With numerous brands and types of fishing lures to choose from, selecting the best walleye fishing lure can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Rather than going down the Google rabbit hole, continue reading this post to see our top 15 best walleye fishing lures.
This post walks you through the most common types of lures, which lures are best for different water conditions, and which brands you can trust (including some Midwest favorites).
Keep reading so you can confidently test your new walleye lures soon!
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Salmo Rattlin Hornet Floating Crankbait
Runner-Up
Berkley Flicker Minnow
Best for Water with Algae
Walleye Assassin Lit’l Boss
Best for Murky Water
JB Lures Hot-Flash Spin N Float
Best Multi-Pack
CWSDXM Soft Fishing Lures
Best Overall
Salmo Rattlin Hornet Floating Crankbait
The Polish Salmo brand is a favorite lure of walleye anglers in 2023, with some fishermen claiming to catch up to 30 or more walleye a day with the Salmo Rattlin Hornet Floating Crankbait.
This lure also comes in several colors, and it’s always smart for an angler to have many color varieties on hand because you never know what the water condition is going to be when you get out there.
Pros
- Available in two hook sizes: 4.5 and 5.5
- Features a weight-transferring mechanism to ensure great results
- Great walleye lure for shallow fishing up to 13 feet
- Individually hand-tuned and tank-tested
- Contains internal rattles for attracting walleye
Cons
- May not be the best for the deepest of waters, though reviews say they had success up to 20 feet
- Not available on Amazon, though check to see if your local Scheels carries has it in stock
Runner-Up
Berkley Flicker Minnow
Our runner-up, the Iowa-made Berkley Flicker Minnow, is also budget-friendly for anglers. It also comes in a variety of colors, so you can use your savings to stock up on every color and size.
This walleye fishing lure comes in four sizes for different depths of water, the largest size, 11 is recommended for up to 23 feet.
Berkley Flicker Minnow also features Fusion19 fishing hooks that pierce the fish’s lip quickly.
Pros
- The fishing hook contains a needle point for extra piercing ability
- Variety of colors and sizes for all types of fishing environments
- Made from hard plastic and great for deeper waters
- Midwest-brand based in Spirit Lake, Iowa
Cons
- Amazon does not have as good of a selection as Scheels, but selective types of these Berkley flicker minnows are available on Amazon.
Best for Water with Algae
Walleye Assassin Lit’l Boss – BLACK
The Walleye Assassin Lit’l Boss comes in a six-pack. This walleye fishing lure is a soft plastic that comes in various colors, including full black.
Walleye in water with algae can see black lures best. This is also a great choice for nighttime fishing because walleye see dark colors best in poor lighting conditions.
Try these fishing lures on a 3/0 weighted swim hook for the best experience.
Pros
- The oversized tail gives it plenty of movement in the water to attract walleyes
- Rings on the body move around even more water
- Various colors are available as well, so you can make the best of most water conditions
Cons
- Only available in 3.5-inch tackle length
- It doesn’t look like you can mix and match colors, so you will get six of the color you select. However, these lures are relatively inexpensive, so this is a great way to stock up on several of one color.
- Unavailable on Amazon
Best for Murky Water
JB Lures Hot-Flash Spin N Float
The JB Lures Hot-Flash Spin N Float, a Minnesota-made lure, comes in bright colors and is easiest for walleye to see in murky water. The chartreuse orange and green choices are especially great choices for luring in walleye in murky water conditions.
This lure works even better when tipped with live or artificial bait. It features two hook sizes: #4 and #6.
Pros
- Some of the brightest lures you can find
- Great for catching walleye and other game fish, especially in muddy waters
- Creates a swimming minnow effect
Cons
- Unavailable on Amazon
Best Multi-Pack
CWSDXM Fishing Swimbaits
If you want to stock up on various colors that will satisfy walleye in all water conditions, then the CWSDXM Fishing Swimbaits is the best walleye fishing lure multi-pack on this list. This large quantity of soft plastic lures will meet your expectations!
You can buy these lures sized at 2.55 inches or 3.15 inches. The smaller lures come in 40 pieces, and the larger ones come in 30 pieces.
Pros
- A variety of colors to meet all water conditions
- Made from high-quality PVC material, so they will not deform easily
- Includes a neat paddle tail that triggers fish to bite it as it wiggles
- Realistic looking with 3D vivid eyes and a hook slot
Cons
- Hooks are not included, but these work well with ⅛ and ¼ ounce jig heads.
Cotton Cordell Wally Diver
The Cotton Cordell Wally Diver is a crankbait fishing lure that comes in a variety of colors and two sizes. It works uniquely by teasing the fish up to depths of 20 feet and sitting motionless.
This walleye fishing lure comes in ¼ and ½ ounce options.
