Best Walleye Fishing Lures

Whether you’re fishing in a lake or a river, walleye are some of the most challenging fish to catch. They’re notoriously finicky eaters, and even have individual tastes that make it hard to predict which walleye bait is going to be most effective.

To help you gain a crucial edge, we’ve put together a list of the best walleye fishing lures on the market. We’ve chosen a variety of crankbaits, for trolling and casting from the shore, as well as a selection of walleye jigs that will help you fish in deeper waters.

The most important thing to remember is that these are seasonal fish. In cooler weather, they prefer shallower waters, but they hunt at lower depths in the summer. If you’re in a smaller lake, this can mean 40 feet, but anglers on the great lakes have brought in trophies as deep as 60 feet, where they love to feast on smelt.

The Very Best Walleye Fishing Lures

1. Rapala Shadow Rap 11

The Rapala Shadow is a long casting lure that’s designed for use in shallow water.

Key Features

• Balsa wood crankbait
• 2 stainless steel treble hooks
• Swims at 2-3 feet
• 4 inches long
• Weighs ⅜ ounce
• Perch pattern

The Rapala shadow is a balsa wood crankbait that’s designed for casting a long-distance and retrieving at a depth of 2 to 3 feet. This makes it well suited for cranking and retrieving through shallow water close to shore. It’s painted to look like a baby perch and features lifelike 3D eyes for added realism.

Because it swims at such a shallow depth, this crankbait is only useful in early spring or late fall, when walleyes hunt close to the surface. Once the water temperature rises, you’ll be too shallow to reach any of these elusive fish.

Pros

• Good choice for shallow water
• Long casting design
• Lifelike 3D eyes

Cons

• Only useful in chilly weather

This fishing lure is ideal for use immediately after the spring thaw.

2. Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait 08

The Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait 08 is designed to cast along shallow points.

Key Features

• Plastic crankbait
• 2 stainless steel treble hooks
• Swims at 3-8 feet
• 3.5  inches long
• Weighs ¼ ounce
• Available in 10 patterns
• Internal rattle

The Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait 08 is another long casting crankbait, but it swims a bit deeper than the Flat Rap 10, at around 3 to 8 feet. This makes it a good choice for casting and retrieving along with points, especially rocky areas with enough cover for walleyes to hunt.

This bait is useful in spring or fall, when walleyes are active but have not yet moved offshore into deeper waters. It features an internal rattler, which sends vibrations through the water, attracting fish from several yards away. The only thing we didn’t like was the tail feather, which isn’t very durable.

Pros

• Plenty of noise and flash
• Long casting design
• Good choice for cool weather

Cons

• Cheap tail feather

This is a great crankbait for fishing in cool weather.

3. Rapala Rattlin 05

The Rapala Rattlin 05 can be used at almost any time of year.

Key Features

• Plastic crankbait
• 2 nickel treble hooks
• Sinks to the bottom and rises when reeling
• 2  inches long
• Weighs 0.3 ounces
• Available in 10 patterns
• Internal rattle

The Rapala Rattlin 05 is a sinking lure, which means that it drops to the bottom if there are no other forces acting on it. As a result, you can fish it deeper than most crankbaits. This makes it a good choice for summer fishing when walleyes are hunting in deeper waters.

This bait doesn’t cast very far. It’s best used from a boat, where you can get directly over a deeper ledge or drop-off. Alternatively, you can add a weight or two to increase your casting distance.

Pros

• Plenty of noise and flash
• Can be used at almost any depth

Cons

• Relatively short casting

This crankbait is perfect for fishing in deeper water.

4. Cotton Cordell Wally Diver

The Cotton Cordell Wally Diver was designed specifically for catching walleyes.

Key Features

• Plastic crankbait
• 2 brass treble hooks
• Swims at 6-17 feet
• Available in 2 ½ and 3 ⅜-inch lengths
• Weighs 0.2 or 0.25 ounces
• Available in 12 patterns
• Internal rattle

The Cotton Cordell Wally Diver, as its name implies, is a specialized walleye lure. It’s available in two different lengths and weights: a 2 ½-inch lure that runs at 6-8 feet, a heavier 2 ½-inch lure that runs at 8-10 feet, and a 3 ⅛-inch lure that runs as deep as 17 feet. As a result, you can fish at least one version of this lure at any part of the spring or fall.

