Best Walleye Lures & Top Bait for Fishing : Reviewed & Tested
Find the best walleye lures and bait! We've reviewed and tested fishing rigs, crankbaits, jigs, and trolling spoons to help anglers catch more fish. An improved walleye fishing for you!
Our gear can also be used for other different species like bass, trout, salmon, catfish, and many more. We offer a wide selection of lure colors, like natural fish scale chrome, green, blue, red, orange, purple, yellow, and rainbow, all available in plain and combined colors. You can add shiny polish since these soft plastic baits are DIY paint-ready!
Fishing for walleye can be one of the most exhilarating experiences. Imagine the thrill of feeling that powerful tug on your line and knowing you've hooked a walleye. This year, a study from the American Sportfishing Association revealed that walleye fishing is more popular than ever, with millions of anglers casting their lines. If you’re looking to join in on the fun or up your game, you’re in the right place.
Shop Popular Lures for Walleye from our Online Store
We sell across many states, ensuring anglers everywhere have access to top-quality gear. Our products are available in states, like Ohio, Florida, Minnesota, Illinois, Texas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, New York, California, Wisconsin, and the rest of the United States. No matter where you are, you can count on us to provide high-quality accessories for walleye fishing near you.
If you're a fisher looking to catch walleye, one of North America's most sought-after species, you'll need the best walleye lures and baits in your arsenal. Walleye fishing can be incredibly rewarding, whether you're out on the Great Lakes in the U.S. or a local reservoir.
To make the most out of your fishing experience, knowing the right lures and techniques to use is crucial. In this guide, we'll dive into the intricacies of walleye fishing, from choosing the perfect lures for walleye to mastering various fishing techniques that can help you land a big walleye.
We Reviewed the Best Artificial Lures for Walleye
I decided to hit the river in Ontario and Calgary for some walleye fishing. With my trusty boat ready, I packed a variety of fishing lures from WalleyeX, including a swimbait and a vibrant spinnerbait.
As I paddled out, I felt the excitement building up. The water was alive with baitfish darting around, and I knew the predation would be on. I started jigging with a soft plastic bait that mimicked a minnow, hoping to catch a hungry bass or a yellow perch. After a few casts,
I switched to a plug and let it sink, enjoying the vibrations as it moved through the water. I also had some worms and leeches on hand, just in case the fish were feeling picky. I kept my eye on a buoy that marked a good weed bed; that’s where I had the best experience with the crayfish that the fish love to snack on.
Trolling back and forth, I felt that instinct kick in, and sure enough, I landed a nice walleye! It’s always a thrill to see what species are biting, especially in the diverse waters of the United States. As I packed up my gear, I couldn’t help but think about my next fishing adventure, maybe trying ice fishing or using a bouncer to see what else I could reel in.
All these experiences came from some of the top picks that anglers love from the WalleyeX shop, including the xShad, Kamikaze, Predator, Ripper, Renegade, and xSlab. During Saturday and Sunday morning we set off to catch fish like bass, trout, salmon, catfish, and definitely our favorite walleye!
Each soft plastic bait has its own edge, helping you hook more fish no matter the conditions. Here are some of the best artificial lures for walleye that I recommend, each designed to improve your walleye fishing experience:
1. xShad: Walleye Jigs
A versatile option that mimics the look and movement of baitfish, making it irresistible to walleye.
I recently gave the xShad Walleye Jigs a go, and I’ve got to say, they definitely exceeded my expectations. These jigs are perfectly weighted for that subtle drop that walleye just can't resist. I was out on the lake during sunrise; the water was calm, and within the first couple of casts, I felt that familiar tug. The hook was sharp and held up well, giving me a solid catch without worrying about losing the fish mid-fight. I think the design of the jighead really helped it cut through the water smoothly, which is probably why the walleye were hitting it hard.
