Imagine this: the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow on the water. You’re out on your favorite lake, rod in hand, waiting for that tell-tale tug. But the walleye just aren’t biting. Frustrating, right? Choosing the perfect lure for walleye can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. There are so many colors, shapes, and sizes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what will actually bring in a fish.
This is where we come in. We know how disappointing it is to spend a day on the water with nothing to show for it. That’s why we’ve put together this guide. By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand the secrets behind effective walleye lures. You’ll learn what makes a lure irresistible to these cunning fish and how to pick the right one for different situations. Get ready to fill your cooler!
Our Top 5 Lures For Walleye Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Lures For Walleye Detailed Reviews
1. TRUSCEND Fishing Jigs Lures with Handmade Lead Heads Paddle Tail Spinner Baits for Bass Trout Walleye Musky Soft Plastic Fishing Lures
Rating: 9.0/10
Ready to upgrade your fishing game? The TRUSCEND Fishing Jigs Lures are designed to help you catch more fish, from smallmouth bass to mighty musky. These lures look and feel like real bait, making them irresistible to a wide variety of game fish.
What We Like:
- The ultra-sharp OWNER hooks and built-in magnet mean more successful bites and fewer lost lures.
- Each lure is handmade with quality, eco-friendly plastic that stands up to tough fish.
- The unique 3D tail and spinner blade create a lifelike, wiggling action that fish can’t resist, even when you reel slowly.
- The jig heads are weighted perfectly for long casts and a slow sink, letting you present the lure just right.
- These versatile lures work in almost any water, from rivers to saltwater, and target many popular fish species.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the handmade quality is great, some anglers might prefer machine-perfect consistency.
- The soft plastic, though durable, can eventually be damaged by very aggressive fish.
Overall, these TRUSCEND lures offer a fantastic combination of realistic action and dependable performance. They are a smart addition to any angler’s tackle box, promising more exciting days on the water.
2. Cotton Cordell Wally Diver Walleye Crankbait Fishing Lure
Rating: 8.6/10
The Cotton Cordell Wally Diver Walleye Crankbait Fishing Lure is a fantastic choice for anglers looking to reel in big walleye and bass. This lure’s slim shape and quick, tight wiggle are irresistible to fish. It’s designed to increase your chances of a solid hookset, whether you cast it out or troll it behind your boat. Fishermen have trusted this lure on the famous Great Lakes and other prime walleye spots. The Wally Diver is Cotton Cordell’s best-selling lure for a reason. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s so popular.
What We Like:
- Proven success for catching walleye and bass.
- Tight, compact action helps with hooksets.
- Works well whether cast or trolled.
- Comes in a convenient 3-pack with popular colors: Chartreuse Perch, Chrome/Black Back, and Gold Perch.
- The slender profile and tight wiggle are very effective.
- It’s Cotton Cordell’s most popular lure.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 2 1/2″ size might be a bit small for very large predatory fish.
- While popular, the specific color patterns in this 3-pack might not be ideal for every single fishing condition.
This Wally Diver 3-pack offers a great value and proven performance for serious walleye and bass anglers. You’ll be ready to tackle a variety of fishing situations with these effective lures.
3. Fishing Lures Kit 10pcs Hard Bait Minnow Deep Diving Swimbait Life-Like Walleye Lures for Bass Trout Pike Freshwater Saltwater Fishing Bait
Rating: 9.2/10
Ready to reel in some big catches? This 10-piece fishing lure kit is designed to fool even the wariest fish. These hard bait minnows are built to look and act like real prey, making them irresistible to a variety of game fish.
What We Like:
- The lures look very real with their 3D eyes and colorful printed bodies.
- They have strong hooks and rings that help attract fish with special vibrations.
- The deep diving board lets them go down to 10 feet or more to find bigger fish.
- Steel balls inside make noise to get fish’s attention and help you cast farther.
- They work well in both fresh and salt water, for many types of fishing like lake, river, and ocean.
