What Bait to Use for Walleye Fishing

Are you an avid fisherman looking to catch some walleye? If so, then choosing the right bait can make all the difference. Walleye fishing can be tricky and selecting the perfect lure will increase your chances of a successful catch.
But with so many different types of bait available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Do you choose live bait or artificial lures? Which colors and sizes should you use?
Don’t worry, in this article we’ll dive into the best baits for catching walleye, taking into account factors such as season, water temperature and depth. So grab your rods and let’s get started on reeling in those big walleye!

Natural Food Sources for Walleye in Their Habitat

Walleye are predatory fish that feed on a variety of natural food sources in their habitat. Some of the common food sources for walleye include:

– Minnows: Walleye love to prey on smaller minnows, especially emerald shiners and fathead minnows. These fish are usually found in shallow water near vegetation and rocks. Anglers can use live or artificial minnow baits to mimic these natural food sources.
– Crawfish: Another favorite food source for walleye is crawfish. These crustaceans are usually found near rocks and other structures in deeper water. Using a jig tipped with a plastic crawfish or a live one can be effective when targeting walleye.
– Leeches: Walleye also feed on leeches, which can be found near weed beds and rocky areas. Leeches can be used as live bait, or anglers can use artificial lures that resemble them.
– Insects: During the summer months, walleye may feed on insects such as mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies. Anglers can use dry flies or nymphs to mimic these insects.

It’s important to note that the availability of natural food sources varies depending on the season and location of the body of water being fished. Anglers should research the specific area they plan to fish to determine which natural food sources are most abundant.

Time of Day and Bait Selection for Walleye Fishing

The time of day can have a significant impact on the success of walleye fishing. Typically, walleye are more active during low-light periods such as dawn, dusk, and throughout the night. This is because their eyes have special adaptations that allow them to see better in low light conditions.

When selecting bait for walleye fishing, it’s important to consider the time of day. During low-light periods, anglers should use brightly colored jigs or lures that are highly visible in the water. Some effective options include:

– Glow-in-the-dark jigs
– Fluorescent-colored crankbaits
– Spinnerbaits with contrasting colors

During daylight hours, walleye may be more selective when it comes to bait selection. In these situations, natural-looking baits such as live minnows or leeches may be more effective.

Best Bait for Walleye During Spring Spawning Season

Spring spawning season is a crucial time for walleye fishing, as these fish become more active and aggressive. During this time, walleye tend to congregate in shallow areas near rocky structures and weed beds.

One of the best baits for walleye during spring spawning season is a jig tipped with a plastic worm or twister tail. These baits can be bounced along the bottom near rocky areas where walleye are likely to be feeding.

Another effective bait option during spring spawning season is a live nightcrawler. Nightcrawlers can be fished using a slip sinker rig or Carolina rig and cast near weed beds or other underwater structures.

It’s important to note that during spring spawning season, many states have regulations in place to protect walleye populations. Anglers should check local regulations before targeting these fish.

Impact of Water Temperature on Bait Effectiveness for Walleye Fishing

Water temperature can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of bait when targeting walleye. As water temperatures rise, walleye become more active and aggressive, making them more likely to bite.

In cooler water temperatures (below 50°F), slow-moving baits such as jigs tipped with live bait or soft plastics may be more effective. These baits can be presented at a slow, steady pace along the bottom.

As water temperatures rise above 50°F, faster-moving baits such as crankbaits and spinnerbaits may be more effective. These baits can be retrieved quickly to trigger a reaction strike from walleye.

It’s important to note that water temperature can vary depending on the season and location of the body of water being fished. Anglers should research the specific area they plan to fish to determine the best bait options based on water temperature.

Recommended Artificial Lures for Catching Walleye in Clear vs Murky Water

The clarity of the water can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of artificial lures when targeting walleye. In clear water, walleye may be more wary of lures and prefer natural-looking options. In murky or stained water, brighter and more visible lures may be more effective.

In clear water, some recommended artificial lure options for walleye include:

– Natural-colored jigs tipped with live bait
– Soft plastic worms or grubs in natural colors
– Crankbaits in natural colors

In murky or stained water, some recommended artificial lure options for walleye include:

– Brightly colored jigs or twister tails
– Spinnerbaits with contrasting colors
– Crankbaits in bright or fluorescent colors

It’s important to note that these are just general recommendations, and anglers should experiment with different lure types and colors to determine what works best in their specific fishing location.