One of the best parts of using these jigs is how versatile they are. I was fishing in both shallow and deeper waters, and they performed great in both. Plus, they come in a good variety of colors, so I could easily switch it up depending on the conditions and how picky the fish were being. I did notice the paint chipped a little after some heavy use, but it didn’t really affect the performance much. Overall, I’m pretty impressed with how these baits performed, especially for the price point. Definitely a solid addition to my tackle box!
Pros:
- Excellent weight for a natural drop
- Sharp hooks that stay secure
- Smooth water movement
- Good variety of colors
- Performs well in different water depths
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Paint may chip after heavy use
- Hooks could use a 1 more addition
2. Kamikaze: Lipless Crankbait
Known for its erratic action, this lure can trigger aggressive strikes even from cautious walleye.
I tried out the Kamikaze Lipless Crankbait, and it’s quickly becoming one of my go-to lures. The action on this crankbait is awesome – it has a tight, rapid wobble that drives fish crazy. I was fishing in some murky water, and the vibration and rattle made it easy for the bass to locate it, even with low visibility. I hooked into a solid largemouth within minutes of casting, and it was a solid fight! The crankbait's compact size makes it great for covering a lot of water in a short time, which really helped when I was trying to find where the fish were hanging out.
One thing I love about the Kamikaze is how versatile it is in terms of retrieval speed. Whether I was burning it across the surface or slowing it down near the bottom, it performed well in both cases. The hooks are razor-sharp and held up nicely during several catches, though I did have to sharpen them a bit after a long day of fishing. The only downside I noticed was that the finish got scuffed up after a few sessions, but it didn’t seem to affect the lure's effectiveness at all. This crankbait is a solid performer, especially if you’re targeting aggressive feeders like bass or pike.
Pros:
- Tight, aggressive wobble
- Strong vibrations and rattle for low visibility water
- Versatile for different retrieval speeds
- Sharp hooks that hold up well
- Effective for targeting bass, pike, and other aggressive fish
Cons:
- Finish can get scuffed after heavy use
- Hooks might need sharpening after a lot of action
3. Predator: Trolling Spoons
True to its name, it’s designed to target trophy-sized walleye with precision.
I took the Predator Trolling Spoons out for a spin, and I was pretty impressed with how they performed. These spoons are perfect for trolling deep waters, and the action on them is exactly what you need to get big fish like trout or salmon interested. I was trolling through some deeper channels, and the Predator’s wobbling action mimicked a distressed baitfish so well that I had a hit within the first half-hour. The spoon itself has a great weight to it, so it stays in the strike zone longer, and the reflective finish really helps attract fish from a distance.
One thing that stood out to me was how durable these spoons are. After a full day of trolling, they barely had a scratch, which is a huge plus when you’re out on the water for hours. They come in a nice range of colors, so I was able to switch things up depending on the light conditions and what seemed to be working. The only slight issue I noticed was that the treble hooks could have been a little stronger for some of the larger fish, but they still held up decently. Overall, the Predator Trolling Spoons are a solid option if you're serious about trolling for big game fish.
Pros:
- Great weight for staying in the strike zone
- Excellent wobbling action that mimics baitfish
- Reflective finish for attracting fish in deeper waters
- Durable build, resists wear and tear
- Wide variety of colors for different conditions
Cons:
- Treble hooks could be stronger for larger catches
- May need to adjust weight for very specific trolling depths
4. Ripper: Soft Plastic Swimbait
Ideal for deeper waters, this lure's vibration and flash draw fish in from a distance.
I had the chance to try out the Ripper Soft Plastic Swimbait, and it definitely didn’t disappoint. The lifelike action of these swimbaits is top-notch, with that natural side-to-side swimming motion that really entices predatory fish. I was fishing for bass in some heavy cover, and these swimbaits slid through the vegetation without getting hung up, which was a huge plus. The soft plastic material feels durable but still pliable enough to allow for realistic movement in the water. I ended up catching a nice-sized largemouth that absolutely hammered the swimbait on the retrieve!
