How Fast Do You Want to Troll for Walleye

Are you tired of catching the same small walleye every time you go fishing? Do you want to up your game and catch bigger fish? Well, trolling for walleye may just be the answer to your prayers. But how fast should you troll?

The speed at which you troll can make or break your chances of catching a big walleye. Troll too slow and you’ll be wasting your time, but go too fast and the fish won’t even bother chasing after your bait. It’s a delicate balance that requires some knowledge and experimentation.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of trolling for walleye and explore the different factors that determine how fast you should go. From water temperature to lure type, we’ll cover it all so that you can become a master angler in no time. So buckle up, grab your fishing gear, and let’s get started on this exciting journey!

Effective Trolling Speed for Catching Walleye

Trolling is a popular technique used by anglers to catch walleyes. The speed at which you troll your bait plays a crucial role in determining the success of your fishing trip. The ideal trolling speed for catching walleye varies depending on several factors.

When trolling for walleye, the recommended speed is between 1.5 to 2.5 miles per hour (mph). This range is ideal because it enables your bait or lure to move at a pace that mimics the natural motion of prey in the water, attracting walleyes to take a bite.

The Impact of Bait and Lure Type on Trolling Speed for Walleye

The type of bait or lure you use will affect how fast you should troll. Crankbaits and spinner rigs require faster speeds than live bait or jigs. For example, if you’re using crankbaits, you’ll need to troll at around 2.5 mph to achieve the desired action and trigger bites from active fish.

The Effect of Water Temperature on Trolling Speed for Walleye

The water temperature also affects the ideal trolling speed when fishing for walleye. In colder water temperatures, it’s best to slow down your troll since walleye are less active and may require more time to locate your bait. When the water warms up, increasing your trolling speed to around 2 mph can help attract more aggressive fish.

Adjusting Trolling Speed While Fishing for Walleye: Is it Possible?

It’s possible to adjust your trolling speed while fishing for walleye based on feedback from bites or lack thereof. Pay attention to any changes in weather conditions or signs of activity from walleyes such as jumps near the surface or schools seen on sonar. If you notice a change in activity, adjust your trolling speed accordingly.

When to Increase Trolling Speed for Active Walleye

Walleyes are known to be more active during the early morning and late evening hours. During these times, increasing your trolling speed can help attract more aggressive fish and trigger bites. Anglers may also want to increase their trolling speed when fishing in areas with strong currents or choppy water to keep their bait moving naturally.

Lures and Bait that Require Faster Trolling Speed for Walleye

As mentioned earlier, different types of lures and bait require varying speeds when trolling for walleye. Here are some examples:

• Crankbaits: These lures require faster speeds between 2-3 mph to create the desired action.
• Spinner Rigs: These lures require a moderate speed between 1.5-2 mph to produce the necessary vibration.
• Jigs: Slow troll speeds of around 1 mph work best when using jigs.

Impact of Wind Direction and Current on Ideal Trolling Speed for Walleye

Wind direction and current can affect the ideal trolling speed for catching walleye. When fishing in areas with a strong current or wind, it’s essential to adjust your trolling speed to ensure your bait remains at an optimal depth range where walleyes are most likely feeding.

The Effect of Wind Direction on Trolling Speed for Walleye

When the wind is blowing against the direction you’re trolling, it’s best to slow down your troll since this will cause your bait or lure to move slower relative to the water around it. Conversely, if you’re trolling with the wind behind you, speeding up your troll can help maintain a natural movement of your bait.

The Effect of Current on Trolling Speed for Walleye

When trolling in areas with strong currents, it’s essential to adjust your speed to keep your bait at the desired depth range. If you’re trolling upstream against the current, it’s best to slow down your troll since the current will naturally push your bait downstream. When trolling downstream with the current, increasing your speed can help maintain a natural movement of your bait.

Mistakes Anglers Make When Trying to Troll Too Fast for Walleye

Trolling too fast when fishing for walleye is a common mistake that many anglers make. Here are some consequences of trolling too fast:

• Your bait or lure won’t move naturally in the water, reducing its effectiveness in attracting fish.
• Trolling too fast can cause drag, making it difficult to detect bites from fish.
• Fishing at high speeds can cause damage to your lures or hooks if they hit rocks or other underwater structures.

