What Size Lure to Use for Walleye

Ah, the elusive walleye. A prized catch for any angler, but a tricky one to reel in. You’ve got your fishing rod, your bait, and your boat – but what size lure should you be using to land this finicky fish?

Choosing the right size lure can make all the difference when it comes to catching walleye. Use a lure that is too big and you’ll scare them away, use one that is too small and they won’t even notice it. As an experienced angler, you know that getting the attention of walleye requires finesse and understanding their behavior. But with so many lure sizes on the market, how do you know which one to choose?

In this article, we’ll dive deep into what size lure to use for walleye and why it matters. We’ll explore the pain points of missing out on a trophy-sized catch or wasting time using the wrong gear. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, our expert advice will help you land more walleye and make your next fishing trip a success. So let’s get started!

What is the typical size of a walleye lure?

The size of a walleye lure can vary depending on the angler’s preference and the type of fishing they are doing. However, there are some common sizes that many anglers use when targeting walleye. Typically, walleye lures range in size from 1/16 to 1 ounce.

One popular size for walleye lures is around 1/4 to 3/8 ounce. This size is often used when fishing in deeper water or when trolling at moderate speeds. Another common size is around 1/8 to 1/4 ounce, which is often used for casting or jigging in shallow water.

It’s important to note that while these sizes are common, they may not work for every situation or every angler’s preferences. It’s always a good idea to experiment with different sizes and styles of lures to see what works best in your specific fishing conditions.

How does the size of a lure affect the success of catching walleye?

The size of your lure can play a big role in how successful you are at catching walleye. Generally speaking, larger lures tend to be more effective at catching bigger fish, while smaller lures are better suited for smaller fish.

When selecting the right size lure for your fishing trip, consider factors like water depth, clarity, and temperature. For example, if you’re fishing in deep water with low visibility, a larger and more visible lure may be more effective at attracting fish.

Another factor to consider is the speed at which you’re retrieving your lure. A heavier lure will sink faster and require less effort to retrieve quickly than a lighter one. If you’re trying to cover a lot of ground quickly or if you’re dealing with strong currents or winds, a heavier lure may be your best option.

Overall, the size of your lure should be selected based on the specific fishing conditions you’re facing. Experiment with different sizes and styles to see what works best for you.

Are there specific sizes of lures that work best for certain times of year or water conditions when fishing for walleye?

Yes, there are certain sizes and types of lures that tend to work better in different water conditions and during different times of year. For example, in colder water temperatures, walleye tend to be less active and may be more likely to strike a smaller lure presented at a slower speed.

During the spring and fall months, when water temperatures are cooler, many anglers prefer to use a jigging spoon or other heavy jig as their primary lure. These lures can be fished vertically or cast and retrieved slowly along the bottom.

In warmer water temperatures, walleye tend to be more aggressive and may be more likely to strike a faster-moving or larger lure. Topwater lures like poppers or stickbaits can be effective during these times.

Ultimately, the best size and type of lure will depend on the specific water conditions you’re facing. Be willing to experiment with different sizes and styles until you find what works best.

How do you determine the appropriate size of lure to use when targeting walleye in different bodies of water?

When selecting the right size lure for walleye fishing in different bodies of water, there are several factors you should consider. First, think about the depth at which you’ll be fishing. In deeper waters, heavier lures will typically work better as they will sink faster and stay near the bottom where walleye often feed.

Next, consider the clarity of the water. In clear waters, smaller lures may be more effective as they look more natural and won’t spook fish as easily. In murkier waters, larger and more visible lures may be more effective at attracting fish.

Finally, think about the time of year and the temperature of the water. In colder water temperatures, smaller and slower-moving lures may be more effective at enticing fish to strike. In warmer water temperatures, larger and faster-moving lures may work better.

Overall, the key to selecting the right size lure is to experiment with different sizes and styles until you find what works best for your specific fishing conditions.

Is it better to use a larger or smaller lure when fishing for bigger walleye?

When targeting bigger walleye specifically, it’s generally better to use a larger lure that will attract their attention. Big walleye tend to feed on larger prey items than their smaller counterparts, so a bigger lure can make them think they’re getting a substantial meal.

That being said, it’s important to keep in mind that bigger lures may not always be effective in all situations. For example, if you’re fishing in clear water with low visibility, a smaller and more natural-looking lure might be more effective at enticing big walleye to strike.