Another great thing about the Ripper Swimbaits is how versatile they are. Whether you rig them on a jighead, use them as a trailer, or run them weightless, they perform well in different situations. They come in some great color patterns, and I noticed that the natural-looking ones worked especially well in clear water. The only minor downside is that after several fish, the swimbait can tear near the hook point, but that’s expected with most soft plastics. Overall, these swimbaits are a great addition to any tackle box, especially if you're targeting bass or walleye.
Pros:
- Realistic swimming action that attracts predatory fish
- Durable yet flexible soft plastic
- Versatile for different rigging styles
- Great color patterns, especially for clear water
- Slides through cover without getting snagged
Cons:
- Need to see a small version for smaller fish
- May require re-rigging after heavy use
5. Renegade: Walleye Spinners
A reliable choice for any condition, it’s perfect when you need a go-to lure.
I gave the Renegade Walleye Spinners a try, and they quickly became one of my favorite setups for targeting walleye. The blade on these spinners produces a perfect amount of flash and vibration, which was great for drawing fish in, especially during low-light conditions. I was out fishing a rocky point early in the morning, and as soon as the sun started to come up, the spinner blades really shone in the water. I ended up landing a couple of nice walleyes, and I think the combination of the spinner’s flash and the bait's subtle movement was what really triggered them to strike.
What I love about the Renegade Walleye Spinners is how customizable they are. You can pair them with live bait, soft plastics, or even use them solo, and they perform well in all scenarios. Plus, they work great at different depths, so I was able to fish both shallow and deeper waters with ease. The only thing I noticed is that after a few heavy strikes, the blades can lose some of their shine, but a quick clean-up brings them back to life. All in all, these spinners are super effective and a must-have for any serious walleye angler.
Pros:
- Excellent flash and vibration to attract walleye
- Performs well in low-light and various water conditions
- Versatile – can be paired with live bait or used solo
- Works effectively at different depths
- Durable build, easy to clean and maintain
Cons:
- Blades may lose shine after heavy use
- Might need adjustments to the rig after catching multiple fish
6. xSlab: Casting Hook
Great for those sluggish days as it imitates dying baitfish, which often gets that bite you’ve been waiting for.
I finally got my hands on the xSlab Casting Hook, and I was really impressed with its performance. Right off the bat, I noticed how sharp and strong the hook was, making it easy to set the hook quickly when a fish took the bait. I was out casting for some hard-fighting pike, and the xSlab held up beautifully during some intense battles. The hook's design allows for excellent penetration, which means I didn't lose a single fish during my outing, a big win in my book!
What I love about the xSlab is its versatility. It works great with a variety of baits, from live minnows to artificial lures, making it a go-to option for different fishing situations. The hook's finish is also quite durable, resisting corrosion and maintaining its sharpness even after multiple trips. The only downside I found was that the size options might be limited for those looking for very specific needs, but overall, this casting hook is a fantastic choice for anyone serious about their fishing game.
Pros:
- Extremely sharp and strong for quick hook sets
- Excellent penetration and hold during fights
- Versatile for various bait types
- Durable finish resists corrosion
- Great performance for both freshwater and saltwater fishing
Cons:
- Limited size options for specific needs
- May require regular maintenance to keep sharpness optimal
How We Picked and Tested the Best Walleye Lures?
We started by gathering a wide variety of options based on recommendations from seasoned anglers and popular fishing forums. We considered different types, like crankbaits, jigs, and live bait rigs, to ensure we had a well-rounded selection that could appeal to walleye in various conditions. After narrowing it down, we focused on lures known for their effectiveness and durability, making sure to include both budget-friendly and high-end options.
To test these lures, we hit the water with a group of passionate fishermen and women, trying each lure in various environments—from shallow lakes to deep rivers. We took notes on their performance, including how easily they cast, their action in the water, and, most importantly, how many walleye they helped us catch. By the end of our fishing sessions, we had a solid list of favorites that truly delivered results, making it easier for anglers of all levels to find their next go-to lure.
Good Live Baits for Walleye
Now that you know about lures, let's talk about the best walleye bait for fishing. Walleye bait can be either live like crayfish or artificial. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective types:
Night crawlers
These are one of the most popular choices for walleye bait. Crawlers available in most tackle shops and are known for their wriggling action that walleye find hard to resist.
