Do Walleyes Like Spinners

Do Walleyes Like Spinners? It’s a question that has long been on the minds of avid anglers. Some swear by them, while others claim they’re not worth the effort. But what’s the truth behind this highly debated topic?

For those who love fishing for walleye, using spinners can be a game-changer. But with so many lures and baits available, it can be hard to know which ones are truly effective. And when it comes to these elusive fish, every angler knows that success is never guaranteed.

So, do walleyes really like spinners? Are they worth investing in for your next fishing trip? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the science and research behind spinners and walleye fishing. Get ready to learn everything you need to know about these popular lures and how they can help you catch more fish than ever before!

What are Walleyes?

Walleyes are freshwater fish that belong to the perch family. They are a popular game fish, prized for their delicious taste and challenging nature when caught. They are found in North America, primarily in the Great Lakes region and Canada, but can also be found in some parts of Europe.

These fish have a distinct appearance, with large eyes that have reflective tissue at the back of their retina, which helps them see better in low light conditions. Their body is generally olive-green in color with gold or light-colored bellies. They have sharp teeth and spiny fins.

Walleyes prefer cool water temperatures and can be found in both deep and shallow waters, depending on the season. In the spring, they spawn in shallow waters before moving to deeper waters during the summer months.

The Life Cycle of Walleyes

Walleyes typically live for around 10-15 years, although some have been known to live longer. They reach maturity at around 3-4 years old and can grow up to 30 inches in length.

During spawning season, which typically occurs between March and May, female walleyes lay thousands of eggs on rocky or gravelly bottoms in shallow waters. The eggs hatch after about two weeks, and the fry feed on plankton until they are large enough to eat small aquatic insects and other small aquatic creatures.

As they grow larger, walleyes begin to eat larger prey such as minnows or smaller fish. They continue to grow until they reach maturity at around 3-4 years old.

Understanding Spinner Lures

Spinner lures are a type of fishing lure that consists of a metal blade or blades that spin around a wire shaft when retrieved through the water. The spinning blade creates vibration and flash underwater that attracts fish to strike at the lure.

Spinners come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with different blade shapes, colors, and patterns. They can be used to catch a wide range of fish species, including walleyes.

Types of Spinner Lures

There are several types of spinner lures that are commonly used for fishing:

1. Inline spinners – These spinners have the blade attached directly to the wire shaft and are often used for catching trout or panfish.
2. Spinnerbaits – These lures have one or more blades attached to a separate arm that is connected to a jig head and skirt. They are often used for catching bass or pike.
3. Buzzbaits – These lures have a large blade that creates a buzzing sound as it moves through the water. They are often used for fishing in weedy areas where other lures might get snagged.

The Anatomy of a Spinner Lure

Spinner lures consist of several key components:

1. Blade(s) – The spinning metal blade(s) create vibration and flash underwater that attracts fish.
2. Wire shaft – The main body of the lure that connects the blade(s) to the hook.
3. Hooks – The part of the lure that catches onto the fish’s mouth when it strikes at the lure.
4. Beads – Small plastic or metal beads that create additional noise and flash underwater.
5. Clevis – A small metal piece that connects the blade(s) to the wire shaft.

How Spinners Work as Fishing Lures

Spinners work by mimicking the movement and appearance of small baitfish or other prey species in the water. The spinning blade creates vibration and flash underwater that attracts nearby fish.

When retrieved through the water, spinners can be fished at various depths depending on their weight, size, and retrieve speed. Walleyes tend to prefer slower retrieves, so it is important to adjust the speed of the retrieve accordingly.

Choosing the Right Spinner for Walleyes

When choosing a spinner for walleye fishing, there are several factors to consider:

1. Blade size and shape – Smaller blades tend to work better for walleyes, as they create less noise and flash underwater. Colorado or Indiana blades are popular choices.
2. Color – Gold or silver blades with contrasting colors on the body and tail can be effective.
3. Weight – The weight of the spinner should be adjusted based on the depth of water being fished and current conditions.

Fish Attracted to Spinners: What You Need to Know

Spinners can be used to catch a wide range of fish species, including walleyes, bass, pike, trout, and panfish.

Different fish species may prefer different blade shapes or colors, so it is important to experiment with different types of spinners when fishing in different bodies of water.

