a light colored jig near shore will generally attract smaller males. To catch the bigger females, anglers will have to head for deeper water during daylight hours. Try fishing near the spawning bed at a depth of around 10 feet for the most success.

The trick to trolling close to shore is to go slowly and stop as soon as the fish start biting. Continuing to move back and forth can scare them away. Most anglers will use a thunderstick or an original floating Rapala when trolling in shallow water. Attracting walleye at this time of year is easiest when using red, fire tiger, chartreuse, blue, or other bright colors.

Trolling at deeper depths is necessary to catch the females. A deep husky jerk is a suitable lure for these conditions. This lure makes a loud rattling sound and is effective at all speeds.

During the summer, anglers will have to follow the walleyes to deeper waters. At this time of year, they tend to hang around off rocky points or at the river mouth. If the land surrounding the lake is flat, they will swim in thick weeds to escape the sun. Anglers should choose lures with natural colors. Brown, white, black, and silver are the colors that work best. Troll using a thunderstick or original floater for success. Avoid the bright colors at this time of year to keep from reeling in pike instead of walleye.

Boat speed is important when going after walleye. Anglers with a small boat can try hugging the coastline and following the contour while using a small floating Rapala or the junior thunderstick. Trolling through open water in a larger boat using a J-13 jointed Rapala or deep husky jerk between 15 and 35 feet is optimal for catching females during the day. After dark, the females move closer to shore.

The walleye is more elusive later in the year. This is when it moves to open water because dying weeds near shore produce a poisonous gas. Casting with free floating or thunderstick lures can be successful when fishing in deep pools or adjacent to rapids. Finding the best lure for catching walleyes requires the angler to consider boat speed, water depth, and time of year. Knowing the habits of this fish during the various seasons can greatly improve the chances of a successful fishing trip.




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