Walleye fishing can be a thrilling experience, especially when you’ve got the right lure at the end of your line. If you’re looking to up your game, swimbaits might just be the ticket. These versatile lures have taken the walleye world by storm, and for good reason. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the world of walleye swimbaits, exploring the top 5 options that’ll have you reeling in trophy fish in no time.
Why Use Swimbaits for Walleye?
Before we jump into our top picks, let’s talk about why swimbaits are such a game-changer for walleye anglers. These lures excel at mimicking the natural prey of walleye, making them irresistible to hungry fish. Unlike static lures, swimbaits create lifelike movement in the water, triggering the predatory instincts of walleye.
Key advantages of swimbaits:
- Realistic swimming action
- Versatility in depth and speed
- Ability to cover large areas of water
- Effectiveness in various conditions
Swimbaits often outperform traditional lures because they tap into a walleye’s natural feeding behavior. These fish are opportunistic predators, and a well-presented swimbait can be too tempting to pass up.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Walleye Swimbaits
Picking the right swimbait isn’t just about grabbing the flashiest lure off the shelf. They come in all shapes and sizes. Most of this is dependent on the body of water you are fishing and what the underwater features are. If you are fishing in a river, the swimbait may be different than fishing deep rocks on a lake. We are here to help you choose the right swimbait for your home water. There are several factors you’ll want to keep in mind:
- Size and profile: Match the hatch by choosing swimbaits that resemble the local forage fish.
- Color and patterns: Consider water clarity and light conditions when selecting colors.
- Action and movement: Look for swimbaits with a natural, enticing swim pattern.
- Depth range: Choose swimbaits that can reach the depths where walleye are holding.
- Material and durability: Opt for quality materials that can withstand the rigors of walleye fishing.
Top 5 Swimbaits for Walleye
1. Salmo Walleye Pro Shad Swimbait
The Salmo Walleye Pro Shad is a favorite among serious walleye anglers, and for good reason. This lure boasts a highly realistic profile and swimming action that drives walleye wild.
Key features:
- Available in multiple sizes to match various forage fish
- Durable construction withstands repeated strikes
- Wide range of color patterns to match different water conditions
Best fishing conditions: The Salmo Walleye Pro Shad shines in both shallow and deep water, making it a versatile choice for various fishing scenarios.
Pro tip: Try a slow, steady retrieve with occasional pauses to trigger strikes from finicky walleye.
2. Keitech Easy Shiner Swimbait
The Keitech Easy Shiner has gained a loyal following among walleye anglers for its incredible action and soft texture.
Key features:
- Unique ribbed body design creates enticing vibrations
- Salt-impregnated soft plastic enhances taste and scent
- A wide range of sizes and colors are available
Best fishing conditions: The Easy Shiner excels in clear to slightly stained water and can be fished effectively at various depths.
Pro tip: Experiment with different retrieve speeds to find what the walleye prefers on any given day.
3. Berkley PowerBait Rib Shad
Berkley’s PowerBait Rib Shad combines the company’s proven fish-catching formula with a design that walleye can’t resist.
Key features:
- Infused with Berkley’s PowerBait scent and flavor
- Ribbed body design for added vibration and water displacement
- Available in a wide range of walleye-specific colors
Best fishing conditions: The Rib Shad performs well in both clear and stained water, making it a great all-around choice.
Pro tip: Try rigging the Rib Shad on a jig head for added control and precision when targeting specific depths.
4. The Megabass Spark Shad
The Megabass Spark Shad is a premium swimbait that’s gained popularity among walleye anglers for its exceptional quality and performance.
Key features:
- Unique head design for improved swimming action
- High-quality, durable plastic construction
- Realistic 3D eyes and scale patterns
Best fishing conditions: The Spark Shad excels in clear water conditions where its realistic appearance can shine.
Pro tip: Use the Spark Shad when sight-fishing for walleye in clear, shallow water for explosive strikes.
5. Northland Impulse Paddle Tail Minnow
Rounding out our top 5 is the Northland Impulse Paddle Tail Minnow, a reliable and effective swimbait for walleye.
Key features:
- Infused with Impulse® attractant for added scent and flavor
- Paddle tail design creates strong vibrations in the water
- Available in a range of walleye-specific colors and sizes
Best fishing conditions: The Impulse Paddle Tail Minnow performs well in both clear and stained water, making it a versatile choice for different environments.
Pro tip: Try rigging this swimbait on a drop shot rig for precise presentations to suspended walleye.
How to Fish Swimbaits for Walleye
Now that we’ve covered the top swimbaits, let’s talk about how to use them effectively. With the introduction of forward-facing sonar, some of these techniques will need to be modified. Fishing for suspended fish is now the norm when using your Live Sonar to target walleye. Here are some key techniques to master:
- Slow and steady retrieve: Often, a slow, consistent retrieve works best for walleye.
- Yo-yo technique: Lift and drop the rod tip to create an erratic, wounded baitfish action.
- Deadsticking: Let the swimbait sit motionless on the bottom, then give it occasional twitches.
- Vertical jigging: Drop the swimbait directly below the boat and work it vertically through the water column.
Remember, walleye fishing often requires patience and finesse. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different retrieval speeds and techniques until you find what works best.
Best Times and Places to Use Swimbaits for Walleye
Timing and location are crucial factors in successful walleye fishing. Here’s a quick guide to help you make the most of your swimbait fishing:
| Season | Best Times | Top Locations |
| Spring | Dawn and dusk | Shallow flats, river mouths |
| Summer | Night and early morning | Deep structures, weed edges |
| Fall | Midday | Points, drop-offs |
| Winter | Midday | Deep basins, river channels |
Remember, walleye are often structure-oriented fish. Focus on areas like rocky points, submerged humps, and weed edges when fishing with swimbaits.
Gear Recommendations for Swimbait Fishing
To get the most out of your walleye swimbaits, you’ll want to pair them with the right gear. Here are some recommendations:
- Rod: Medium to medium-heavy spinning rod, 6’6″ to 7’2″ in length
- Reel: 2500 to 3000-size spinning reel with a smooth drag
- Line: 8-12 lb fluorocarbon or monofilament, depending on water clarity and depth
- Additional accessories: Jig heads, drop shot weights, and swimbait hooks for various rigging methods
Investing in quality gear will not only improve your fishing experience but also increase your chances of landing that trophy walleye.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Swimbaits for Walleye
Even experienced anglers can fall into some common traps when using swimbaits for walleye. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Fishing too fast: Walleye often prefers a slower presentation, especially in cold water.
- Ignoring water temperature: Adjust your retrieve speed and depth based on water temperature.
- Using the wrong size: Match your swimbait size to the local forage fish for best results.
- Overlooking natural colors: While bright colors can work, natural patterns often outperform in clear water.
- Neglecting to change depth: Don’t be afraid to adjust your fishing depth until you find active fish.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to more successful walleye fishing with swimbaits.
Conclusion
Swimbaits have revolutionized walleye fishing, offering anglers a highly effective and versatile lure option. Whether you choose the Salmo Walleye Pro Shad, Keitech Easy Shiner, Berkley PowerBait Rib Shad, Megabass Spark Shad, or Northland Impulse Paddle Tail Minnow, you’re equipping yourself with one of the best tools for targeting trophy walleye.
Remember, the key to success with swimbaits lies not just in choosing the right lure, but in presenting it effectively. Take the time to learn the proper techniques, understand walleye behavior, and practice your skills on the water. With patience and persistence, you’ll soon find yourself consistently landing more and bigger walleye using these top-notch swimbaits.