Hard Baits & Soft Baits for Walleye

Crankbaits do most of the work in a walleye trolling program. Shallow divers cover the top of the water column early and late in the season, while deep-diving models with bills track down to 20 feet and beyond behind planer boards. The number that matters is the bait's true running depth at your line length and speed — precision trolling depends on knowing it, not guessing. Stickbaits shine in cold water, fished slow at night or behind boards in spring and fall.

Soft baits cover the rest of the spread. Paddle-tail swimbaits and ringworms on jig heads are the standard casting and vertical jigging presentation, and they're what most anglers tip harnesses and slow-death rigs with when live bait isn't available or isn't allowed.

On the Great Lakes, the proven color families are perch, firetiger, chrome/blue and clown in clear water, with brighter UV and glow finishes earning their place in stained water and low light. Stock depth range and color range before you stock numbers — a spread that can reach every depth beats three copies of the same bait. Pair them with the right line from our Lines & Leaders category.

Shop Baits by Brand

Rapala anchors this category — the X-Rap and original floating minnow lines are the crankbaits and stickbaits most walleye spreads are built on. Williamson covers the heavy end: trolling lures built for speed and abuse. Each brand's full line is on its brand page.