- They are great for catching bass, trout, pike, walleye, and more.
What Could Be Improved:
- The lures are a bit small for some larger predatory fish.
- The treble hooks could be slightly sharper for better hooksets.
This lure kit offers great value and realistic action to boost your fishing success. Give them a try and see the difference!
4. FONMANG 6-Piece Swim Baits for Bass Fishing
Rating: 9.5/10
Ready to upgrade your fishing game? The FONMANG 6-Piece Swim Baits are here to help you reel in more fish! These lures look incredibly real, mimicking the bait fish you find in lakes and oceans. They’re made tough to handle even the feistiest fish and are designed to swim in a way that drives predators wild.
What We Like:
- Realistic Appearance: With 3D fins, gills, and eyes, plus a cool photoprint finish, these lures look just like real baitfish. They come in 6 different colors to match whatever the fish are biting.
- High-Quality Materials: Made from durable German soft plastic, these lures can take a beating from aggressive fish and keep their awesome swimming action.
- Enticing Swimming Actions: The segmented bodies and tail fin create subtle movements that attract fish when you retrieve slowly. Speed them up, and the tail kicks strong, showing off the lure’s details.
- Smart Design: Each lure has a sharp Mustad hook and is perfectly weighted for a great cast. The flat belly makes the tail stand up when paused, giving fish an extra reason to bite.
- Versatile for Many Fish: These 3.5-inch swimbaits work for bass, walleye, pike, muskie, and more in lakes, rivers, and even saltwater near the shore.
- Great Gift Idea: This set makes a perfect gift for any angler, from beginners to pros, for any holiday or birthday.
- Satisfaction Guaranteed: FONMANG stands by their product with a 90-day, full-money-back warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the lures are designed for a wide range of fish, success can vary depending on specific local conditions and the targeted species.
- The set includes 6 lures, which is a good starting point, but serious anglers might want larger or specialized packs for specific fishing situations.
These FONMANG swimbaits are a fantastic choice for any angler looking for realistic, durable, and effective lures. Get ready to experience a noticeable improvement in your fishing trips.
5. BANDIT LURES Walleye Deep Minnow Jerkbait Fishing Lure
Rating: 9.1/10
The BANDIT LURES Walleye Deep Minnow Jerkbait is a serious tool for anglers targeting walleye, zander, and other gamefish. This lure is built to dive deep, reaching down to an impressive 27 feet. Its slender minnow profile mimics natural baitfish, and it moves with a wide, searching action that predators can’t ignore. This lure is designed to be trolled effectively, making it a valuable addition to any fishing tackle box.
What We Like:
- It dives to a deep 27 feet, perfect for reaching fish in deeper water.
- The 4 3/4-inch size and slender minnow shape look just like real baitfish.
- It has a wide, searching action that attracts fish from a distance.
- The universal color patterns work well in many different water conditions.
- Walleye fishing experts helped design this lure, so it’s made for success.
- The molded-in lip is tough and keeps the lure running true, even when trolled fast.
What Could Be Improved:
- The specific “Viral Perch” color might not be available in all stores.
- While designed for deep diving, achieving the full 27 feet might require specific trolling speeds and line diameter.
This lure offers excellent deep-diving capability and a proven design for catching walleye and other predatory fish. It’s a reliable choice for anglers looking to explore deeper waters.
Choosing the Right Lures for Walleye: Your Ultimate Buying Guide
Walleye fishing can be incredibly rewarding, and having the right lures makes all the difference. This guide will help you pick the best lures to reel in those prized fish.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for walleye lures, keep these important features in mind:
- Action: This is how the lure moves in the water. Some lures wiggle, others dart, and some spin. Walleye often respond to natural, lifelike movements. Look for lures that mimic baitfish.
- Color: Color is super important. Bright colors like chartreuse or fire tiger work well in murky water. Natural colors like silver or pearl are great in clear water. Experimenting with different colors is key!
