What Weights for Walleye Fishing

Are you tired of going out for a day of walleye fishing and coming home empty-handed? One factor that may be hindering your success is the weight of your lure. Choosing the right weight for walleye fishing can make all the difference in whether or not you bring home a catch worth boasting about.

But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Do you go heavier or lighter? What factors should you consider when making your decision?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about choosing the right weights for walleye fishing. From understanding water depth to analyzing weather patterns, we’ll dive into every detail to ensure that your next day on the water is as successful as possible. So grab a pen and paper, take some notes, and let’s get started!

Recommended Weights for Walleye Fishing

When it comes to walleye fishing, choosing the right weight can make all the difference in your success. The general rule of thumb is to use a weight heavy enough to keep your bait or lure in the strike zone but light enough to maintain sensitivity and feel any bites.

The recommended weights for walleye fishing typically range from 1/8 oz to ½ oz depending on the depth of the water you are fishing in. If you’re fishing in shallow waters, a lighter weight will suffice, while deeper waters require heavier weights.

Shallow Water Fishing

In shallow water areas such as rivers and streams, using a lighter weight allows for better control and precision when casting. A good starting point is usually around 1/8 oz – ¼ oz. This weight allows for better sensitivity and helps keep your bait at the appropriate depth without dragging along the bottom.

Deep Water Fishing

If you’re fishing in deeper water such as lakes or reservoirs, a heavier weight may be necessary to reach the desired depth and maintain contact with the bottom. A good starting point would be around 3/8 oz-½ oz.

Determining the Appropriate Weight for Walleye Fishing

The appropriate weight for walleye fishing depends on several factors like current speed, water depth, time of day, location, type of bait/lure being used, and more. Determining these factors will help you decide which weight will work best for you.

Current Speed

If there’s a strong current where you’re fishing, consider using a heavier weight to keep your bait or lure from drifting away from your intended target area. On the other hand, if there’s little or no current present, using a lighter weight will allow for more natural presentation of the bait or lure.

Water Depth

As previously mentioned, the depth of the water you’re fishing in plays a significant role in choosing the appropriate weight. If you’re fishing shallow waters, a lighter weight will suffice while deeper waters require heavier weights.

Type of Bait/Lure

The type of bait or lure being used can also influence the weight needed to achieve optimal performance. For example, if you’re using live bait such as worms or minnows, a lighter weight is generally recommended to allow for a more natural presentation. However, if you’re using artificial lures like jigs, crankbaits, or spinners that have their own built-in weight, you may need to adjust accordingly.

Using Different Weights for Walleye Fishing Depending on Time of Day or Location

Time of day and location can also play an important role in determining which weight to use for walleye fishing.

Time of Day

During early morning or late evening hours when walleye are most active, consider using a lighter weight to allow for better sensitivity and feel any bites. As the sun rises and sets throughout the day, it’s best to switch to a heavier weight to reach deeper depths where walleye are likely feeding.

Location

Different locations may require different weights based on factors like water temperature and clarity. In murky water conditions where visibility is low, using a heavier weight can help your bait stand out against other debris in the water. Clearer waters may require a lighter weight to maintain sensitivity and prevent spooking fish with too much noise.

The Impact of Using the Wrong Weight on Your Chances of Catching Walleye

Using the wrong weight for walleye fishing can significantly impact your chances of catching fish. Using a weight that is too heavy can scare away fish and make it difficult to feel any bites, while using a weight that is too light may not allow your bait to reach the desired depth or maintain sensitivity.

Scaring Away Fish

Using a weight that is too heavy can cause unnecessary noise and vibration in the water, which can scare away fish. Walleye are known for their cautious nature and are easily spooked by any unnatural movements or sounds in the water.

Maintaining Sensitivity

Using a weight that is too light can make it difficult to feel any bites or detect when you’ve hooked into a walleye. This can result in missed opportunities and frustration on the angler’s part.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Weight for Walleye Fishing

Several factors should be considered when selecting the appropriate weight for walleye fishing:

• Water Depth
• Current Speed
• Type of Bait/Lure
• Time of Day
• Location
• Water Temperature/Clarity
• Rod/Reel Setup

Choosing Between Heavier or Lighter Weights When Targeting Larger Walleye

When targeting larger walleye, anglers may need to adjust their weights accordingly. Using heavier weights will allow for deeper penetration into the water column where larger walleye tend to feed. However, this may also reduce sensitivity and make it more challenging to detect bites.

On the other hand, using lighter weights allows for better control and precision when casting and maintains sensitivity, but may not reach deeper depths where larger walleye are feeding.

Ultimately, choosing between heavier or lighter weights depends on personal preference and experience with fishing techniques.

The Most Effective Types of Weights for Walleye Fishing

There are several types of weights that can be used for walleye fishing, including:

• Split-Shot Weights
• Bullet Weights
• Egg Sinkers
• Tungsten Weights
• Pencil Sinkers

Each type has its benefits and drawbacks, and anglers should experiment to see which works best for their particular fishing style and location.

Influences of Water Depth and Current Speed on Weight Selection for Walleye Fishing

Water depth and current speed are crucial factors in weight selection when walleye fishing. A heavier weight is typically needed for deeper water depths to reach the desired depth quickly. Conversely, a lighter weight is more suitable for shallower waters as it allows better control when casting.

Current speed also plays a role in weight selection. Faster currents require heavier weights to maintain contact with the bottom while slower currents may not require as much weight. It’s essential to consider both water depth and current speed when selecting the appropriate weight for walleye fishing to ensure optimal performance.

In conclusion, selecting the appropriate weight for walleye fishing is crucial to ensure a successful and enjoyable fishing experience. Factors such as water depth, current, and bait type should be considered when choosing the right weight. Experimenting with different weights can also help determine what works best in a particular fishing location.

Frequently Asked Questions about What Weights for Walleye Fishing

What weight is best for walleye fishing?
If you want to catch walleye, it’s recommended to use medium weight line and tackle. To better detect light bites from walleyes, anglers should use a 6 or 6½ foot graphite spinning rod that is medium or medium-light in sensitivity with 6 to 8 pound-test monofilament or braided line.

What weight leader for walleye?
When fishing for walleye using nightcrawlers or leeches, an 8lb test leader is ideal, but when using live minnows, a stronger 15lb test leader may be necessary due to the risk of pike bites, as they are attracted to the tasty minnows.

Should I use a 6 or 8 pound test for walleye?
The typical fishing line used by walleye anglers is between 6 and 8 pounds, and monofilament line is still the preferred choice. Opting for a lighter line can be helpful when jigging with live bait or soft plastic, as it allows for better detection of subtle bites in deeper waters. Additionally, in clear water, using a lighter line is necessary to maximize the number of bites.

Is medium heavy good for walleye?
If you anticipate fishing in deep water or a fast-moving river, consider using a medium heavy or medium action rod. However, if you plan on fishing in lakes with water depths of 5-12 feet, a medium-lite to lite action rod is the best choice.

What are the best snap weights for walleye?
The snap weights, weighing between 4 to 5 ounces, are typically used around 6 to 10 feet ahead of the bait and can be used under the boat as well. Setting up this system is much quicker than traditional leadcore, with no waiting required. This fast setup is one of the biggest advantages of this heavier system.

What is the best bait for walleye fishing?
When fishing for walleye, live bait can be very effective, whether you choose to still fish, drift, or troll. In clear water, a slip sinker or bottom-bouncing rig can be used to attract the fish. The most successful types of live bait for walleye are leeches, minnows, and nightcrawlers.