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.
Best Walleye Fishing Lures
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1. Rapala Rattlin 05
Rapala Rattlin 05
$9.11 in stock
Free shipping
Features
- Great action at slow to very fast retrieve rates.
- Sinking
- Long-Casting
- Balanced Design
- Special "tuned" sound chamber is loaded with rattlin' BBs
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.
2. Cotton Cordell Wally Diver
Cotton Cordell Wally Diver
Free shipping
Features
- The Cotton Cordell Wally Diver has proven that its slender profile and tight wiggle produce big walleye and bass.
- Its tight compact action increases hooksets and is equally effective whether cast or trolled.
- Proven on the Great Lakes and other walleye waters
- The Wally Diver series is Cotton Cordell's most popular lure and if you use one, you'll see just why they are so popular.
- Variety of size styles and color patterns to match any situation when fishing
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.
3. Rapala Shadow Rap 11
Rapala Shadow Rap 11
$13.27 in stock
Free shipping
Features
- Incredible life-like finishes
- Kicks almost 180 degrees right then left
- Slow-sinking on pause
- Running depth: 2 ft To 4 ft Vmc black nickel hooks
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.
4. Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait 08
Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait 08
Free shipping
Features
- The adrenaline-pumping X-Rap slashbait has Xtreme attitude with its hard-cutting, aggressive darting action.
- Running Depth: 3-8 ft
- .25 Oz
- The integrated long-casting system partners with an irresistible rattle and classic Rapala action.
- It suspends and comes to a roll at rest to trigger the bite.
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.
5. Rapala X-Rap
Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait 10
$9.68 in stock
Free shipping
Features
- The adrenaline-pumping X-rap slashbait has Xtreme attitude with its hard-cutting, aggressive darting action
- Running depth: 3-8 feet
- Weighs .4375 Oz
- The integrated long-casting system partners with an irresistible rattle and classic rapala action
- It suspends and comes to a roll at rest to trigger the bite
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
Bomber Long A
Free shipping
Features
- Long A Bait is equipped to take on tough, toothy fish and win with super-tough body construction
- Can be used behind downriggers to get at those really deep fish
- Proven Long A wounded-baitfish wiggle and cutting edge color patterns
- Deadly on cudas, sharks, kings - any top predator in the salt
- Features a tight wiggle and castable design
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
Rapala Original Floater 11
Free shipping
Features
- Balsa Wood Construction.
- Natural Minnow Profile.
- VMC Black Nickel Hooks.
- Available In Classic & Bleeding Patterns.
- Hand Tuned & Tank Tested.
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 Rippin’ Rap 06
Rapala Rippin' Rap 06
Free shipping
Features
- Tall, Skinny Body Shape
- Distinctive Loud BB Rattle System
- Lipless Design
- Hard Vibrating Action
- Long-Casting
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.
9. Rebel Jointed Minnow
Rebel Jointed Minnow
Free shipping
Features
- Package length: 13.462 cm
- Package width: 3.555 cm
- Package height: 1.524 cm
- Product Type: FISHING HOOK
- Sport type: Boating
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.
10. Sougayilang Ice Fishing Jigs
Sougayilang Ice Fishing Jigs
Free shipping
Features
- High quality ice fishing jigs. Length: 1.8cm/0.7in; Weight: 2.3g/0.08oz.Hook: 8# fishing hook.12 PCS ice fishing lure.
- Fishing Lures Jig Heads Hook Super Sharp and Durable Target fish for Crappie,Sunfish,Panfish,walleyes,bass,perch,crappies,bluegillsand other species.
- The diamond on the head which can reflected light and Chemically-sharpened barbed hook point ensures better penetration will improves hook-up ratios.
- Fishing Jigs Heads feature premium solid and durable body design to meet your satisfaction.Tested and refined for durability and reliability. It will be a perfect choice for fishing lover.
- BUY WITH CONFIDENCE:24h friendly customer service and email support. If you have any problem, please contact our customer support and we will reply you within 24 hours.
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.
11. Berkley PowerBait
Berkley PowerBait
Free shipping
Features
- PowerBait realistix micro power minnow is great for jig trailers, spinner rigs or other bottom bouncing rigs
- Split tail design provides a subtle finesse presentation
- Lifelike detail with 3D eyes and holographic inserts
- Ideal for crappie, panfish, bass, walleye and trout; pre-rigged and ready to fish
- Available in black shad color; measures 2-inch length
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.
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.
Visit the OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage for more expert fishing tips and advice.
The Review
Best Walleye Fishing Lures
Check out the ratings for the best walleye lures before you buy!
Review Breakdown
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Rapala Rattlin 05
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Cotton Cordell Wally Diver
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Rapala Shadow Rap 11
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Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait 08
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Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait 10
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Bomber Long A
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Rapala Original Floater 11
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Rapala Rippin' Rap 06
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Rebel Jointed Minnow
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Sougayilang Ice Fishing Jigs
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Berkley Powerbait
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