Walleye fishing is a popular pursuit among anglers, and having the right gear can make all the difference. Walleye-specific lures and jigs are designed to attract these prized fish and increase your chances of a successful catch. These specialized tools mimic the movement and appearance of walleye’s favorite prey, making them irresistible to hungry fish.
When choosing walleye-specific lures and jigs, it’s important to consider factors like size, color, and action. Walleye are known for their keen eyesight and tendency to be picky eaters, so selecting the right lure can greatly improve your odds. The most effective lures often imitate small baitfish or other aquatic creatures that walleye naturally feed on.
We spent many hours researching and testing various walleye-specific lures and jigs to find the best options for anglers of all skill levels. Our goal was to identify products that consistently attract walleye and hold up well under frequent use.
Best Walleye Lures and Jigs
We’ve put together a list of top-notch walleye lures and jigs for anglers looking to up their game. These picks are based on their proven effectiveness and popularity among experienced walleye fishermen. Our selections cover a range of styles to suit different fishing conditions and preferences.
PLUSINNO Walleye Jigs
We think these jigs are a solid choice for walleye anglers looking for versatile and lifelike soft baits.
Pros
- Realistic fish patterns and scent
- Slow-sinking action for enticing presentation
- Sharp hooks for good hookups
Cons
- It may be too light for deep water
- Limited color options
- Plastic can tear with heavy use
The PLUSINNO jigs caught our eye with their lifelike patterns. The soft plastic bodies have a fishy smell that seems to attract bites. We found the slow-sinking action perfect for walleye fishing in shallower areas.
Casting these jigs is a breeze. The weight is just right for long casts, and they flutter down nicely. The sharp hooks grabbed fish well when we got hits. The 3D eyes and scales add extra realism.
We like the versatility of this 12-pack. It works for walleye as well as bass, pike, and other species. The jigs hold up okay, but the soft plastic can tear after catching a few fish. For the price though, we think they offer good value for walleye anglers.
TRUSCEND Soft Swimbait Lures
We think these soft swimbaits are a solid choice for walleye anglers looking for lifelike lures with good action.
Pros
- Sharp Owner hooks increase hookups
- Realistic look and feel
- Versatile for multiple species
Cons
- It may not hold up to heavy use
- Takes practice to fish effectively
- Limited color options
These TRUSCEND soft swimbaits caught our eye with their lifelike appearance. The hand-sprayed finish gives them a realistic look in the water. We found the 3D t-shaped tail and spinner blade created a nice movement, even at slow speeds.
The Owner hooks are super sharp. This helped us hook more fish when we got strikes. The jighead has a good weight for long casts. It also allows for a slow, fluttering sink that walleye seem to like.
We had success using these for walleye in both rivers and lakes. They also worked well for bass, pike, and other predatory fish. The soft plastic body stands up to bites pretty well. Still, after a full day of fishing, we did notice some wear and tear.
Aosethefrt Fishing Jigs
We think these colorful fishing jigs are a solid choice for anglers targeting walleye, bass, and trout in both fresh and saltwater.
Pros
- Bright, reflective colors attract fish
- Sharp, corrosion-resistant hooks
- Comes with a handy storage case
Cons
- It might be too heavy for some fishing styles
- Limited feather dressing
- It may not work well in grassy areas
We recently took these Aosethefrt fishing jigs out for a spin, and we were impressed with their performance. The set comes with 8 jigs in a mix of colors, including red-white, green, gold, and silver. The laser reflective coating on these lures really caught our eye, and we bet it caught the fish’s eyes too!
When we dropped these jigs in the water, we noticed how well they imitated real fish. The stream-line body and 3D eyes gave them a natural, lifelike look. We found the swimming action to be smooth and flexible, which is key for attracting walleye and other game fish.
We especially liked the sharp hooks on these jigs. They’re tough enough to use in both fresh and saltwater, which adds to their versatility. We had no trouble hooking fish when they bit. The included storage case was a nice touch, keeping our tackle organized and easy to grab.
TRUSCEND Pre-Rigged Soft Lures
We recommend these versatile lures for anglers seeking a reliable option for multiple fish species, including walleye.
Pros
- Lifelike design attracts various fish
- Weedless construction for fishing in cover
- Sharp hooks for better hook-ups
Cons
- It may not hold up after heavy use
- Limited color options in the pack
- Slightly pricier than basic soft plastics
We tried out these TRUSCEND lures on our last fishing trip, and they didn’t disappoint. The 3.5-inch size is just right for walleye and other popular gamefish. The paddle tail creates a nice action in the water, mimicking real baitfish movements.
The lures come pre-rigged, which saves time on the water. We found the hooks to be very sharp, leading to solid hook-ups when fish struck. The weedless design lets us fish through thick cover without constant snags.