Ultimately, the best approach is to experiment with different sizes and styles of lures until you find what works best for your specific situation.

What are some common mistakes anglers make when selecting the size of their walleye lures?

One common mistake anglers make when selecting the size of their walleye lures is assuming that bigger is always better. While larger lures can be effective for catching big fish, they may not always be appropriate for the specific fishing conditions you’re facing.

Another mistake is failing to match your lure size with the depth at which you’ll be fishing. If you’re fishing in deeper waters, heavier lures will typically work better as they will sink faster and stay near the bottom where walleye often feed.

Additionally, some anglers may not consider the clarity of the water when selecting their lures. In clear waters, smaller and more natural-looking lures may be more effective at enticing fish to strike. In murkier waters, larger and more visible lures may work better.

Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that different sizes and styles of lures will work better depending on the time of year and water temperature. Experiment with different sizes and styles until you find what works best for your specific fishing conditions.

Can changing the size of your lure throughout the day improve your chances of catching more walleye?

Yes, changing the size of your lure throughout the day can be an effective way to increase your chances of catching more walleye. This is because fish activity levels can change based on factors like time of day, weather conditions, and water temperature.

If you’re not having luck with a certain size or style of lure, try switching things up by going bigger or smaller. For example, if you’ve been using a small jig with no success in the morning hours, try switching to a larger crankbait later in the day when fish activity levels are higher.

It’s also worth noting that changing your retrieval speed or presentation style can be just as effective as changing lure size. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works best for your specific fishing conditions.

What other factors should be considered when choosing the right size lure for walleye, such as color and shape?

In addition to size, there are several other factors that should be considered when selecting the right lure for walleye fishing. Color is one important factor – in clear water conditions, natural colors like greens and browns can be effective at attracting fish while in murky waters brighter colors like chartreuse or orange may work better.

Shape is another factor to consider. Some anglers prefer to use lures with a more natural shape, like minnow-shaped crankbaits or jigs that mimic the movement of baitfish. Other anglers may prefer lures with a more unique shape, like spinnerbaits or blade baits.

Ultimately, the best approach is to experiment with different sizes, colors, and shapes until you find what works best for your specific fishing conditions. Don’t be afraid to try new things and switch things up if you’re not having success.

Choosing the right size lure is crucial for successful walleye fishing, and it depends on various factors such as water temperature, time of day, and fishing technique. It is recommended to experiment with different sizes and styles of lures to figure out what works best in a particular situation.

Frequently Asked Questions about What Size Lure to Use for Walleye

What size lures for walleye?
To have a complete set of crankbaits for catching walleye, it is important to have lures that range in size from 2 to 5.5 inches, with both shad and minnow profiles and different depths for running. Using shallow diving crankbaits is particularly helpful when fishing for walleye in the spring, or when night fishing from a boat or the shoreline.

What is the best lure for trolling for walleye?
The Rapala Shad Rap is a highly popular fishing lure that can be used for trolling or casting. When fishing for walleye, it is recommended to use natural colors in clear water or chartreuse in murky water. Another popular shad-style crankbait that people often use is the Northland Rumble Shad.

What are the best lures for walleye from shore?
The best lures for fishing vary depending on the day and season, but some reliable options include the Rapala J-11, Husky 13, and BX Minnow, as well as the Storm Thunderstick and Thunderstick Jr., Smithwick Suspending Rouge and Limited Rogue, Yo-Zuri Edge Minnow, and LiveTarget Smelt. Each of these lures has a distinct movement and speed when paused.

What color lure do walleye like best?
According to a study, when the water is clear, walleye fish will go for white lures or any color. However, in murky water caused by sediment, they prefer yellow or gold, and in green water with algae, they have better vision for black-colored lures. This information can be helpful for fishing enthusiasts.

What color lures attract walleye?
When fishing in murky water, using a gold-colored spinner was the most effective for catching walleye. However, in water that’s green with algae, black was the preferred color. When there were no specific water conditions, a gold spinner was the most successful in catching fish according to Gray and his team. Gray suggests that walleye in inland waters will likely have similar color preferences.

What is the best setup for walleye?
For the best fishing experience, it is recommended to use a 6-foot spinning rod with medium light power and fast action along with a medium-sized 30 reel. This setup enables the angler to detect subtle bites, as walleye have a tendency to gulp down the bait and can be easily overlooked.