Species guide
Walleye Fishing: Gear and Setups
A light-biting, low-light feeder of the northern US. Most walleye tackle is chosen around feeling a bite that you would otherwise miss.
Walleye setups by technique
Generated by our recommendation engine for an average fish in water typical for the species. Adjust for your water with the Setup Builder.
| Technique | Rod | Reel | Main line | Leader | Hook |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jigging | 6'6"–7' Medium Light power · Fast action |
2000–2500 Spinning reel |
8–10 lb Braided line |
8–10 lb Fluorocarbon |
#1–2/0 Jig hook (leadhead) |
| Trolling | 7'6"–8'6" Medium power · Moderate action |
10–20 Conventional reel |
8–12 lb Monofilament |
8–12 lb Fluorocarbon |
#2–2/0 Octopus hook |
| Spinning | 6'–6'6" Medium Light power · Fast action |
2000–3000 Spinning reel |
10–15 lb Braided line |
6–10 lb Fluorocarbon |
#4–1/0 Octopus hook |
Scroll the table sideways to see every column.
Where to find walleye
Large natural lakes and reservoirs across the upper Midwest and northern states, plus river systems. They relate to hard bottom: gravel bars, points, rock humps and current breaks.
How they feed
Low-light and night feeders with excellent vision in dim water. A walleye bite on a jig is frequently nothing more than added weight, which is why sensitivity drives the whole setup.
Typical size
Most keeper walleye run 15 to 22 inches and 1 to 4 pounds. Fish over 27 inches are trophies in most systems.
Through the year
Shallow after ice-out around spawning gravel, on structure edges through summer, and often shallow again at dusk in fall. Windy shorelines and low light concentrate feeding fish.
What to put on the end of the line
Baits and lures our engine has rules for, for the techniques walleye are most often caught on.
Nightcrawler
The default live bait for most freshwater fish in the country.
Hook size for thisLive minnow
Shiners, fatheads and chubs, fished under a float or on a bottom rig.
Hook size for thisLeech
A walleye staple in the upper Midwest, fished on a slip sinker or a jig.
Hook size for thisSoft paddle-tail swimbait
Swimming plastics on a weighted swimbait hook or a jig head.
Hook size for thisPlastic grub or curly tail
A small tail-action plastic on a jig head. The most universally useful lure in freshwater.
Hook size for thisHair or marabou jig
A dressed jig with a subtle breathing action, strong in cold water.
Hook size for thisCasting or trolling spoon
A curved metal blade with a wobbling flash, effective on almost every predator.
Hook size for thisCommon walleye mistakes
Braid with no leader in clear water
Walleye are line shy in clean water. A fluorocarbon leader on braid recovers bites without giving up sensitivity.
Too heavy a jig
A jig that falls too fast gets ignored on a neutral bite. Use the lightest head that holds bottom contact in the wind and depth you are fishing.
A slow-action rod for jigging
Walleye bites are subtle. A soft tip that does not transmit bottom contact costs you the bites you never felt.
Regulations
Walleye limits, protected slot sizes and season dates vary by lake and are actively managed. Slot limits in particular change between waters in the same state, so check the specific water body.
Build a complete walleye setup
Answer five short questions and get a complete setup: rod length, power and action, reel size, main line, leader and hook, each with the reasoning behind it.
Reference charts
- Fishing Hook Size ChartEvery size from #28 to 12/0 with what each one is used for, and why the same number differs between brands.
- Fishing Reel Size ChartSpinning, baitcasting, conventional and fly reel classes with typical line capacity and what each size is for.
- Fishing Line Size ChartPound test against typical diameter for mono, fluorocarbon and braid, and how to compare them fairly.
- Fishing Rod Size GuideWhat length, power and action each control, and how to read the specs printed on a blank.