- Size: Walleye come in different sizes, and so do their meals. Smaller lures catch smaller walleye, while larger lures can attract bigger ones. Think about the size of the baitfish in the water you’re fishing.
- Depth Control: Some lures dive deep, while others stay near the surface. You need lures that can reach the depth where the walleye are hiding. Check the lure’s specifications for its diving depth.
- Sound: Believe it or not, some lures make noise! Rattles inside lures can attract walleye, especially in low-light conditions or muddy water.
Important Materials
The materials used to make a lure affect its durability and how it performs:
- Plastic: Many soft plastic lures are made from PVC or similar materials. They are flexible and can be molded into many shapes. They are also usually affordable.
- Hard Plastics/Polycarbonate: These are used for crankbaits and jerkbaits. They are durable and allow for precise shaping to create specific actions.
- Metal: Some lures, like spoons, are made from metal. Metal spoons can flash and flutter enticingly. Metal components like hooks and split rings need to be strong and rust-resistant.
- Feathers/Hair: Some lures have feathers or hair tied to them. These add extra movement and a more natural look, mimicking fins or tails.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a lure great or not so great:
- Hook Quality: Sharp, strong hooks are essential. Dull hooks won’t penetrate the walleye’s mouth, and weak hooks can bend or break. Good hooks increase your chances of landing a fish.
- Paint and Finish: A lure with a good paint job and a durable finish will last longer. Cheap paint can chip off easily, making the lure less attractive.
- Component Strength: Look for sturdy split rings and strong line ties. These connect the lure to your fishing line and need to be reliable.
- Balance: A well-balanced lure will swim correctly. If a lure is unbalanced, it might spin out of control or not move as intended.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use a lure and your experience with it are vital:
- Casting and Retrieving: Some lures are easy to cast and retrieve, making them great for beginners. Others might require a specific technique, like a jerky retrieve for jerkbaits.
- Trolling: Many crankbaits and spinners are excellent for trolling, where you drag the lure behind a moving boat. This covers a lot of water and can be very effective for walleye.
- Jigging: Jigs are a staple for walleye fishing. They are versatile and can be used for casting, vertical jigging (dropping the lure straight down), or dragging along the bottom.
- Versatility: A lure that can be used in different ways and conditions is a great value. For example, a jig can be used with different plastic tails.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Walleye Lures
Q: What are the best lure types for walleye?
A: Some of the best lure types include jigs, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. Jigs are very versatile. Crankbaits dive deep. Spinnerbaits create flash and vibration.
Q: When is the best time of day to use certain lure colors?
A: Bright colors like chartreuse or orange work well in low light or murky water. Natural colors like silver or white are good for sunny days in clear water.
Q: How deep should my lure run?
A: You should try to run your lure at the depth where the walleye are feeding. This often means using lures that dive deep or adjusting your retrieve to control depth.
Q: Do walleye like noisy lures?
A: Yes, walleye can be attracted to the sound of rattles in lures, especially when visibility is poor.
Q: What size lure should I use?
A: Match the lure size to the size of the baitfish the walleye are eating. Smaller lures for smaller baitfish, larger lures for larger baitfish.
Q: Are expensive lures always better?
A: Not always. While quality materials and construction matter, many affordable lures catch just as many fish as expensive ones. Focus on good hooks and action.
Q: How do I make a lure move naturally?
A: Vary your retrieve speed and add pauses. For crankbaits, a steady retrieve works. For jerkbaits, use sharp tugs followed by pauses.
Q: Can I use the same lure in different types of water?
A: Yes, but you might need to adjust colors or retrieve. A jig can be effective in many situations with the right plastic trailer.
Q: What are the most important parts of a lure to check for quality?
A: The hooks and the overall durability of the paint and body are most important. Strong hooks are essential for landing fish.
Q: How important is the action of a lure?
A: The action is very important. Walleye are attracted to lures that move in the water like real prey. Lifelike action is key.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.