Fishing Crankbaits for Walleye

Fishing crankbaits for walleye is very productive. The average walleye fisherman owns a few tackle boxes full of crankbaits. Most include dozens of colors, models, and brands including deep-divers, shallow runners, rattling, jointed, and suspending versions. But when it comes to knowing what lure to use based on conditions, many walleye anglers draw a blank.

If you're just getting started using crankbaits you should "test" them by fishing with them and learn the different characteristics each lure offers. The action of each lure can range from aggressive to moderate to subtle. Each has its time and place. The time of year and water temperature play a major role in selecting the best crankbait.

Crankbaits are highly effective lures that allow walleye fishermen to selectively fish specific depth zones and match the lure to the size and shape of the forage base. In addition, crankbaits regularly produce larger fish than other lures.

Walleye Crankbait Selection Guidelines

Crankbaits can be divided into three categories: subtle action, medium action, and aggresive action lures. By determining the category of each crankbait, anglers can more readily determine when each type works best. Long slender minnow plugs like the Rapala Floating Minnow feature small diving lips and a slow top to bottom roll. Other good examples of subtle-action lures would be the Storm Jr. Thunderstick or the Smithwick Rattlin' Rogue. These lures should be used predominantly during cold water periods (35-40 degrees).

Medium action crankbaits feature the action characteristics of both the subtle and aggressive types. They usually feature a combination of subtle top to bottom roll and moderate side-to-side wobble. A few good choices would be the Rapala Shad Rap, Cotton Cordell Wally Diver, and the Rebel Jointed Fastrac. These should be utilized when the water temperature rises above 40 degrees.

Aggressive action crankbaits are best during the summer when water temperatures are warm. Walleyes are more aggressive and willing to chase down fast moving forage. These lures provide maximum flash and action. A few good choices would be the Storm Hot 'N Tot, Bombers, and Rattle Tots. These are fat-body cranks with large diving lips.

Walleye Lure Color Choices

Color is not the most important crankbait variable. The amount and type of flash may be more important than color choice. Where colors are concerned, most agree that that you should stick with natural colors . To match the hatch, so to speak, try to select lure size and profile that closely resemble the available forage. But, don't be afraid to experiment with different colors. Occasionally you'll stumble on a color pattern that proves to be very productive.

In Conclusion

Remember that these tips are not a cure-all. Once the water temperature has warmed over 50 degrees, all three categories can produce fish based on the walleyes activity level. In early spring and fall, anglers should rely on large lures because small young-of-the-year minnows don't exist at this time of year. During the summer and early fall, smaller lures that closely resemble youg baitfish are excellent choices. Cold water means subtle action lures; 40-50 degree water start with medium-action cranks; in warm water conditions go with aggressive action baits. Stay flexible and be creative; try different approaches and enjoy the rewards of successful crankbait fishing for walleyes!

Walleye Fishing Tip

Walleyes seem to favor the action of short-lipped floating minnow plugs like the Rapala. When fishing in deep water, many anglers will attach a sinker ahead of the floating minow instead of using sinking or diving models. The most popular method is achieved using a three-way rig. By varying the length of the dropper that holds the sinker, you can control the distance that your lure rides above the bottom.