Pros
- Variety of styles and sizes for different walleye fishing situations
- Can be purchased in a three-pack to save money
- ¼ ounce is a great walleye lure for catching in the fall when the fish scatter and move shallow again
- ½ ounce is great for deeper walleye fishing
Cons
- Not very wobbly, but most anglers say they work well anyway
ETIC Medusa 7gr Spoons
These Canadian-made lures are made 100% from brass and come in a four-pack variety with unique colors. The bright colors will work best in cloudy and shallow waters.
The Medusa weighs ¼ ounce, making it perfect for waters between one and ten feet.
Pros
- Brass is a high-quality material built to last
- The lure’s size is 2” by ½,” making it appealing to walleyes and other fish species, so you should be able to catch walleye as well as bass, pike, salmon, and many more
Cons
- Photos may be deceptive–reviewers indicate hooks were not included as the photograph suggests
GOTOUR Fishing Lures
The GOTOUR Fishing Lures are hard baits and great for catching walleye and bass. They can be purchased in packs of three or separately.
These lures are made from high-quality Japanese material and feature a realistic design that walleye love to bite into.
Pros
- Versatile use for lakes, rivers, streams, and more
- Life-like swimming action with 3D eyes and swimming action
- Built-in rattle to catch the walleye’s attention in low-light conditions
Cons
- Lure seems to be more popular for catching bass than walleye, though some reviewers say it was successful at catching walleye
Reaction Tackle Swimbait Jigs
The Wisconsin-made Reaction Tackle Swimbait Jigs are made from tungsten and come with super strong hooks for piercing some of the most challenging fish.
While shaky head jigs tend to target bass, reviews say walleye are also attracted to this lure. Try pairing it with a minnow early in the season!
Pros
- Comes in several sizes from 3/16 ounces to 1/2 an ounce.
- Sold in a five-pack
- Professional grade material
Cons
- Best used alongside a minnow or other lure, especially when catching walleye, rather than by itself
AGOOL Walleye Spinner Rig Kit
The multicolor AGOOL Walleye Rigs attract humans and walleye alike. They come in a package of five and are pre-tied for simple walleye fishing. The spinner rig creates a swirling action as it trolls, and its blade rotates, tempting walleye to attack.
Pros
- A variety of colors carefully selected for several fishing conditions
- Rig-making accessories for adding minnow and other lures to attract walleye and other fish with double action
- Works great both in freshwater and saltwater
Cons
- Ships from China, so expect longer delivery
Croch Unpainted Fishing Lures
If you have ever wanted to try painting your fishing lures, try out the Australian-made Croch Unpainted Fishing Lures. This pack comes with six different types of blank hard lures that come with 3D fishing eyes.
Get creative with craft paints like Folk Art and color your lures to your preference.
Pros
- Steel rattle inside for making better noise to attract fish
- Easy to customize
- The package includes: 30 blank lures (6 different types), 100 split rings, 200 3D eyes, and a tackle box
Cons
- If you’re not crafty, this is not the lure kit for you–walleye likely will not be interested in the blanks by themselves
Rapala Shad Rap
The Rapala Shad Rap has made anglers happy for over 30 years. This realistic-looking crankbait lure is tank-tested to catch more fish. It comes in various sizes and colors to give anglers control over the lure they’re casting.
Pros
- A diving tip is engineered to mimic the natural motion of a baitfish
- The sharp VMC treble hook provides effective hook-setting
- Available in five sizes–four to nine
Cons
- With so many choices available, you might feel overwhelmed by selecting just a few!
Mister Twister Double Lure Tail
The Wisconsin-made Mister Twister Double Lure Tail comes in a pack of ten. It works best when attached as a trailer to a weedless spoon, spinner, or spinner bait for creating double the action.
Pros
- Five colors: chartreuse, chartreuse silver flake, pumpkin green, sapphire blue, and white
Cons
- Only available in four inches
- May not be the best for nighttime fishing or algae, but these should do well in cloudy water
Mack’s Wally Pop Crawler Rig
Idaho-made Mack’s Wally Pop Crawler Rig features a Smile Blade and a Cha Cha pill float inside fluorescent tubing on a crawler harness.
Berkley Scheels Exclusive Flicker
The Iowa-made Berkley Scheels Exclusive Flicker comes in a pack of three and provides an even more exaggerated jointed tail to mimic a wounded baitfish. The exclusive Scheels colors help the crankbaits in this pack uniquely mimic the reflection of real-life baitfish.
Pros
- Two sets with three different sets of colors to help attract walleye in a variety of conditions
- Available in two sizes: five and seven
- Great for trolling and casting
Cons
- This is a Scheels-exclusive product
Best Walleye Fishing Lures Buyer’s Guide
Walleye Fishing Lure Types
Jigs
One of the most popular walleye fishing lure choices for walleye fishing. They come in so many different shapes and sizes, which can quickly become overwhelming for anglers looking for the best walleye fishing lures!