While fishing, we noticed the durability could be better. After catching several fish, some lures showed wear. But for the price, they perform well. We caught walleye, bass, and even a small pike using these lures. They’re a good choice for anglers who want a versatile option that works in different conditions.
VMSIXVM Pre-Rigged Swim Baits
We think these soft plastic swimbaits are a solid choice for walleye anglers looking for an affordable and effective lure.
Pros
- Lifelike swimming action
- Sharp and durable hooks
- Versatile for various fishing conditions
Cons
- The strong scent may deter some fish
- The treble hook can snag easily
- Limited color options
These pre-rigged swimbaits from VMSIXVM caught our eye with their realistic design. The 3.15-inch size is perfect for targeting walleye. We found the paddle tail created a natural S-shaped motion in the water, which seemed to attract fish well.
The jig head hidden inside the bait’s body is a nice touch. It helps with long casts and deep sinking. The high-carbon steel triple hook is super sharp and held up well during our fishing trips. We liked that we could remove the treble hook for fishing in weedy areas.
The soft plastic material is tough and can take a beating from fish teeth. However, we noticed a strong scent that might put off some anglers. The lures work great in both fresh and saltwater, making them a versatile option for your tackle box. At 10 pieces per pack, these baits offer good value for the price.
Buying Guide
When shopping for walleye lures and jigs, we need to consider a few key factors. Let’s look at what to keep in mind:
Size Matters
Walleye prefer different sizes depending on the season and water conditions. We recommend having a range of sizes on hand:
- Small (1/8 – 1/4 oz): Good for clear water or finicky fish
- Medium (3/8 – 1/2 oz): Versatile for most conditions
- Large (3/4 – 1 oz): Best for deep water or strong currents
Color Selection
Walleye responds well to certain colors. We suggest choosing lures in these shades:
- Natural: whites, silvers, and greens
- Bright: chartreuse, orange, and pink
- Dark: purple, black, and blue
Lure Types
Different lure types work well for walleye fishing. We recommend having a mix of:
- Jigs
- Crankbaits
- Spinner rigs
- Soft plastics
Material Quality
We should look for durable materials that can withstand walleye’s sharp teeth. Strong hooks and sturdy bodies are important for long-lasting lures.
Action and Vibration
Walleye are attracted to lures with good action. We want to choose lures that create vibration and mimic natural prey movement in the water.
By keeping these factors in mind, we can build a solid collection of walleye-specific lures and jigs for successful fishing trips.
Walleye-specific lures and jigs: FAQ
Walleye anglers often have questions about lures, jigs, and fishing techniques. We’ll cover some common inquiries to help improve your walleye fishing success.
What are the top-rated lures for targeting walleye?
Popular walleye lures include crankbaits, jerkbaits, and soft plastics. Many anglers swear by Rapala Shad Raps and Husky Jerks. Berkley Flicker Shads and Storm Hot ‘N Tots are also top picks.
Spinners and bottom bouncers work well too. These lures mimic baitfish and trigger strikes from hungry walleye.
How does color influence the effectiveness of walleye lures?
Lure color can make a big difference for walleye fishing. Bright colors like chartreuse and orange work well in murky water. Natural hues like silver and white are better in clear conditions.
Purple and black lures often shine at night or in low light. It’s smart to bring a variety of colors and see what works best that day.
Which walleye jigs are considered the best for summer trolling?
For summer trolling, we like lightweight jigs in the 1/4 to 3/8 oz range. Northland Tackle’s Whistler Jig is a top choice. The Lindy Jig is another reliable option.
Tipping these jigs with live bait or soft plastics can boost your success. Experiment with different colors and sizes to find what the walleye prefers.
What are the secrets to successful walleye fishing with jigs?
Jig fishing for walleye takes practice. Use a slow, steady retrieve with occasional pauses. This mimics injured baitfish and tempts walleye to strike.
Pay attention to bottom structure. Walleyes often hang out near drop-offs and underwater humps. Vertical jigging in these spots can be very effective.
How do Rapala lures perform for walleye fishing compared to others?
Rapala lures are top performers for walleye fishing. Their realistic action and high-quality construction make them stand out. The Rapala Shad Rap is especially popular among walleye anglers.
Other brands like Storm and Berkley also make great walleye lures. But Rapala’s long track record and wide selection give them an edge for many fishermen.
What factors should be considered when choosing vertical jigging lures for walleye?
When picking vertical jigging lures, think about water depth and clarity. Heavier jigs work better in deep water or strong currents. Lighter jigs are good for shallow areas.
Lure profile matters too. Slim, minnow-shaped jigs often outperform bulky ones. Consider using scented soft plastics to add extra appeal to your jigs.