Leeches
Yet, these are another great bait for walleye. They are especially effective during the summer months when walleye are more active.
Minnows
Small live fish like minnows can be very effective, especially when walleye are feeding on smaller prey. You can use them with a variety of rigs, including slip bobbers or jigs.
Artificial Baits
If you prefer not to use live bait, there are plenty of artificial options that mimic the look and movement of real baitfish. These can be used in place of live bait or as a supplement to increase your chances of success.
Attracting Colors for Walleye Lures and Bait
Picking colors too must be considered. You gotta have a good range of colors in your tackle box depending on the water clarity and light conditions. Bright colors work wonders when it’s murky out, while more natural shades are killer in clear water.
Vibrant hues are the best to catch the eye of this popular freshwater fish. Walleye are known for their keen vision, especially in low-light conditions, so colors like bright yellows, oranges, and chartreuse often stand out in murky waters or during dawn and dusk. These colors mimic the appearance of prey species and can make your lure irresistible to walleye.
When choosing colors, it’s also important to consider water clarity and the time of day. In clearer waters, more natural colors like blue, greens and browns might be effective, while in stained or muddy water, brighter, more fluorescent colors can really grab attention like white or chrome. Experimenting with different shades can help you find the perfect combination that gets those walleye biting!
Common Walleye Lures and Walleye Bait FAQs
You have reached our FAQ section! Here, you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about walleye fishing, lures, and bait. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, we’ve compiled helpful information to enhance your fishing experience. Dive in to discover tips, tricks, and insights that can make your next fishing trip a success!
What is the right time to fish for walleye?
Fishes like walleye are most active during low light conditions, which makes dawn, dusk, and nighttime the best times for walleye fishing. They also tend to feed more aggressively in cooler temperatures, so early spring and fall are peak seasons.
What is the most effective walleye lure color?
The best color depends on water clarity and light conditions. In clear water, natural colors like silver, white, or black work well. In murky or stained water, bright colors like chartreuse, orange, or pink are more visible to the fish.
Should I use live bait or artificial lures for fishing?
Both live bait and artificial lures can be effective. Live bait like nightcrawlers, leeches, and minnows are often preferred in cooler water or during slower bites. Artificial lures like crankbaits and jigs work well in more aggressive feeding situations, especially when trolling or casting.
How deep should I fish for walleye?
Walleye tend to stay near the bottom of lakes and rivers. In colder months or at night, they may be in shallower water (5-15 feet). In summer, they often move to deeper waters (20-40 feet), particularly during the day.
What speed should I troll for walleye?
The optimal trolling speed for walleye usually ranges between 1 to 2.5 mph. Slower speeds work better in cold water or when walleye are less aggressive, while faster speeds can be more effective when walleye are actively feeding in warmer waters.
Difference of Live Baits vs. Artificial Walleye Lures
Live Bait such as nightcrawlers, minnows, and leeches are excellent for enticing lethargic walleye, especially in cold water conditions or when walleye are not as aggressive. Live bait also offers a natural scent that can attract walleye from a distance.
Artificial Lures like crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and jigs, can cover more water and are effective when fish are actively feeding. They come in a wide range of colors and styles, allowing you to match the hatch or create visual triggers that walleye find hard to resist. Artificial lures are also reusable, making them a more cost-effective option for many anglers.
In conclusion, both live bait and artificial lures have their advantages, and the best option often depends on the time of year, water temperature, and walleye behavior. Many experienced anglers carry both to adapt to different fishing conditions.
Buying the Top Walleye Lures Online
Whether you’re new to walleye fishing or a seasoned pro, having the right gear can make all the difference. At Walleye X Online Shop, we offer a wide range of walleye lures and bait to suit any fishing situation. From crankbaits and spinnerbaits to live bait rigs and jigs, we’ve got everything you need to catch more walleye. Check out our online store and get equipped for your next fishing adventure!