Walleye Fishing Guide
Walleye are prized game fish — learn the best lures, techniques, and where to find them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jigs tipped with minnows are the #1 walleye lure. Crawler harnesses (spinner + nightcrawler) are deadly for trolling. Crankbaits (Shad Rap, Flicker Shad) work for covering water. Spoons (Kastmaster, Swedish Pimple) are great for vertical jigging. Walleye are low-light feeders — dawn, dusk, and night are best.
Walleye relate to rock structure — reefs, humps, points, and drop-offs. They prefer deeper water (10-30 ft) and are most active at dawn and dusk. In rivers, walleye hold behind current breaks and along deep edges. In lakes, they relate to hard bottom (rock, gravel) and transition zones between shallow and deep water.
Use a 6'6"-7' medium spinning rod with fast action. Line: 6-10 lb fluorocarbon for jigging, 8-12 lb monofilament for trolling. Walleye are not line-shy, but lighter line produces more bites in clear water. Use our line strength calculator for species-specific recommendations.
Dawn and dusk are prime time — walleye are low-light predators. Night fishing is also productive, especially in summer. Spring (pre-spawn) and fall are the best seasons because walleye feed aggressively. In winter, walleye hold deep and feed less frequently.
Gold, chartreuse, and orange are the top walleye colors. In clear water, use natural patterns (perch, shad). In stained water, use brighter colors (chartreuse, fire tiger). Glow colors work at night. Walleye have good low-light vision, so visibility matters more than exact color match.