Best Walleye Fishing Baits for Beginners: Top Live and Artificial Options

Walleye fishing is an exciting challenge for anglers, prized not only for their delicate, delicious flavor but also for the thrill of the catch. Whether you’re new to walleye fishing or looking to sharpen your skills, selecting the right bait can significantly improve your chances of success. This comprehensive guide will explore the top live and artificial baits for walleye, effective rigging techniques, and practical advice for beginners, including information on local regulations, free fishing days, and how to fish responsibly. Updated for 2025, this article will provide detailed, actionable content for your next fishing adventure.

Understanding Walleye Behavior: The Key to Successful Fishing

Before diving into bait options, it’s crucial to understand walleye behavior. These fish are notorious for their tricky feeding habits and preference for low-light conditions, often feeding at dawn and dusk. They’re also bottom-dwellers, making them more likely to be found near structure like rocks, drop-offs, and submerged vegetation.

Key Factors to Consider:

• Light Sensitivity: Walleye have excellent vision in low-light conditions, so early morning, evening, and cloudy days are ideal times to fish. During clear skies and bright conditions, walleye tend to stay deeper in the water column.
• Feeding Habits: Walleye primarily feed on minnows, leeches, and smaller fish, making these excellent bait options. They also hunt by ambush, so presenting your bait naturally is key.
• Water Temperature: Walleye are cold-water fish, so they prefer waters between 45-65°F (7-18°C). In warmer months, they may move to deeper waters to stay cool. This affects both their feeding habits and the types of baits that work best.

Obtaining Proper Fishing Licenses and Following Regulations

Fishing legally is as important as choosing the right bait. To avoid penalties and contribute to sustainable practices, always obtain the correct fishing license for your area and adhere to local regulations. Many states have apps or online services that allow you to purchase your license easily.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Licenses: Some regions offer discounts for youth, seniors, or multi-year permits, so check for savings at your state’s official fishing website. For example, you can visit Fish and Wildlife Services to get accurate, state-specific licensing information.
• Catch Limits: Be sure to familiarize yourself with daily bag limits and size restrictions. These can vary by state, body of water, and even time of year. For instance, certain lakes may have a 5-fish limit or require a 15-inch minimum size for walleye.
• Seasonal Closures: Many areas close fishing during spawning season to protect walleye populations. These closures can range from late spring to early summer, depending on the region. Always consult your local wildlife department’s website for up-to-date information on fishing seasons.
• Free Fishing Days: Some states offer free fishing days during which no license is required. This is an excellent opportunity for beginners to try walleye fishing without the financial commitment. Check for free fishing days on your state’s fishing regulations page.

By ensuring compliance with these rules, you’re supporting the health of the walleye population and the future of the sport.

Artificial Lures: Versatility and Effectiveness for Beginners

Artificial lures offer a wide array of options for beginners, providing an easy way to target walleye without needing live bait. They’re especially effective for covering large areas of water quickly and triggering reaction strikes. Here’s a look at the best artificial lures for walleye fishing:

1. Jigs

Jigs are a top choice for walleye anglers due to their versatility. They can be fished vertically, cast, or retrieved along the bottom.

• Bucktail Jigs: These jigs use natural hair that pulsates in the water, creating a lifelike action that attracts walleye, especially when presented slowly.
• Soft Plastic Jigs: These jigs come with a twister tail or paddle tail that mimics small fish or worms. They work well in varying conditions and depths.
• Hair Jigs: Flowing hair creates subtle vibrations, which can entice walleye to bite, especially during colder months when fish are more lethargic.

Tip: Adjust the size and color of your jigs based on water clarity and time of day. Dark colors work well in murky waters, while lighter hues are ideal for clear water.

2. Crankbaits

Crankbaits are ideal for anglers looking to cover large areas of water quickly. They come in a range of sizes, shapes, and diving depths to target walleye at different levels.

• Minnow Baits: Slender, elongated crankbaits that mimic small fish are highly effective for walleye, especially when trolled or cast.
• Lipless Crankbaits: Their tight wobble is perfect for cold water and fishing through vegetation or rocky structures.
• Diving Crankbaits: These baits dive to specific depths and are useful for targeting suspended walleye.

Tip: Pay attention to the depth at which walleye are holding and select a crankbait with the corresponding diving depth. Match the color and shape to the local baitfish species.

3. Spinner Rigs

Spinner rigs combine the flash of a spinning blade with the scent and movement of live bait, making them irresistible to walleye.

• Nightcrawler Harnesses: These rigs feature a spinner blade and nightcrawler to create an irresistible combination of flash and scent.
• Minnow Rigs: These rigs swap the nightcrawler for a minnow for a more natural, baitfish presentation.
• Slow Death Rigs: These unique rigs feature a bent hook that imparts a corkscrew motion to the nightcrawler, enticing even finicky walleye.

