Trolling for Walleye: The Ultimate Guide to Lures, Weights, & Rod-Reel Combos

If you’re a freshwater angler chasing the thrill of landing a hard-fighting walleye, trolling is one of the most effective techniques to add to your arsenal. Unlike casting, trolling lets you cover vast stretches of water, target active schools, and present lures exactly where walleyes lurk—whether in shallow weeds, mid-depth structures, or deep drop-offs. In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials: best walleye lures, trolling weights, and rod-reel combos to elevate your game. Plus, we’ll share pro tips to turn strikes into landed fish.

Why Troll for Walleye?

Walleyes are crepuscular (most active at dawn/dusk) but remain active throughout the day, especially in cooler water (60–70°F). Trolling mimics their natural prey—like minnows or leeches—drifting or swimming at consistent depths. It’s ideal for large lakes or rivers where stationary fishing might miss scattered schools. With the right setup, you can target walleyes from early spring (post-spawn) through fall, when they stack up near feeding grounds.

1. Top Walleye Lures for Trolling: Match the Hatch, Trigger Strikes

The right walleye lure is critical. Walleyes rely on vibration, flash, and color to locate prey, so your lure must mimic their natural food sources. Here are the top performers:

Spinnerbaits: Flashy and Versatile

Spinnerbaits—featuring spinning blades (Colorado, Indiana, or willowleaf) and a trailing hook—are a staple for trolling. The blades create vibration and flash, attracting walleyes from a distance. For best results:

• Use colorado blades in murky water (more vibration) or willowleaf blades in clear water (subtle flash).
• Pair with a trailer hook to increase hook-up odds (walleyes often short-strike).
• Ideal for shallow water (3–10 ft) or suspended fish; troll at 1.5–2.5 mph.

Pro Tip: Add a split shot 12–18 inches above the spinnerbait to adjust depth without sacrificing action.

Vibrating Jigs: Precision in Murky Water

Vibrating jigs (or “jigging spoons”) combine a weighted head with a fluttering tail. Their erratic vibration cuts through current and appeals to inactive walleyes. Try these variations:

• Tungsten jigs (heavier for deeper water) with a minnow-imitating tail (e.g., chartreuse or white).
• Bead-chain eyes to reduce line twist during trolling.
• Troll at 1–2 mph over weeds or rocky bottoms; use a depth finder to target 15–25 ft zones.

Crankbaits: Dive Deep, Cover More Water

Crankbaits (lipless or lipped) are designed to dive to specific depths, making them perfect for targeting suspended walleyes. Key considerations:

• Shallow-diving crankbaits (e.g., Rapala Shad Rap) work in 5–15 ft for summer schools near the surface.
• Deep-diving models (e.g., Bomber Long A) reach 20–30 ft; pair with leadcore line for precise depth control.
• Choose natural colors (silver, gold, perch patterns) in clear water; bright colors (firetiger, chartreuse) in stained water.

2. Trolling Weights: Control Depth, Maximize Efficiency

Even the best walleye lures fail if they don’t reach the strike zone. Trolling weights help you dial in depth, counteract current, and keep lures running true. Here’s what to use:

Bullet Weights: Streamline for Suspenders

Bullet weights (teardrop-shaped lead) are ideal for trolling with spinnerbaits or crankbaits. Their aerodynamic shape reduces drag, letting you maintain speed while adjusting depth:

• Add ¼–¾ oz for shallow trolling (5–15 ft).
• Use 1–2 oz for deeper water (15–25 ft).

Egg Sinkers: Reduce Line Twist

Egg sinkers (oval-shaped) work well with vibrating jigs or live bait rigs (e.g., minnows on a wire leader). They slide freely on the line, minimizing twist from the jig’s vibration:

• Pair with a swivel above the sinker to prevent line tangles.
• Use ½–1 oz for moderate currents; 1–2 oz in strong flows.

Trolling Sinker Systems: Precision Depth Control

For serious trolling, invest in a downrigger or dipsey diver. These systems let you set exact depths (e.g., 20 ft) by attaching weights to a cable that releases from a reel when a fish strikes. Downriggers are especially useful for:

• Targeting walleyes in 30+ ft of water.
• Running multiple lines without tangling.

3. Rod-Reel Combos: Built for Trolling Toughness

A reliable rod-reel combo ensures you can handle walleyes’ explosive strikes and long runs. Here’s what to look for:

Medium-Action Rods: Balance Sensitivity and Strength

• Length: 6’6”–7’6” for better line control and casting (if you switch techniques).
• Action: Medium (flexes in the top ⅓–½ of the blank) to absorb shock from big walleyes (up to 10 lbs) without breaking.
• Power: Fast-action tips improve hook sets; moderate power handles larger lures.

Low-Speed Reels: Maintain Tension, Prevent Line Slack

• Gear Ratio: 4.5:1–5.5:1 for slow, steady trolling (ideal for crankbaits or deep-diving lures).
• Line Capacity: 150–200 yards of 10–14 lb monofilament or braided line (braided line has less stretch for better hook sets).
• Drag System: Smooth, adjustable drag to tire out walleyes without breaking off.

Top Picks:

• Rod: St. Croix Premier Trolling Rod (medium-action, 7’).
• Reel: Shimano Stradic CI4+ 2500 (5.0:1 gear ratio, corrosion-resistant).

Pro Tips for Troll-Savvy Walleye Anglers

• Speed Matters: Most walleyes hit lures moving at 1.5–2.5 mph. Slow down (1–1.5 mph) in cold water (<60°F) or when targeting suspended fish.
• Depth Control: Use a fish finder to locate schools; mark productive depths with a GPS for repeat passes.
• Color Strategy: Match lure color to water clarity—natural tones (silver, perch) in clear water; high-contrast (firetiger, chartreuse) in stained water.

Final Thoughts
Trolling for walleyes is all about precision: matching lures to conditions, using weights to hit the strike zone, and pairing gear built for the fight. By following this guide, you’ll be ready to land more walleyes—and bigger ones—this season. Tight lines, and happy trolling!