This lure has a tight, realistic wiggling action when retrieved, which drives walleyes crazy. Be careful about your selection, though; some patterns are very realistic, but others aren’t.

Pros

• Comes in different sizes for different dive depths
• Tight, furious wiggling action
• Good for spring and fall fishing

Cons

• Some patterns are less realistic than others

These fishing lures have an intense wiggling action that’s perfect for attracting walleyes.

5. Rapala X-Rap

The Rapala X-Rap XR10 swims at 3 to 8 feet, perfect for spring or fall walleye fishing.

Key Features

• Plastic crankbait
• 2 stainless steel treble hooks
• Swims at 3-8 feet
• 4 inches long
• Weighs 0.48 ounces
• Available in 10 patterns
• Internal rattle

The Rapala X-Rap XR10 is a hefty, half-ounce lure that’s heavy enough to cast a long way. This makes it easy to reach offshore points and drop-offs where walleye like to congregate in the spring and the fall. It features an internal rattle that sends vibrations through the water, and wiggles like a distressed fish while you’re reeling it in.

The best way to use this lure is to stop reeling every few seconds, which causes it to roll over on its side, tempting walleyes to strike. Make sure to set it securely, though; the hooks aren’t very sturdy and can bend and snap if they’re not set fully.

Pros

• Realistic swimming action
• Long casting design
• Ideal for spring or fall fishing

Cons

• Flimsy hooks

This fishing lure is heavy enough to cast at long distances.

6. Bomber Long A

The Bomber Long A is available in 3 different sizes, and can be either cast and retrieved or trolled.

Key Features

• Plastic crankbait
• 2 brass treble hooks
• Swims at 4-8 feet
• Available in 2 ½, 3 ½, and 4 ½-inch lengths
• Weighs 0.2, 0.3, or 0.4 ounces
• Available in dozens of patterns

The Bomber Long A dives to 3 feet on the cast and sinks to 4-8 feet when retrieved or trolled. At this depth, you’ll be well set up for spring or fall fishing off of points. The 2 ½-inch version is designed for casting, while the 3 ½-inch and 4 ½-inch versions are intended for trolling behind a boat.

This is a versatile lure that comes in enough patterns to match whatever local baitfish your walleyes are hunting. The only bad thing about it is the lip, which snaps off easily if you accidentally cast it into a rock or pier.

Pros

• A great choice for trolling
• Ideal for spring or fall walleye fishing
• Enough patterns to match any local baitfish

Cons

• Lip is not very durable

This fishing lure is available in dozens of patterns, so you can simulate almost any baitfish.

7. Rapala Original Floater 11

The Rapala Original Floater 11 is available in bleeding patterns that enhance the illusion of a wounded fish.

Key Features

• Balsa wood crankbait
• 3 nickel treble hooks
• Swims at 3-5 feet
• 4 ¼ inches long
• Weighs 3/16 ounces
• Available in 10 patterns
• Internal rattle

The Rapala Original Floater 11 is a well-designed balsa wood crankbait that runs at 3 to 5 feet. This is too shallow for warm weather fishing, but perfect for early spring or late fall when the walleyes are staying close to the sunlight.

This lure has a twitchy action on the retrieve, which simulates a wounded or distressed baitfish. And some of the patterns feature blood spots, adding to the realism.

Pros

• Good choice for early spring or late fall
• Available in bleeding patterns
• Realistic swimming action

Cons

• Only useful in chilly weather

This floating lure is an ideal choice for cold weather fishing.

8. Rapala Super Shad Rap

The Rapala Super Shad Rap is equally well suited to casting and trolling.

Key Features

• Abachi wood crankbait
• 2 nickel treble hooks
• Swims at 5-9 feet
• 5 ½ inches long
• Weighs 1.6 ounces
• Available in 11 patterns

The Rapala Super Shad Rap is a hefty, 1.6-ounce lure that’s beefy enough to cast 50 yards or more, provided you have the arm strength. It swims at 5 to 9 feet, which is a good depth for spring and fall walleye fishing.

