What Is the Best Early Season Walleye Bait

Are you a fishing enthusiast eagerly waiting for the early season walleye fishing? As we all know, the key to a successful catch is choosing the right bait. With so many options available in the market, it can be quite overwhelming to pick the best one that guarantees results.

Every angler knows that using the wrong bait can ruin an entire day of fishing. The anticipation of catching a big fish quickly fades away when you don’t get any bites for hours. It’s frustrating and leaves you with a feeling of disappointment.

But worry not! We’re here to help you choose the best early season walleye bait that will guarantee a fruitful catch. After extensive research and analyzing expert opinions, we have shortlisted some of the most effective baits that will make your time on the water worth it. So, let’s dive in and find out what works best!

Top Baits for Early Season Walleye Fishing

Spring is the best time of year to catch walleye as they move from their deeper winter haunts towards shallower water. As the ice melts and water temperature begins to rise, walleye become more active and will start feeding aggressively. However, catching early season walleye requires some careful planning and strategy with bait selection being an essential aspect.

Here are some of the top baits for early season walleye fishing:

Jigs

Walleye jigs are a versatile lure that can be used in various situations and environments. They work well in shallow water, around structures, weed lines, and rocky areas. When selecting a jig, it is important to choose one that matches the size of the baitfish in the area you are fishing. A general rule of thumb is to use a 1/16-ounce jig for every 10 feet of water depth.

Crankbaits

Crankbaits are another popular choice when targeting early season walleye. These lures mimic small baitfish or other prey species that walleye feed on. Anglers can choose between floating or sinking crankbaits depending on the depth of the water they are fishing.

Live Bait

Live bait is always a reliable option when targeting early season walleye. Some popular choices include minnows, leeches, and nightcrawlers. When using live bait, it is crucial to rig them properly to ensure they look natural in the water.

Tips:

– Make sure your baits match the size of prey fish in your area.
– Experiment with different colors until you find what works best for your specific location.
– Use scent attractants on your lures to increase their effectiveness.

How Water Temperature Affects Bait Choice for Early Season Walleye Fishing

Water temperature plays a significant role in determining the best bait to use when targeting early season walleye. As the water begins to warm up, walleye will become more active and start feeding aggressively. However, their preferred prey species can vary depending on the temperature of the water.

Here is how water temperature affects bait choice for early season walleye fishing:

Water Temperature below 50°F

When the water temperature is below 50°F, walleye are still relatively lethargic and not as active. In this case, using live bait such as minnows or leeches works well. Slowly dragging a jig tipped with live bait along the bottom can be an effective technique.

Water Temperature between 50-60°F

As the water temperature starts to rise above 50°F, walleye begin to feed more actively. Crankbaits that mimic small baitfish work well at this time. Anglers should opt for baits that dive to depths between 5-10 feet.

Water Temperature above 60°F

When the water temperature exceeds 60°F, walleye become very active and will feed on a wide range of prey species. At this point, jigs tipped with soft plastics or live bait work well. Anglers can also try topwater lures such as poppers or stickbaits.

Tips:

– Use a fish finder to determine the exact depth where walleye are holding.
– Vary your retrieve speed until you find what works best.
– Pay attention to changes in water temperatures and adjust your bait selection accordingly.

Live Bait vs. Artificial Lures: Which is More Effective for Early Season Walleye?

One of the most debated topics amongst anglers is whether live bait or artificial lures are more effective when targeting early season walleye. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and conditions.

Here are some pros and cons of using live bait vs. artificial lures for early season walleye fishing:

Live Bait

Live bait such as minnows, leeches, and nightcrawlers are a tried and tested way to catch walleye. They look natural in the water and can be very effective at triggering strikes from even the most finicky fish.

Pros:
– Looks natural in the water
– Can trigger strikes from finicky fish
– Provides a scent trail that attracts fish

Cons:
– Requires constant maintenance (keeping them alive)
– Can be messy to use
– Limited lifespan

Artificial Lures

Artificial lures come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, making them versatile for various situations. They don’t require any maintenance, can be reused multiple times, and offer endless possibilities for experimentation.

Pros:
– Versatile in various situations
– Don’t require maintenance
– Endless possibilities for experimentation

Cons:
– May not look as natural as live bait
– Require proper technique to mimic prey species effectively
– No scent trail

Tips:

– Experiment with both live bait and artificial lures to see what works best in your specific location.
– Use scent attractants on your artificial lures to increase their effectiveness.
– Properly rig your live bait to ensure it looks natural in the water.

The Best Jigs for Targeting Early Season Walleye

Jigs are one of the most popular baits when it comes to targeting early season walleye. They are versatile, can be used in various situations and environments, and can be very effective when used correctly. However, selecting the right jig can be overwhelming with so many options available.

Here are some of the best jigs for targeting early season walleye:

Marabou Jigs

Marabou jigs are a popular choice amongst anglers when targeting early season walleye. They have a soft, fluffy feather that mimics the movement of prey species in the water. Marabou jigs work well in shallow water or around structures and weed lines.

Twister Tails

Twister tails are another popular option for early season walleye fishing. The curly tail produces an erratic swimming motion that can trigger strikes from even the most finicky fish. Twister tails work well in all depths of water and can be fished slow or fast depending on what is working best.

Live Bait Jigs

Live bait jigs are an excellent option when targeting early season walleye with live bait. These jigs have a hook designed to hold live bait securely and come in various sizes and colors to match your specific location’s prey species.

Tips:

– Match your jig’s size to the depth of water you are fishing.
– Experiment with different colors until you find what works best.
– Vary your retrieve speed until you find what triggers strikes.

