If you’re an avid angler, you’ve probably spent some time out on the lake trying to catch walleye. For many anglers, deep water fishing is the best way to land a walleye. But, what type of bait should you use? Choosing the right bait can be the difference between a successful deep water walleye outing and a frustrating one. In this article, we’ll examine some of the best baits for catching deep water walleye.
Types of Baits for Catching Walleye
Live bait is an excellent choice when fishing for walleye in deep water, as it is the best way to attract these fish to your line. The most commonly used live baits include nightcrawlers, leeches, minnows, and crayfish. Nightcrawlers are probably the most popular choice, as they are easy to find, inexpensive and walleye love them. Leeches are also popular and they can be used in a variety of ways. Minnows and crayfish are good choices because they move around a lot and can attract walleye with their movements.
Artificial Baits for Catching Walleye in Deep Water
Artificial lures are another great option when fishing for walleye in deep water. These lures come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be used to imitate a variety of natural foods. Popular artificial lures for walleye include crankbaits, spoons, spinners, jigs, and plastics. Crankbaits typically have some kind of rattle or noise-maker in them that can be used to attract walleye. Spoons can either be twitched or trolled, and they are great for covering a lot of water in a short period of time. Spinners are great for attracting walleye with their flashing action, and jigs can imitate a variety of prey. Plastics are versatile lures that can be used to imitate a variety of natural prey.
Scented Baits for Catching Walleye in Deep Water
Adding a bit of scent to your lures can be a great way to attract walleye in deep water. Scented baits are designed to be highly attractive to walleye, and can help you catch more of these fish. These baits come in several forms, including scented attractants, dips, and sprays. Attractants are designed to be added to your lures and can be used to enhance their attractiveness. Dips are a concentrated form of attractant that can be used to coat your lures. Sprays are formulated to imitate the scent of natural prey, like crayfish and minnows.
Using Multiple Baits for Catching Walleye in Deep Water
Using multiple types of bait is often the best way to catch walleye in deep water. Combining live bait with artificial lures and scented baits can be a great way to attract walleye to your line. By using multiple types of bait, you can enhance the chances that walleye will be attracted to your line. Additionally, it can be helpful to use different baits at different depths in order to maximize the chances of catching a walleye.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Baits
When fishing for walleye in deep water, it is important to use the right bait. Because walleye will swim in water depths up to 40 feet, anglers should use baits that will work best at these depths. The most effective baits for walleye in deep water include night crawlers, minnows, crayfish, and jigs.
Choosing the Right Baits
When selecting the appropriate bait, it is important to consider the size and shape of the bait. Smaller baits are typically better because they will be more mobile and easier for the walleye to detect. It is also important to pay close attention to the water temperature, as this will determine the activity of the fish. Different baits may work best in different temperatures, so it is important to research the conditions before choosing a bait.
Consider the Presentation of the Bait
Once the proper bait is chosen, it is important to consider the presentation of the bait. For walleye, it is best to cast the bait and then let it settle to the bottom. This allows the bait to be in the walleyes’ line of sight and increases the chances of the bait being noticed.
Incorporate Attractants
To increase the odds of a successful catch, anglers can incorporate attractants into the bait. Attractants work to draw in fish by giving off a strong scent and also have the ability to increase the visibility of the bait. Some popular attractants include garlic, anise, and essential oils.
Use Live Baits
When fishing for walleye in deep water, anglers should opt to use live bait. Live bait contains movement and scent, which help to attract walleye more effectively than artificial bait. Furthermore, live bait can be more durable and last longer than artificial bait.
Consider the Weather Conditions
Lastly, anglers should consider the current weather conditions before selecting a bait. For example, if the water is murky, it may be better to use a brighter colored bait or an attractant to help the walleye find the bait. Additionally, if the water is colder, a slow-sinking or suspending bait may be more successful than a floating bait.
Choosing the right bait is an important step in catching walleye in deep water. Before selecting a bait, anglers should consider the size and shape, presentation, attractants, weather conditions, and whether to use live or artificial bait. With the right bait, anglers can have a successful outing and catch plenty of walleye.
Popular Baits for Deep Water Walleye Fishing
Deep water walleye fishing can be a challenge and may require a different set of baits than those used in shallow water. The best baits for catching walleye in deep water are those that can imitate the prey they naturally eat. Knowing which bait works best in a particular situation will help you land that big walleye.
Jigs
Jigs are a popular bait for catching walleye in deep water. They are designed to look like a worm or some other type of prey and can be used with a variety of colors, sizes and weights. Jigs should be fished slowly, as walleye often prefer a slow presentation. It’s important to vary the jigging action, so the bait looks lifelike and can entice the walleye to strike.
Spinners
Spinners are another great bait for deep water walleye fishing. Spinners are lures that feature an attached blade that rotates as the lure is towed through the water. The rotating movement and color of the blade can be used to attract walleye. Adjusting the trolling speed of the spinner will allow you to determine what action the walleye prefer.
Livebait
Livebait can also be used to target walleye in deep water. Using nightcrawlers, leeches, and minnows are all popular choices. Livebait is a great option, as walleye are often reluctant to strike artificial lures. The movement of the livebait can trigger a predator instinct in the walleye and result in a strike.