Not only can you cast this lure a long distance, but it’s perfect for trolling. The right-angle design of the lip keeps the lure steady at the same depth indefinitely, as long as it’s being pulled forward. And at 5 ½ inches in length, the Super Shad Rap is big enough to attract trophy-sized walleyes.

Pros

• Exceptionally long casting
• Ideal for spring or fall fishing
• Designed for trolling

Cons

• Inconsistent coloring

This large, heavy lure is easy to cast at long distances.

9. Rat-L-Trap RT260

The Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap is available in 35 patterns, enough to match just about any common baitfish.

Key Features

• Plastic crankbait
• 2 stainless steel treble hooks
• Sinks to the bottom and rises when reeling
• 3 inches long
• Weighs ½ ounce
• Available in 35 patterns
• Internal rattle

The Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap is a sinking lure, which means it will drop all the way to the bottom of the lake if you’re not reeling it in. It rises on the retrieve, so the best method for using it is to crank for a few seconds, then let it sink again, and so on.

Because you can fish it at any depth, you can reach the deeper water where walleyes hunt in the summertime. Just be aware that it only wiggles on the retrieve. When sinking, it drops like a stone.

This lure comes in 35 patterns to match local baitfish, and many of those patterns are bright enough for use in cloudy water.

Pros

• Plenty of flash and noise
• Useful at any depth
• Patterns match almost any baitfish
• Good choice for summer fishing

Cons

• Does not wiggle when sinking

This fishing lure is versatile enough to fish at any depth, in any season.

10. Rapala Jigging Rap 09

The Rapala Jigging Rap 09 is designed for — what else? — jigging.

Key Features

• Zinc lure with a stainless steel nose and tail hooks
• Stainless steel treble hook underneath
• Designed for jigging
• 3 ½ inches long
• Weighs 0.8 ounces
• Silver and red minnow pattern

The Rapala Jigging Rap 09 is the first lure on our list that isn’t a crankbait. It’s a jigging lure, designed for use in deep water. This makes it ideal for catching summer walleye, who follow their baitfish offshore into deeper water during the warm weather.

This lure features an all-metal design, making it durable enough to last for years. And it’s shiny enough to catch a walleye’s attention even in the murky water you’ll experience during peak walleye chop. Because it’s a jigging lure, it’s designed for boat fishing, not for casting from the shore.

Pros

• Ideal for summer fishing
• Shiny enough for use in murky water
• Sturdy metal construction

Cons

• Only useful for boat fishing

This is an exceptional deep water walleye lure.

11. Rapala Rippin’ Rap 06

The Rapala Rippin’ Rap is designed for a jerk and stop retrieve.

Key Features

• Plastic crankbait
• 2 nickel treble hooks
• Sinks to the bottom and rises on the retrieve
• Available in 2, 2 ½, and 2 ¾-inch lengths
• Weighs 5/16, ½, or ⅞ of an ounce
• Available in 13 patterns
• Internal rattle

The Rapala Rippin’ Rap is a sinking lure, which means you can fish it at any depth. You can use it for shallow water spring fishing, or take it deep in a lake during the summer. It’s designed to be fished with a jerking, stop-and-start motion that will keep it at a steady depth and simulate the movements of a wounded baitfish.

Be careful about dropping this lure all the way to the bottom. The hooks can get snagged on plants. If you’re lucky, they’ll get bent. If you’re unlucky, you’ll have to abandon the lure.

Pros

• Useful at any depth
• Plenty of flash and noise
• Realistic swimming action

Cons

• Easy to snag

This fishing lure can be fished at any depth, from shallow rivers to deep lakes.

12. Rapala Husky Jerk 14

The Rapala Husky Jerk 14 is designed for long casting and a lazy retrieve.

Key Features

• Plastic crankbait
• 3 nickel treble hooks
• Swims at 4-8 feet
• 5 ½ inches long
• Weighs ⅝ ounce
• Available in 6 patterns
• Internal rattle

The Rapala Husky Jerk 14 is a big, beefy lure that’s easy to cast for a long distance. It sinks to 4-8 feet on the retrieve and maintains neutral buoyancy when you’re not reeling it in. If you retrieve it lazily, with a start and stop motion, it will alternate between wiggling and remaining stationary, just like the erratic movements of a distressed fish.

Be careful when you’re casting this lure. While it performs exceptionally well in the water, the lip isn’t durable and will snap off if it hits a rock or piling.

