What Is the Best Bait to Catch Walleye

Are you tired of coming home from a day out on the water with an empty cooler? Does it seem like no matter what you try, those elusive walleye just won’t bite? Well, my fellow angler, fear not because you have come to the right place. Today we are going to dive into the world of walleye fishing and answer one burning question: What is the best bait to catch walleye?

As any experienced angler can tell you, catching walleye can be a frustrating and challenging task. These fish are notorious for being picky eaters and require just the right type of bait to entice them. But fear not, as we explore the options available on the market today, we will highlight which ones will bring success and which ones will leave you empty-handed.

So put down that old standby lure and get ready to learn about some new options that may just be what you need to reel in that trophy catch!

What Bait is Best for Catching Walleye?

When it comes to catching walleye, there are a variety of baits that can be effective. The best bait for catching walleye largely depends on the time of year and water conditions.

One popular bait option for catching walleye is live minnows. Fathead minnows and shiners are both great options as they are readily available and resemble natural food sources for walleye. When using live minnows, it’s important to hook them through the lips or back to keep them alive and active in the water.

Another effective bait option is nightcrawlers. Nightcrawlers are widely available at most fishing stores and can be used with a variety of rigging techniques, such as a slip-bobber rig or a Lindy rig.

Jigs are also commonly used when fishing for walleye. A jig tipped with a minnow or crawler can be very effective, especially when fished near drop-offs or structure in deeper water.

Additional Tips:

• Choose bait that matches the color and size of natural prey in the water.
• Experiment with different types of baits until you find what works best in your specific location.

The Effect of Time of Day on Walleye Bait Selection

The time of day can greatly impact which baits are most effective when fishing for walleye. Typically, early morning and late evening tend to be the best times to fish for walleye, but this can vary depending on weather conditions and other factors.

During early morning hours, topwater lures such as poppers or stick baits can be effective since they mimic injured baitfish near the surface. As the sun rises higher in the sky, switching to deeper running lures or jigs tipped with live bait may be more effective.

In the late evening, walleye tend to move closer to shore and become more active. This is a good time to try using live bait such as nightcrawlers, minnows, or leeches.

Additional Tips:

• Pay attention to weather patterns and adjust your bait selection accordingly.
• Use a variety of bait options during different times of day to increase your chances of catching walleye.

Natural Baits to Use When Fishing for Walleye

When it comes to natural baits for catching walleye, live bait options are often the most effective. These include minnows, nightcrawlers, leeches, and other small creatures that are native to the waters where you’re fishing.

Fathead minnows are a popular choice for walleye fishermen since they closely resemble many types of baitfish that walleye feed on. When using live minnows, it’s important to hook them in a way that keeps them alive and active in the water. This means hooking them through the lips or back instead of through their eyes or body.

Nightcrawlers are another commonly used natural bait when fishing for walleye. They can be fished on a variety of rigs including slip-bobber rigs or split-shot rigs.

Additional Tips:

• Select natural baits that match the size and color of prey in the water where you’re fishing.
• Keep live bait cool and out of direct sunlight until ready to use.

Artificial Baits That Work Well for Catching Walleye

Artificial baits can also be very effective when fishing for walleye. Some popular options include jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics.

Jigs are a versatile bait option that can be fished in a variety of ways. They can be tipped with live bait or fished alone to mimic natural prey in the water. When fishing with jigs, it’s important to adjust your retrieve speed and depth until you find what works best.

Crankbaits are another effective artificial bait for catching walleye. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be used to target fish at different depths. When selecting crankbaits, choose those that match the color and size of natural prey in the water where you’re fishing.

Soft plastics such as grubs or worms can also be effective when targeting walleye. These baits can be rigged weedless or on a jighead and fished slowly along the bottom or near structure.

Additional Tips:

• Experiment with different types of artificial baits until you find what works best in your specific location.
• Vary your retrieve speed and depth to increase your chances of catching walleye.

Does Bait Color Matter When Fishing for Walleye?

Bait color can make a difference when it comes to catching walleye. In general, choosing bait colors that closely resemble natural prey in the water will increase your chances of success.

When fishing in clear water conditions, choosing natural colors such as silver or gold may work best. On the other hand, when fishing in murky water conditions brighter colors such as chartreuse or orange may be more effective since they create contrast against the dark water.

It’s also important to consider how light penetrates into the water at different depths. At deeper depths, blue tones become less visible while red tones remain visible longer. Choosing baits with red or orange hues may be more effective when fishing at deeper depths.