The Minimum Recommended Trolling Speed for Catching Walleye

The minimum recommended trolling speed for catching walleye is around 1 mph. This speed allows enough motion in the water to attract fish and cover a reasonable amount of ground. However, slower trolls may be necessary when fishing in colder water temperatures or targeting inactive fish. The key is to experiment with different speeds until you find what works best in different conditions and situations.

Mistakes Anglers Make When Trying to Troll Too Fast for Walleye

Not Understanding the Behavior of Walleye

One common mistake that anglers make when trolling too fast for walleye is not understanding the behavior of these fish. Walleye are known to be slow swimmers and prefer to stay in deeper waters, particularly during the daytime. If you troll too fast, you’ll scare away the fish, making it difficult for you to catch any.

What You Can Do:

• Study the behavior of walleye before heading out to fish.
• Use a fish finder to locate schools of walleye.
• Adjust your trolling speed based on water temperature and light conditions.

Using Too Heavy Lures or Lines

Another mistake that anglers make is using lures or lines that are too heavy. This can make it challenging to maintain a consistent trolling speed, especially in shallow waters where walleye tend to feed.

What You Can Do:

• Select lures and lines that match the size of the walleye you’re targeting.
• If you’re fishing in shallow waters, use lighter lines and lures.
• Consider using a downrigger or planer board to help keep your lure at the right depth without adding extra weight.

The Minimum Recommended Trolling Speed for Catching Walleye

When it comes to trolling speed for catching walleye, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The ideal trolling speed will depend on several factors, including water temperature, light conditions, and lure selection.

However, as a general rule, a trolling speed between 0.8 to 1.8 mph is recommended for catching walleye.

Factors That Affect Trolling Speed

Water Temperature:

The water temperature can have a significant impact on the trolling speed required to catch walleye. In colder waters, you’ll want to troll at a slower speed, while in warmer waters, you can increase your trolling speed.

Light Conditions:

The amount of light in the water can also affect your trolling speed. In low-light conditions such as early morning or late evening, you’ll want to troll at a slower speed than during bright daylight hours.

Lure Selection:

Different lures will perform best at different speeds. Some lures work best when trolled slowly, while others require a faster trolling speed to produce the desired action.

Overall, the key is to experiment with different speeds and lure selections until you find what works best for the conditions you’re fishing in. Remember to pay attention to factors such as water temperature and light conditions and adjust your trolling speed accordingly.

In conclusion, the speed at which you troll for walleye depends on various factors such as water temperature, light conditions, and bait type. It is important to experiment with different speeds to determine what works best in a particular situation.

Frequently Asked Questions about How Fast Do You Want to Troll for Walleye

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 and chartreuse in stained water. Another option for a shad-style crankbait is the Northland Rumble Shad, which is a newer option frequently used by anglers like Nelson.

Are walleye shallow or deep in the fall?
The strategy for catching walleyes is straightforward: they move to shallow water when food is plentiful and conditions are favorable. When fishing for walleyes in the fall, anglers should take into account the timing of the turnover.

What depth do walleye like in fall?
During fall, walleyes can be found at depths of 40 feet or more during the day on large lakes. Alternatively, they can be found at the edge, between 15-25 feet depending on the lake. They tend to stick close to any type of structure, which they also use during early and late parts of the day.

What is the best depth to catch walleye?
Walleye are typically caught at depths ranging from 10-40 feet. In a medium-sized lake in the Midwest, they can usually be found at depths of 10-15 feet in the spring, transitioning to 15-25 feet in the summer, and eventually reaching depths of 25-40 feet.

What is the most popular walleye bait?
When fishing for walleye, minnows are the most commonly used bait. For successful catches of larger walleye, shiner and flathead minnows in the 4-6 inch range are preferred, as they can weed out smaller fish and increase the likelihood of catching 25 inch or larger walleye.

What colors are best for walleye?
The study confirmed some beliefs held by fishermen, such as walleye being attracted to white lures in clear water, while yellow or gold lures are more effective in cloudy water. In green waters with algae, black lures are the most visible to walleye. The study was conducted on this topic on July 6, 2022.