Pros

• Ideal for spring and fall fishing
• Neutral buoyancy for maximum realism
• Long casting design
• Plenty of flash and noise

Cons

• Flimsy lip

This fishing lure has neutral buoyancy, so it won’t rise or fall when it’s stationary.

13. Storm Original Hot ‘N TOT

The Storm Original Hot ‘N Tot is loud enough to attract even the most hesitant walleye.

Key Features

• Plastic crankbait
• 2 nickel treble hooks
• Swims at 6-18 feet
• 2 ¾ inches long
• Weighs 0.42 ounces
• Available in 15 patterns
• Internal rattle

The Storm Original Hot ‘N Tot is a chubby lure with a sturdy metal lip. The wiggling action on this lure is very intense and causes the internal rattle to produce a lot of noise. It’s available in 15 different patterns, so it can match a wide variety of baitfish.

This lure runs deep, around 18 feet at the lowest point. This makes it perfect for trolling offshore, as the lure will stay deep as long as there’s sufficient line. However, it’s poorly shaped and weighted for casting from the shore.

Pros

• Loud noise and erratic action
• Ideal for warm weather fishing
• Designed for trolling

Cons

• Not well designed for casting

This fishing bait swims as low as 18 feet — perfect for trolling in the late spring or early fall.

14. Rapala Jigging Rap 07

The Rapala Jigging Rap 07 is a solid metal jig that can take a lot of abuse.

Key Features

• Zinc lure with stainless steel nose and tail hooks
• Stainless steel treble hook underneath
• Designed for jigging
• 2 ¾ inches long
• Weighs ⅝ ounce
• Available in 27 patterns

The Rapala Jigging Rap 07 is a smaller version of the Jigging Rap 09 and is designed for jigging in deep water. This makes it a great choice for boat fishing in the summertime, but a poor choice for casting from the shore. It’s available in 27 patterns, to match a large number of common baitfish.

This lure has a solid metal body. Not only does this make it durable, but it also produces a lot of flash, which makes it well suited for fishing murky water.

Pros

• Ideal for summer fishing
• Shiny enough for use in murky water
• Matches almost any baitfish
• Sturdy metal construction

Cons

• Only useful for boat fishing

This fishing lure is perfect for summer fishing, but can be used at any depth at any time of year.

15. Rebel Jointed Minnow

The Rebel Jointed Minnow has a jointed design for added realism.

Key Features

• Plastic crankbait
• 2 brass treble hooks
• Swims at 0-3 feet
• Available in 1 ⅞ and 3 ½-inch lengths
• Weighs 3/32 or 5/16 ounce
• Available in 2 patterns
• Jointed design

The Rebel Jointed Minnow is a jointed lure, which means it’s divided into two segments that hinge in the middle of the body. This allows the tail to pivot as you reel it in, which makes the swimming action more realistic than you’ll see in a rigid lure.

This lure runs shallow, between the surface and three feet. At this depth, you’ll only find walleye in cold weather. That said, it’s easy to cast a long distance. If you find a bend in the shoreline, you can throw it parallel to the lakeshore and retrieve across a long distance.

Pros

• Realistic swimming action
• Good choice for shallow water
• Long casting design

Cons

• Only useful in chilly weather

This is an ideal lure for cold weather walleye fishing.

16. Northland Tackle RZJ4-4-108

The Northland RZ Jig is a weighted jigging hook that comes in a 3-pack.

Key Features

• Weighted stainless steel jigging hook
• Available in 6 sizes
• Available in 15 colors
• Comes in a multi-pack

The Northland RZ Jig is a weighted jigging hook, with a large, colorful eye painted on the weighted bulb. This hook is available in 6 different sizes, but we recommend using the heavy, ⅜-ounce version if you’re fishing for walleye.

Until now, we’ve been focusing on crankbait, with a few fancy jigging lures thrown in. From here on out, we’ll be looking at simpler jigging hooks, suitable for summertime walleye fishing. For that matter, these types of hooks can be used at any time of year, since there’s no set depth.

A jigging hook is best used from a boat since you’ll be able to move it up and down in the water. That said, you can still fish from the shore with a jigging hook if there’s a tall rock outcropping or low cliff that you’re able to cast from.