It is also important to adjust the retrieve speed based on the preferences of the fish being targeted. Some fish species may prefer faster retrieves while others may prefer slower ones.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Spinners

There are several advantages and disadvantages to using spinners for fishing:

Advantages:
– Can be used to catch a wide range of fish species
– Relatively easy to use for beginners
– Can be fished at various depths

Disadvantages:
– Can become snagged in weeds or other underwater structures
– May not work as well in murky or cloudy water conditions
– Blade size and shape may need to be adjusted based on the preferences of different fish species

Preferred Colors and Sizes of Spinners for Walleyes

When it comes to choosing the right spinner for walleye fishing, the size and color of the spinner can be important factors to consider.

Spinner Size

Smaller spinners tend to work better for walleyes, as they create less noise and flash underwater. Spinners in sizes 1-3 are popular choices for walleye fishing.

Spinner Color

The color of the spinner can also be important when targeting walleyes. Gold or silver blades with contrasting colors on the body and tail can be effective. Some popular color combinations include:

– Gold blade with a yellow or chartreuse body
– Silver blade with a blue or black body
– Gold or silver blade with a white or pearl-colored body

It is important to experiment with different colors and sizes of spinners when fishing for walleyes in different bodies of water.

Effective Lures for Catching Walleyes: Beyond Spinners

While spinners can be an effective lure for catching walleyes, there are other types of lures that can also be effective:

1. Jigs – Jigs are versatile lures that can be fished at various depths and come in a wide range of sizes and colors.
2. Crankbaits – Crankbaits mimic the movement of small fish and can be fished at various depths by adjusting the retrieve speed.
3. Soft plastics – Soft plastic baits come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can mimic the appearance of worms, grubs, or other small aquatic creatures.

Experimenting with different types of lures can help increase your chances of catching walleyes.

The Best Time of Day to Use Spinners When Fishing for Walleyes

Walleyes tend to be more active during low-light conditions such as early morning or late evening. This is because their eyes have adapted to see better in low light conditions, making it easier for them to find prey.

Using spinners during these low-light conditions can be effective for catching walleyes. It is also important to adjust the retrieve speed based on the preferences of the fish being targeted.

Other Factors to Consider

In addition to the time of day, other factors that can affect walleye activity include water temperature, weather conditions, and the presence of underwater structures such as weeds or rocks.

It is important to pay attention to these factors when choosing where and when to fish for walleyes.

Signs That a Walleye is Interested in Your Spinner Lure

When fishing with spinners for walleyes, there are several signs that a fish may be interested in your lure:

1. The line suddenly goes slack – This can indicate that a fish has taken the bait and is swimming towards you.
2. The line starts moving sideways – This can indicate that a fish has taken the bait and is swimming away from you.
3. You feel a slight tug on the line – This can indicate that a fish has taken the bait but hasn’t fully committed yet.
4. You see a flash or movement near your lure – This can indicate that a fish is following your lure and may be getting ready to strike.

It is important to keep an eye out for these signs when fishing with spinners for walleyes. When you feel or see any of these signs, it’s important to set the hook quickly before the fish has a chance to spit out the lure.

In conclusion, spinners can be an effective bait choice for catching walleyes. However, like any fishing technique, success also depends on factors such as water conditions and location.

Frequently Asked Questions about Do Walleyes Like Spinners

Will walleye eat spinners?
Spinnerbaits can be just as effective as crankbaits and jigs when trying to catch walleyes, depending on the circumstances.

How fast do you pull spinners for walleye?
Using spinners for structure fishing requires a presentation that is sensitive to speed. Experienced anglers targeting walleye will troll the rig at a speed that is just fast enough to make the blade rotate on the harness. An ideal trolling speed for this method is between 1.2 and 1.5 MPH when using Hammer Time Walleye Spinners.

What lures attract walleye?
Some of the most well-known fishing lures throughout history include Crankbait, Grubs, Paddle Tails, and Ring Worms. Grubs on a jig, known as the best lure for catching walleye, are especially popular as an alternative to live bait. If you prefer a faster fishing experience without needing to keep live bait, grubs on a jig are a great option.

What color spinner is best for walleye?
According to Gray and his team, when fishing in murky water, gold-colored spinners were the most effective, while in water with green algae, black was the preferred color for catching walleye. The gold-colored spinner was found to be the most successful overall when water conditions were not a factor. Gray suggests that walleye in other inland waters are likely to have similar color preferences.

Are walleye top or bottom feeders?
Although walleyes typically feed at the bottom of lakes, don’t disregard the ones that swim near drop-offs in deeper water. Some of the most successful summer walleye fishing can be found with the suspended fish. The best method to catch these fish is by trolling.

What catches the most walleye?
The most commonly used bait for catching Walleye fish is minnows. Personally, I have had good results using Shiner and Flathead Minnows. This is a popular and effective method among anglers.