Additional Tips:

• Pay attention to water clarity and adjust your bait color selection accordingly.
• Experiment with different bait colors until you find what works best in your specific location.

Techniques for Using Bait to Catch Walleye

The way you use your bait can greatly impact your success when fishing for walleye. Here are a few techniques to try:

– Jigging: This involves moving the bait up and down in the water column to mimic the movement of natural prey. Vary the speed and depth of your jigging until you find what works best.

– Drifting: This technique involves allowing your bait to drift along with the current or wind. Use a slip-bobber rig or Lindy rig to keep your bait at the appropriate depth.

– Trolling: Trolling involves moving your boat while dragging a lure or live bait behind it. Adjust trolling speed and depth until you find what works best.

– Casting and retrieving: This technique involves casting out your bait and slowly retrieving it back in. Vary retrieve speed and depth until you find what works best.

Additional Tips:

• Pay attention to how active walleye are in the water and adjust your technique accordingly.
• Try using different techniques until you find what works best in your specific location.

Live vs. Artificial Bait: Which is Better for Catching Walleye in Different Water Conditions?

Deciding between live or artificial baits largely depends on water conditions and personal preference. In general, live baits tend to work better in clear water conditions where fish can easily see them, while artificial baits may be more effective in murky water conditions where visibility is limited.

Live bait options such as minnows or nightcrawlers can be effective when fishing in clear water since they closely resemble natural prey. On the other hand, using brightly colored artificial baits such as crankbaits or spinnerbaits may be more effective in murky water conditions where they create contrast against the dark water.

Personal preference also plays a role in bait selection. Some fishermen prefer using live bait since it is more natural and can be easily obtained, while others prefer artificial baits since they come in a variety of colors and styles and can be used repeatedly.

Additional Tips:

• Experiment with different types of bait until you find what works best for your specific location.
• Pay attention to water clarity and adjust your bait selection accordingly.

Seasonal Changes and the Best Bait for Catching Walleye

The best bait for catching walleye can vary depending on the time of year. Here are a few tips on which baits to use during each season:

– Spring: During early spring, fish tend to be more sluggish and may not want to chase after fast-moving lures. Using live bait such as minnows or leeches can be effective during this time. As the weather warms up, switching to faster moving lures or jigs tipped with soft plastics may work better.

– Summer: During summer months, walleye tend to move into deeper waters due to warmer surface temperatures. Jigs tipped with live bait or soft plastics can be effective when fished near drop-offs or structure in deeper water.

– Fall: In the fall, walleye become more active and aggressive as they prepare for winter months. Crankbaits or spinnerbaits in bright colors may work well during this time.

– Winter: During winter months, ice fishing is a popular way to catch walleye. Live bait such as minnows or waxworms can be effective when fished near the bottom of the water column.

Additional Tips:

• Pay attention to seasonal changes and adjust your bait selection accordingly.
• Experiment with different types of bait until you find what works best for your specific location during each season.

In conclusion, the best bait to catch walleye ultimately depends on the specific fishing conditions and preferences of the angler. Experimenting with different types of live bait and lures can help increase your chances of a successful catch.

Frequently Asked Questions about What Is the Best Bait to Catch Walleye

What is the most popular walleye bait?
Minnows are a popular choice of bait for those fishing for walleye, and both shiner and flathead minnows have proven to be successful options. When targeting larger fish, shiners that measure between 4-6 inches are the best choice as they can help weed out smaller fish and increase the chances of catching walleye that are over 25 inches long.

What is the best time to catch walleye?
The optimal times for catching walleye are typically during the early morning and late evening hours. This is when they are most likely to be feeding, and will often venture into shallow water to prey on schools of small fish and other small creatures.

What catches the most walleye?
When it comes to catching Walleye, many anglers prefer using minnows as bait. In my experience, both Shiner and Flathead Minnows have been reliable options for achieving success. This is a common and well-established tactic within the fishing community.

What is the best depth to catch walleye?
Walleyes tend to dwell between depths of 35-55 feet when the waters are calm, usually surrounding the points or humps where the transition from hard to soft bottoms occurs. If they are located at deeper depths, rigging and jigging techniques are typically used to catch them.

What is the easiest way to catch walleye?
Trolling is often the most effective way to find walleye, as it allows for covering a large area quickly. By using crankbaits, worm harnesses, or bottom-bouncer rigs while trolling along a drop-off, one can locate these fish easily.

What time of day are walleye most active?
Walleye fish are typically more active and feed more during low light periods, specifically just before and after sunset. Anglers often target walleye during these times. These fish are usually found close to the bottom, typically within a foot or two of it.