Pros

• Bright colors
• Realistic eyes
• Can be fished at any depth
• Ideal for boat fishing

Cons

• Limited use for shore fishing

This jigging hook can be used on its own, or fitted with bait to make it even more tempting.

17. YZD Silverside Minnow

The YZD Silverside Minnow is a flashy, single-use jigging lure.

Key Features

• Weighted stainless steel jigging hook
• Weighs 1/32 ounce
• Blue/green mylar minnow lure built onto the hook
• Comes in a 12-pack

The YZD Silverside Minnow is a jigging hook that comes with a twist: there’s a blue and green mylar minnow lure built right over the hook. This makes plenty of flash, and is almost irresistible to a hungry walleye.

The downside of this design is that mylar isn’t durable. After one bite, these lures will be destroyed. That said, they come in a 12-pack, so you still get plenty of value.

Pros

• Plenty of flash
• Can be fished at any depth
• Ideal for boat fishing

Cons

• Single-use only
• Limited use for shore fishing

This 12-pack of lures will nab you 12 walleye.

18. Lindy Slick Jig Kit

The Lindy Slick Jig Kit is a 12-pack of weighted hooks that can be baited if you so desire.

Key Features

• Weighted stainless steel jigging hook
• 3/16 and ¼ ounce weights
• Weight doubles as a lifelike bug lure
• Comes in a 12-pack with 6 of each size
• Designed specifically for ice fishing

The Lindy Slick Jig Kit is a combination of 3/16-ounce and ¼-ounce weighted hooks. Both sizes feature a weight that’s painted to look like a lifelike bug head, with enough space on the hook to attach a live minnow or nightcrawler.

These hooks are designed to rest with the weight forward and the hook laying on its back, which makes them easier to pull out of an ice hole without snagging.

Pros

• Designed specifically for ice fishing
• Plenty of flash and color
• Can be fished at any depth

Cons

• Limited use for shore fishing

If you like walleye and ice fishing, you’ll love this kit.

19. Sougayilang Ice Fishing Jigs

Sougayilang Ice Fishing Jigs rest with the hook parallel to the surface, reducing the odds of a snag when you pull an empty hook from the ice.

Key Features

• Stainless steel jigging hook with lead weight
• 24 0.08-ounce hooks
• Lifelike eyes painted on the weight
• Designed specifically for ice fishing

Sougayilang Ice Fishing Jigs arrive in a box of 24. These stainless steel hooks feature a brightly-colored eye painted on the lead weight bulbs, which presents a tempting target for any passing walleye. While they’re made for ice fishing, there’s no reason you can’t use them in the summer as well.

Pros

• Well suited to ice fishing
• Can be fished at any depth
• Plenty of flash and color

Cons

• Limited use for shore fishing

These fishing jigs are another fine choice for ice fishing.

20. Berkley PowerBait

The Berkley PowerBait is available in dozens of colors, to match the most common baitfish.

Key Features

• Weighted nickel jigging hook
• Available in 10 sizes
• Available in dozens of colors
• Baited with a PowerBait lure

The Berkley PowerBait is a nickel jigging hook that’s available in 10 different sizes. All of them will nab you a walleye, but we recommend going with one of the larger sizes if you’re trying to win a trophy.

The neat thing about these hooks is that they’re pre-baited with Berkley PowerBait, which is a plastic fish that smells and tastes like the real thing. You’ll get all the benefits of using live bait, without the mess.

Pros

• Smells like a real fish
• Can be fished at any depth
• Available to match almost any baitfish
• Ideal for jigging from a boat

Cons

• Limited use for shore fishing

The PowerBait lures on these hooks smell like a real fish.

21. Arkie Jig Heads

The Arkie ¼-oz Walleye Jig is a barebones jig with eyes painted on the sides of the weight.

Key Features

• Weighted bronze jigging hook
• Weighs ¼ ounce
• Available in 7 colors
• Comes in a 10-pack

The Arkie ¼-oz Walleye Jig is a simple, ¼-ounce jig that’s available in 7 different colors. The bronze hook is very durable for the price and can be baited if you want to throw a little more temptation into the mix. They also come in a 10-pack, so you won’t need to worry about losing a hook or two.