Finesse Rigs
Finesse rigs are ideal for catching walleye in deep water. They are designed to imitate a small baitfish, like a shad or minnow, or a crayfish, and can be presented in a variety of ways. Finesse rigs are often used in conjunction with jigs or livebait, as the addition of a finesse rig can entice a walleye to strike.
When fishing for walleye in deep water, it’s important to experiment with different baits and techniques. Each walleye pool can be different and require a tailored approach. Knowing the best baits for catching walleye in deep water is the key to success. Good luck and tight lines!
Tips and Techniques for Utilizing Baits
When it comes to catching walleyes in deep water, having a plan in place can make all the difference. Start by assessing the water’s clarity and depth. Clear water might require smaller baits, while deeper or murky water might call for larger baits. Additionally, you’ll need to consider the type of bottom you’re fishing. Rocky bottoms are ideal for jigging, while soft bottoms make a great environment for slip-bobber setups. Once you assess the type of water you’ll be fishing, you should make sure to have a variety of baits on hand.
Using Minnows and Scented Baits
Minnows are some of the most popular and effective baits for catching walleyes in deep water. You can use live minnows, or scented artificial baits. Live minnows work best when fished in slip bobbers, and the bright flash of the bait can help attract walleyes in murky waters. To boost the appeal of your bait, you can add a few drops of scented oil or bait enhancer to it. These enhancers will create a scent trail that will entice walleyes from a distance.
Leveraging Jigs and Spinners
Jigs and spinners can be great baits for catching walleyes in deep water. Spinners are highly reflective and will often draw walleyes from a distance. Jigs, on the other hand, can be used to imitate small baitfish, which is an effective way of attracting walleyes. Both jigs and spinners can be used in combination with minnows or scented baits.
Responding To Movement
When walleyes are feeding in deeper waters, they’re often more responsive to movement. Using a slow twitch-jigging technique can be an effective way of getting a walleye’s attention. Twitch the bait a few times before allowing it to sink to the bottom. This technique is often more effective than just allowing the bait to sit in one spot.
Choosing the Right Hook
The type of hook you choose is also important when fishing in deep water. For best results, use a floating hook, as it will help to keep your bait in the strike zone for longer. Additionally, you can add a small float to your line to help buoy the bait. This will ensure your bait stays off the bottom and is easy for walleyes to find and strike.
Completing the Setup
Once you have your bait and hook setup, you’ll want to make sure your line is strong and durable. Fluorocarbon or braided lines are both ideal for deep water fishing, as they are less likely to be affected by the currents. Additionally, make sure to use a high-quality reel and rod, as these will greatly affect your success and efficiency while fishing.
Be Ready to Reel
Once you have your bait properly rigged, you’ll want to be ready to reel in your catch. Make sure the drag is set correctly, and do not hesitate to set the hook as soon as you feel a strike. Walleyes in deep water can be very aggressive, and you don’t want to miss out on a potential catch.
Maintaining the Gear
Finally, you should make sure to clean and maintain your gear after each fishing trip. This will help to prevent corrosion or wear and tear on your equipment, which can be costly over time. Additionally, make sure to thoroughly clean and store your bait properly. This will ensure that your bait lasts and remains effective for future trips.
Summary
Walleye often swim in deep water during the summer and fall months. Understanding their habits and preferences is key to successful walleye fishing. Knowing the best baits for catching walleye in deep water will help anglers have more successful outings.
Jigs are the Go-To Bait for Deep Walleye Fishing
The most popular bait for catching walleye in deep water is jigs. Jigs come in a variety of colors and sizes and last much longer than live bait. Most jigs will have a soft plastic or piece of hair attached to the hook, which attract walleye. They are also very effective at catching walleye in deep water because they can easily be reeled in and moved around in different directions.
Live Bait and Minnows
Live bait and minnows are also great options for catching walleye in deep water. Live bait such as nightcrawlers and leeches are especially effective, as they stay alive and wriggling in the water a lot longer than artificial bait. The scent of the live bait helps attract the walleye, and they are also easier to keep on the hook when fishing in deeper water.
Crankbaits and Spoons
Crankbaits and spoons are also popular choices when fishing for walleye in deep water. Crankbaits are lures that mimic the motion of baitfish in the water, and they can be reeled quickly through the water. Spoons, on the other hand, are weighted and can quickly dive down into deeper water. Both are effective baits for walleye fishing in deep water.
Summary
Jigs are the most popular and effective bait for catching walleye in deep water. Live bait, minnows, crankbaits and spoons are also great choices. Understanding walleye’s habits and preferences in deep water is key to successful walleye fishing. With a little research and the right bait, anglers can have more successful outings and catch more walleye in deep water.
Tips for Successful Walleye Fishing
When fishing for walleye in deep water, the key is to ensure you’re using the most effective baits. The most popular baits include fat head minnows, crawlers, and jigs tipped with leeches or minnows. Jigging spoons and trolling plugs are also common techniques to target walleye in deeper waters. In general, try using lighter lines and lures that sink quickly into deeper waters. By focusing on the right type of lures and techniques, anglers can have a successful walleye fishing experience in deep water.
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