What Is Good Bait for Walleye?
Good walleye bait depends on various factors like the season, water clarity, and time of day. However, universally effective baits include live minnows and nightcrawlers, while artificial options such as jigs and crankbaits often produce consistent results.
Understanding Walleye Bait Selection
Walleye, prized for their delicious flavor and challenging fight, are opportunistic predators. Understanding their feeding habits and preferred environments is crucial when selecting the right bait. Success in walleye fishing hinges on presenting an enticing offering that triggers their predatory instincts. This guide will explore the most effective walleye baits, covering both live bait options and artificial lures, and offering insights on when and how to use them.
Live Bait: The Walleye Staple
Live bait remains a consistently productive option for walleye anglers. The movement, scent, and natural presentation of live bait are often irresistible to these fish.
Minnows: A staple choice. Options include fathead minnows, shiners, and creek chubs. Match the minnow size to the size of walleye you expect to catch.
Nightcrawlers: Effective year-round. Rig them using various techniques, including jigging, trolling, or floating.
Leeches: Especially effective in warmer water when walleye are more active. Use them on a jig or under a slip bobber.
Artificial Lures: Versatile and Effective
Artificial lures offer versatility and durability, allowing anglers to cover more water and target walleye in different depths and conditions.
Jigs: A cornerstone of walleye fishing. Vary the jig weight and color depending on the water depth and clarity. Tip them with live bait or plastic trailers for added attraction.
Crankbaits: Excellent for trolling or casting. Choose crankbaits that dive to the depth where walleye are holding. Vary the retrieve speed and action to find what works best.
Spinnerbaits: Effective in stained water or when walleye are actively feeding. The flash and vibration attract attention.
Plastic Worms and Grubs: Rigged on a jig head or Texas-rigged, these can imitate various prey items.
Factors Influencing Bait Choice
Several factors influence the effectiveness of different walleye baits. Consider these aspects when making your selection:
Season: Different baits excel at different times of the year. Minnows and jigs are often effective in the spring and fall, while nightcrawlers and leeches can shine in the summer.
Water Clarity: In clear water, use natural-colored baits. In murky water, opt for brighter, high-visibility options.
Depth: Choose baits that allow you to effectively target the depth where walleye are holding. Crankbaits with different diving depths, weighted jigs, and trolling rigs are all tools to achieve this.
Time of Day: Walleye are often more active during low-light periods, such as dawn and dusk. Adjust your bait selection accordingly.
Rigs and Techniques
The presentation of your bait is just as important as the bait itself. Here are some common walleye fishing rigs and techniques:
Jigging: Vertical jigging with a jig tipped with live bait or a plastic trailer.
Trolling: Pulling crankbaits, spinner rigs, or worm harnesses behind a boat.
Slip Bobber Fishing: Suspending a live bait or jig under a slip bobber to target specific depths.
Bottom Bouncing: Using a heavy weight to keep the bait near the bottom while drifting or trolling.
Common Mistakes
Using bait that is too large or small: Match the bait size to the size of the walleye you are targeting.
Failing to adjust bait based on conditions: Don’t be afraid to experiment and change your bait if you are not getting bites.
Using dull hooks: Sharp hooks are essential for setting the hook quickly and effectively.
Ignoring the weather: Barometric pressure impacts the effectiveness of different baits. Lower pressure generally means more active feeding.
Maximizing Your Success
Use Quality Line and Tackle: Ensure you have the right gear to handle the size of walleye you are targeting.
Pay Attention to Electronics: Use your fish finder to locate walleye and structure.
Keep Bait Fresh: Regularly change out live bait to ensure it is lively and attractive.
FAQs
What is the best all-around live bait for walleye?
The nightcrawler is considered a highly versatile all-around live bait for walleye. Its readily available nature, combined with its effectiveness across various fishing conditions and techniques, make it a reliable choice for anglers of all skill levels. You can rig it in a variety of ways to entice hungry walleye.
Are artificial lures as effective as live bait for walleye?
Yes, artificial lures can be as effective as live bait, especially when used in the right conditions and with the proper techniques. They offer durability, versatility, and the ability to cover more water quickly. Jigging and trolling with lures such as crankbaits and jigs are effective.
What color jig is best for walleye?
There’s no single “best” color, as it depends on water clarity and light conditions. Bright colors like chartreuse, orange, and pink are often effective in stained or murky water, while more natural colors like green, brown, and silver work well in clear water. Experiment to find what works best on a given day.
How do I keep my live bait alive and fresh?
To keep your live bait alive and fresh, use an aerated bait bucket or livewell. Maintain a cool water temperature, avoid overcrowding, and change the water regularly. Avoid exposing the bait to direct sunlight.
What is the best time of day to fish for walleye?
Walleye are often most active during low-light periods, such as dawn and dusk. Overcast days can also provide excellent walleye fishing opportunities. They are also more active at night.
What is the best way to troll for walleye?
Trolling for walleye involves pulling lures or bait behind a boat at a controlled speed. Use a line counter reel to accurately track the amount of line out and ensure your bait reaches the desired depth. Vary your speed and direction to find what triggers strikes.
How deep should I fish for walleye?
The depth at which you should fish for walleye depends on the season, water temperature, and food availability. They often relate to structure, so use your electronics to find depth and structure.
What is the best rod and reel setup for walleye fishing?
A medium-light to medium action rod with a fast tip is ideal for walleye fishing. A spinning or baitcasting reel spooled with 6-10 pound test line is a good starting point. Consider using fluorocarbon leaders for added stealth.
How do I set the hook on a walleye?
When a walleye bites, quickly and firmly set the hook with an upward or sideways motion of the rod. Avoid setting the hook too aggressively, as this can tear the hook out of the fish’s mouth.
What is the best type of knot for tying hooks and lures for walleye fishing?
The improved clinch knot is a strong and reliable knot for tying hooks and lures for walleye fishing. Palomar knots are also popular, especially with braided line.
How do I find walleye in a new lake?
To find walleye in a new lake, focus on structure such as reefs, points, and weed beds. Use your fish finder to locate these areas and identify potential walleye holding spots. Talk to local anglers or bait shop owners for tips on where the walleye have been biting.
Is it better to use artificial or live bait in murky water?
In murky water, artificial lures with bright colors and/or vibration such as crankbaits and spinnerbaits will often prove more effective. A rattle is always a good choice. The vibration helps the fish hone in on the target. Live bait is also fine, but may be less effective in murky water.