Pros

• Can be fished at any depth
• Ideal for jigging from a boat
• Cheap

Cons

• Limited use for shore fishing

A 10-pack of these fishing jigs costs as little as a cup of coffee.

22. Northland Tackle SH3-12

The Northland Tackle Sting’R Hook Bait includes a 12-pound leader that’s very difficult for a fish to bite through.

Key Features

• Bronze treble jigging hook
• Weighs .03 ounces
• Includes a 12-pound leader
• Comes in a 12-pack

The Northland Tackle Sting’R Hook Bait is a 12-pack of tough, bronze treble hooks that can help you get a good bite from even the most tentative nibbler. These hooks include 12-pound leaders that prevent you from losing your walleye to a bitten line. However, they’re just hooks, with no lure of any kind, so you’ll need to bait them if you want to get any bites.

Pros

• Tough treble hook and durable leader
• Can be fished at any depth
• Ideal for jigging from a boat

Cons

• Requires bait
• Limited use for shore fishing

These tough treble hooks are easier to set than a single hook.

23. Eagle Claw Jig Ball

The Eagle Claw Jig Ball Double Eye Hook is a simple jigging hook with eyes painted on both sides.

Key Features

• Weighted stainless steel jigging hook
• Available in 6 sizes
• Available in 6 colors
• Comes in a 10-pack

The Eagle Claw Jig Ball Double Eye Hook is available in 6 sizes. While all of them can potentially bring in a walleye, we recommend the larger ⅜ or ½-ounce sizes to get the best results. They can be baited if desired, but are already flashy and attractive.

Pros

• Can be fished at any depth
• Ideal for jigging from a boat
• Colorful eyes painted on both sides of the weight

Cons

• Limited use for shore fishing

In the larger sizes, these are some of the beefiest jigs on the market.

24. Northland Tackle PJ4-25-99

The Northland Tackle Gum-Drop Floater #4 is as lifelike as you’ll see in a simple jigging hook.

Key Features

• Weighted stainless steel jigging hook
• Weighs 0.8 ounces
• 8 assorted colors
• Colorful, lifelike foam lure on each hook
• Comes in a 25-pack

The Northland Tackle Gum-Drop Floater #4 is a stainless steel jig with a twist: each hook features a foam lure that wraps over the weight. Not only are these lures bright and vibrant, they also cause the hook to float horizontally, enhancing the illusion of a real fish. However, they’re made of foam, so each hook is typically only good for one bite.

Pros

• Can be fished at any depth
• Ideal for jigging from a boat
• Floats horizontally for a more lifelike appearance

Cons

• Single-use only
• Limited use for shore fishing

These are some of the best fishing jigs and are ideal for floating over weeds or other covers.

25. Rapala Neon Moon Eye

The Rapala Neon Moon Eye ¼ Jig is relatively heavy and comes in a 4-pack.

Key Features

• Weighted nickel-coated steel jigging hook
• Weighs ¼ ounce
• Neon green weight with painted eyes
• Paint reflects UV light as well as visible light
• Comes in a 4-pack

The Rapala Neon Moon Eye ¼ Jig is a basic steel jigging hook with a ¼-ounce weight on the head. The head is painted neon green, with eyes on both sides. What’s really cool about this hook is that the paint is UV-reflective, which makes it easy to see even under low light conditions. These hooks come in a 4-pack, so they’re a good value.

Pros

• Can be fished at any depth
• Ideal for jigging from a boat
• Good for murky water or night fishing

Cons

• Limited use for shore fishing

This jigging hook is highly visible, even in murky water.

Bottom Line

So which of these lures for walleye is truly the best? Frankly, it’s hard to say.

As we mentioned previously, walleye are picky eaters and even have individual preferences. Favorite prey includes shad and minnows, and those types of lures are the go-to choice for most anglers who are casting a crankbait or jerkbait.

But that’s only going to help you out if the fish are at shallow or medium depths. In summer, you’ll need to go deeper, which means you’ll want to switch from a crankbait to a jig. When using a jig, you’ll want to drop your bait to the bottom and bounce it around, enticing walleyes with the movement and flash.

Ultimately, you’re going to want a collection of walleye lures, with a variety of options that you can change depending on what the fish are biting. We hope we’ve given you enough options to build a kit that works for you.