Minnows
Anglers use various types of minnow lures to catch walleye, but the most popular types of fish to use are fatheads, emerald shiners, and golden shiners. Many walleye anglers like to tip their jigs with minnows, especially early in the season.
Crankbaits
Crankbaits imitate smaller fish with a wobbling motion walleye love. They are one of the best methods to catch large Walleye.
Hard Plastics
These lures are made from hard plastic and are more durable than soft plastics. They can survive being hauled in the water, which means they’re reusable.
Soft Plastics
These lures are designed from soft plastics to mimic the movement of live bait fish. They come in various shapes and sizes, so you can select the best option for the type of fish you’re trying to catch. One benefit of soft plastics is that they’re versatile and allow you to rig them differently.
Time of Day
While anglers will argue over the best walleye fishing lures all day long, professional walleye anglers have come to the consensus that walleyes are nocturnal, so it’s worth staying up late to catch them.
Crankbaits are the best choice for nighttime walleye fishing because they quickly cover a wide amount of water. Using a jig tipped with a minnow is another effective nighttime walleye fishing hack.
You may be surprised to learn that dark colors are the best lures to use at night because walleyes see dark colors best in low light.
Water Type
Water fluctuations can make a big difference in the best walleye fishing lure while you’re out fishing, so it’s best to buy a variety of lures.
Use lures that produce noise and vibration, like crankbaits in muddy or cloudy water. As for color, anglers are split on this. Many say bright-colored lures work best, with yellow and gold being commonly recommended colors for these water conditions.
Algae grow in summer and can quickly get out of control, but these are ideal walleye-fishing conditions. Researchers have found that walleyes prefer black-colored lures in these water conditions, probably because of the low light caused by the algae conditions.
Catching walleye in clear water can be a real challenge, and angler professionals recommend nighttime fishing when the water is clear. Spinners and crankbaits are a favorite for this type of fishing.
Professionals advise using baitfish colors like silvers and gold in clear waters. Some studies also suggest walleyes show no preference between white, gold, silver, and black in clear water conditions.
Best Walleye Fishing Lures Brands
More lure brands are available today than ever, so it can be difficult to identify which brands are trustworthy. Some popular, well-known brands known for producing the best walleye fishing lures include:
- Salmo
- Berkley (founded in Spirit Lake, Iowa)
- Cotton Cordell
- Bucktail-Lures
- Mister Twister (headquartered in Wisconsin)
- JB Lures (a Minnesota native)
- Northland Fishing Tackle (also a Minnesota native)
- Rapala
- Heddon Lures (the oldest lure company, established in the 1890s)
Hook Size
It was believed for many years that short hooks were better than longer hooks for walleye fishing lures.
Present-day anglers are turning to larger hook sizes for walleye fishing lures because it allows them to use harder plastics. Lures that come in sizes No. 5 to No. 7 are popular with walleye anglers.
Weight
The most common weight for the best walleye fishing lures is ⅝ to ¾ of an ounce. If fishing deeper than 20 feet, then you will need a stock of closer to one-ounce lures.
Water Depth
A popular place to catch walleyes is in shallow water along the tip of the shoreline, especially early in the season. You want to be careful not to spook them, and those catching the most walleye say throwing a jig tipped with a minnow is the best way to catch these fish.
Walleye tend to go deeper later in the summer, so you will need a heavier lure. Jig-and-minnow is still a popular method for catching deep fish and hard plastic lures.
The best depth to catch walleye is between 10 and 20 feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors make the best walleye fishing lures?
You will read differing opinions on which colors attract walleyes the best based on an angler’s personal experience. If you walk into a room full of professional anglers, you will probably hear fifteen different answers to this question.
The consensus is always that black colors are the best walleye fishing lures at night and in algae.
Other popular colors used among walleye anglers are hot pink, red, orange, and lime green. It’s best to buy several colors and experiment for yourself!
Where are walleye found?
The walleye is native to most of Minnesota. Walleye are freshwater fish that live in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
What is the secret to catching walleye?
The truth is there is no one way to catch a walleye. There are many ways. Professional anglers will tell you catching walleyes is all trial and error, so get out there and experiment with the best walleye fishing lures mentioned above!
Wrapping up the Best Walleye Fishing Lures
Now that you know the best walleye fishing lures, get out there and experiment. Make sure to check out the Salmo Rattlin Hornet Floating Crankbait and see why anglers are raving about it
.Are you looking for the best walleye fishing spots in Minnesota? Check out this article that walks you through Minnesota’s best walleye fishing spots.
- About the Author
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Nicole Kinkade loves taking regular road trips with her family around Minnesota. She especially enjoys visiting the Twin Cities area, where she can often be found hanging out at Mall of America and Como Park. Her favorite Minnesota restaurant is Fat Lorenzo’s!
With a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and an associate’s degree in Media Communication, Nicole is passionate about sharing her experiences with others through writing. She is currently writing full-time and loves every minute of it.
Nicole can be reached at [email protected]