Brightly Colored or Natural Colored Baits: What Works Best for Early Season Walleye?

Selecting the right color bait can make all the difference when it comes to catching early season walleye. Some anglers prefer brightly colored baits that stand out in murky water, while others opt for more natural-colored baits that mimic prey species more accurately.

Here is what works best for early season walleye:

Brightly Colored Baits

Brightly colored baits such as chartreuse, orange, and pink work well in murky water or low light conditions. They stand out in the water and can trigger strikes from even the most finicky fish.

Natural Colored Baits

Natural-colored baits such as brown, green, and black mimic prey species more accurately and work well in clear water or bright sunlight conditions. They look natural in the water and can be very effective at triggering strikes.

Tips:

– Pay attention to water visibility when selecting your bait’s color.
– Experiment with both brightly colored and natural-colored baits until you find what works best.
– Use scent attractants on your baits to increase their effectiveness.

The Importance of Size and Shape When Targeting Early Season Walleye

Selecting the right size and shape bait can make all the difference when it comes to catching early season walleye. Walleye are known to be picky eaters, so matching your bait’s size and shape to the prey species in your specific location is crucial.

Here is why size and shape are important when targeting early season walleye:

Size

Matching your bait’s size to the prey species in your specific location is crucial when targeting early season walleye. If the bait is too big or too small, it won’t look natural in the water, and fish will be less likely to strike.

Shape

The shape of your bait should also match that of prey species in your specific location. For example, if there are a lot of minnows around, using a jig that mimics their swimming motion will be more effective than one that doesn’t.

Tips:

– Pay attention to the size and shape of prey species in your specific location.
– Use a fish finder to determine the depth at which walleye are holding.
– Experiment with different sizes and shapes until you find what works best.

Specific Techniques for Using Different Types of Baits in Early Season Walleye Fishing

Using the right technique when fishing with different types of baits can make all the difference when it comes to catching early season walleye. Each bait requires a specific technique, and knowing how to use them properly will increase your chances of success.

Here are some techniques for using different types of baits in early season walleye fishing:

Jigs

When using jigs, it is crucial to keep them close to the bottom, where most walleye feed. Slowly dragging them along the bottom can be an effective technique. Varying your retrieve speed until you find what triggers strikes is also essential.

Crankbaits

Crankbaits should be retrieved slowly with pauses and twitches throughout. This imitates a wounded or dying baitfish, which can trigger strikes from even the most finicky fish.

Live Bait

When using live bait, it’s important to rig them properly to ensure they look natural in the water. Slowly retrieving them along the bottom or around structures can be an effective technique. Using a slip bobber can also help keep your bait at the desired depth.

Tips:

– Pay attention to how different retrieve speeds affect your bait’s movement.
– Use a fish finder to determine where walleye are holding.
– Try different techniques until you find what works best for your specific location.

Increasing Your Chances of Catching Early Season Walleye with Multiple Baits

Using multiple baits when targeting early season walleye can increase your chances of success. Each bait has its advantages and disadvantages, and switching between them until you find what works best is essential.

Here are some tips for increasing your chances of catching early season walleye with multiple baits:

Experiment with Different Baits

Try using different baits until you find what works best in your specific location. Start with one bait and switch to another if it’s not working. This will help you determine which bait is most effective at triggering strikes.

Use Multiple Bait Types

Using different types of baits such as jigs, crankbaits, and live bait can help cover various water depths and environments. Having multiple options available will increase your chances of finding what triggers strikes.

Pay Attention to Water Temperature

Water temperature plays a significant role in determining the best bait to use when targeting early season walleye. Pay attention to changes in water temperature and adjust your bait selection accordingly.

Tips:

– Keep an open mind and be willing to experiment with different baits.
– Use a fish finder to determine where walleye are holding.
– Pay attention to changes in weather conditions that may affect water temperature.

In conclusion, there is no single best early season walleye bait as different baits work well in different conditions and locations. It is important to experiment with various baits and techniques to determine what works best for the specific fishing situation.

Frequently Asked Questions about What Is the Best Early Season Walleye Bait

What do you use for early spring walleye?
For successful jigging, the lure should be just above the bottom and moving smoothly. A popular traditional jig setup is the Fire-Ball Jig paired with a minnow, half crawler, or leech. While this combination has caught many walleyes, the bait may get damaged during long casts.

What is the most effective bait for walleye?
Minnows are one of the live baits that can be used for successful walleye fishing by still fishing, drifting, or trolling the bait. To attract walleye in clear water, a bottom-bouncing rig or slip sinker is a good option. Along with nightcrawlers and leeches, minnows are among the best live baits for walleye fishing.

How do you catch walleye in early spring?
Anglers commonly use a jig and minnow presentation to catch spring walleyes, which is a successful method but it’s important not to rely solely on it. Experimenting with different artificial baits can lead to great success while fishing during this season.

What temperature do walleye start biting in spring?
What is the ideal temperature range for catching early season walleye? The period from ice out to the low 40’s F is considered optimal for targeting walleye, as they are aggressive during their pre-spawn period. This is a great opportunity to catch bigger fish before they enter the spawning phase.

What color lure for spring walleye?
In the spring, walleye are more likely to be active and feeding as the water becomes warmer. To mimic the prey in the water, using natural colors like green, brown, and silver can be effective. For clearer water, lighter colors such as chartreuse or yellow can work well.

What causes walleye not to bite?
There is a belief that walleyes do not eat every day, especially when their metabolism slows down during the winter. Even if you offer them food, they may not be interested if they are already full or in a neutral mood. It can also be difficult to catch walleyes when there is an abundance of bait in the water.