Impact of Depth on Bait Selection for Walleye Fishing

The depth at which walleye are feeding can have a significant impact on bait selection when targeting these fish. Generally speaking, during low-light periods (such as dawn and dusk), walleye tend to feed in shallower water, while during daylight hours they may move deeper.

When fishing in shallow water (less than 20 feet), jigs tipped with live bait or soft plastics can be effective. These baits can be presented at a slow, steady pace along the bottom.

For deeper water (20-40 feet), vertical jigging with heavy jigs and live bait can be an effective technique. Anglers should focus on areas where walleye are likely to be feeding, such as near underwater structures or drop-offs.

In very deep water (more than 40 feet), trolling with crankbaits or spinnerbaits can be an effective way to target walleye. These baits can be trolled at varying depths until fish are located.

Live vs Artificial Baits: Which is More Effective for Trophy-Sized Walleye?

When it comes to targeting trophy-sized walleye, both live and artificial baits can be effective. However, there are some pros and cons to each option.

Live bait, such as large minnows or nightcrawlers, can be very effective when targeting trophy-sized walleye. These fish have become more wary of lures over time and may prefer the natural presentation of live bait. However, live bait can also be more difficult to keep alive and requires more maintenance than artificial baits.

Artificial lures, such as large crankbaits or spinnerbaits, can also be effective when targeting trophy-sized walleye. These baits allow anglers to cover more water quickly and can trigger reaction strikes from fish. However, these lures require skillful use and may not always produce consistent results.

Ultimately, the choice between live and artificial baits for targeting trophy-sized walleye will depend on the angler’s personal preference and fishing style.

Tips for Selecting and Presenting Bait to Catch More Walleye

When targeting walleye, there are some tips to keep in mind when selecting and presenting bait. These include:

– Use natural-looking baits: Walleye can be wary of unnatural-looking baits, so using live bait or artificial baits that mimic natural prey can be effective.
– Vary the presentation: Walleye may respond differently to different presentations of the same bait. Try varying the speed, depth, and retrieval technique to determine what works best.
– Pay attention to water temperature: As discussed earlier, water temperature can have a significant impact on bait effectiveness. Be sure to adjust your bait selection and presentation based on water temperature.
– Focus on structure: Walleye tend to congregate near underwater structures such as rocks, weed beds, and drop-offs. Targeting these areas with your bait can increase your chances of success.
– Experiment with different baits: Don’t be afraid to try different types of live and artificial baits until you find what works best for your specific fishing location.

In conclusion, choosing the right bait is crucial for successful walleye fishing. It is important to consider factors such as water temperature, time of day, and location when selecting the appropriate bait. Experimenting with different options can help increase your chances of a successful catch.

Frequently Asked Questions about What Bait to Use for Walleye Fishing

What is the best time to fish for walleye?
Typically, the optimal time to catch Walleye is in the early morning or late evening. When the sun is high during midday, Walleye will move deeper and seek shelter in shaded areas. However, during times of low light, such as dawn and dusk, Walleye will move into shallower waters to feed on small fish near the shore.

What color lure is best for walleye?
Research has confirmed the suspicions of anglers, with some findings indicating that white lures or almost any color work best when fishing for walleye in clear water. However, when the water is cloudy with sediment, yellow or gold lures are preferred, and when fishing in green algae-laden waters, black lures are most effective for attracting walleye. These findings were reported on July 6, 2022.

What do walleye eat the most?
Juvenile walleye consume zooplankton, which are tiny organisms that float in the water. As they mature, their diet mainly consists of other fish like yellow perch and freshwater drum. Additionally, walleye feed on aquatic insects, crayfish, snails, and mudpuppies, which are a type of salamander.

What is the most effective way to catch walleye?
During the fall season when walleye are spread out and returning to shallower waters, using small hard plastic baits that resemble small prey fish like perch is a popular technique for both casting and trolling. Trolling is particularly effective for covering large areas quickly.

Why are the walleye not biting?
The behavior of walleye fish is heavily influenced by weather conditions, and unfavorable weather can lead to less successful days of fishing. Walleye fish are particularly active during cloudy days due to their sensitivity to light.

What smell attracts walleye?
BaitCloud is a highly effective lure for catching walleye. It imitates live bait by emitting sound, vibrations, and a visible cloud as it releases its unique scent into the water.