Tip: Experiment with different blade sizes and colors to find the most productive combination for your fishing conditions. Spinner rigs are particularly effective when trolling.

4. Soft Plastics

Soft plastics have become a favorite among walleye anglers due to their lifelike appearance and versatile presentation options. They can be rigged in various ways and are effective when fished slowly.

• Minnow Imitations: Soft plastic minnows, such as paddle tails, closely resemble the movement of natural prey.
• Leech Imitations: These segmented baits mimic leeches’ unique movement and work well during early summer and low-light periods.
• Worm Imitations: Soft plastic worms are ideal for bottom fishing and can be used with multiple rigs.

Tip: Choose natural colors like black, brown, or green for clear water and brighter colors like chartreuse or orange for murky conditions.

Live Bait: The Natural Advantage

While artificial lures are effective, live bait can often be more enticing for walleye, especially when fishing in tough conditions. Here are the best live bait options:

1. Nightcrawlers

Nightcrawlers, known for their undulating movement and strong scent, are a classic favorite for walleye.

• Slip Sinker Rig: This rig allows the nightcrawler to drift naturally near the bottom, which is highly effective in deep water.
• Floating Jig Head: This rig keeps the nightcrawler just off the bottom, mimicking a drifting worm.
• Spinner Rigs: Combining nightcrawlers with spinner blades creates a powerful combination of flash and scent.

Tip: Replace nightcrawlers regularly to maintain freshness. Ensure the worm is securely hooked for a natural presentation.

2. Minnows

Minnows are a staple in the diet of walleye and an excellent live bait option. They can be hooked through the lips or behind the dorsal fin to mimic natural swimming motion.

• Fathead Minnows: Hardy and reliable, fathead minnows are available in various sizes.
• Emerald Shiners: These small, silvery minnows are perfect for walleye.
• Golden Shiners: Larger minnows with a flashy appearance, ideal for attracting trophy walleye.

Tip: Keep minnows lively by using a bait bucket or livewell and replace them frequently for optimal effectiveness.

3. Leeches

Though they might not seem like an attractive option, leeches’ natural movement is irresistible to walleye.

• Slip Bobber Rig: Suspend a leech under a bobber to allow it to move naturally in the current.
• Lindy Rig: This rig presents the leech near the bottom with minimal resistance.
• Jig and Leech: A simple yet effective combination for triggering bites.

Tip: Leech fishing is best in early summer or during low-light periods when walleye are actively feeding.

Rigging Techniques: Setting Yourself Up for Success

The way you rig your bait can be the difference between a successful day on the water and going home empty-handed. Here are two essential rigging techniques:

Slip Sinker Rig

This rig is versatile and allows for natural bait movement. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Slide a sinker onto your main line, followed by a bead.
2. Tie on a swivel and attach a leader (18-36 inches).
3. Add a hook and bait with your choice of live bait or soft plastic.

Slip Bobber Rig

Slip bobber rigs are great for suspending bait at a specific depth. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Slide a slip bobber onto your line and add a bead.
2. Tie a swivel and a leader, then add a hook.
3. Adjust the bobber knot to set the desired depth. Watch the bobber for strikes.

Seasonal Considerations and Bait Selection

Walleye behavior changes throughout the year, so it’s important to adjust your bait and rigging accordingly.

Spring: Early spring is the prime time for walleye in shallow waters. Use slow-moving jigs with minnows or nightcrawlers. Avoid fishing during spawning seasons when local regulations prohibit fishing.

Summer: During hot months, walleye move to deeper waters. Crankbaits and spinner rigs are great for trolling. At night, fish shallow with live bait on slip bobbers.

Fall: As walleye feed heavily in preparation for winter, use aggressive baits like large crankbaits and soft plastics. Fish drop-offs and rocky structures where walleye are likely to congregate.

Winter: Ice fishing is popular during the colder months. Use jigging spoons tipped with minnows or soft plastics. Always check local ice fishing regulations for safety and licensing.

Conclusion: A Successful and Responsible Fishing Experience

Fishing for walleye is a rewarding experience that requires knowledge, patience, and respect for the environment. By selecting the right bait, employing effective rigging techniques, and adhering to local fishing regulations, you can enjoy a successful, responsible fishing adventure. Remember to check your local regulations frequently, especially for seasonal closures, free fishing days, and updates to licensing requirements.

Embrace the thrill of the chase, stay patient, and enjoy the great outdoors while practicing sustainable fishing to protect walleye populations for future generations.