As the icy grip of winter releases its hold, anglers eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring—an optimal time for walleye fishing. The thawing rivers signal the peak season for this prized species, though experienced fishers know that catching them can be as challenging as it is rewarding. "Anyone that has walleye fished more than a few times knows how picky they can be too," said expert angler Ross Robertson. To enhance your chances of success, it’s essential to have the right lures on hand.
"Anyone that has walleye fished more than a few times knows how picky they can be too,"
A popular choice among walleye aficionados is stickbaits. Unlike bass, which often favor shorter lures, walleyes tend to gravitate towards longer, slender, minnow-like designs. This season, Robertson emphasizes embracing larger lures, even in early spring. "Baitfish that are left over from last year are larger and off-colored water from runoff and rivers often makes larger lures with a little more of a profile a better choice." One stickbait that stands out is the Rapala Husky Jerk, which has won acclaim among many fishermen.
"If I had to have one stickbait in the spring, it would hands down be a Rapala Husky Jerk," Robertson noted. The unique quality of this lure allows it to suspend motionless in water temperatures below fifty degrees, making it incredibly effective for catching walleyes. Its distinct wobble and roll resonate with springtime fish, and its versatility across size options and diving depths makes it exceptionally adaptable. "The deep diving versions are perfect for trolling, and the shallow models are great for casting into shallow water, particularly at night." For best results, Robertson suggests a slow fishing technique—if that doesn't yield a bite, consider slowing down even more.
"If I had to have one stickbait in the spring, it would hands down be a Rapala Husky Jerk,"
Another highly effective lure type is the hair jig. Often overlooked, hair jigs have proven to be a formidable option in cold water scenarios. Robertson remarked, "As successful as a hair jig is for most species of fish, it still seems like they are the red-headed stepchild of jigs." The action offered by a hair jig—its flaring and contraction—can outperform other jig configurations.
When targeting walleye, especially in waters still hovering in the thirties, adding a live minnow to the hair jig enhances its appeal. However, Robertson suggests that in many cases, fishing the jig plain can be just as effective. "It seems to let the action from the hair work and makes it much quicker to get back in the water." The ease of re-using a hair jig without additional bait can significantly improve fishing efficiency.
In conclusion, spring walleye fishing provides a thrilling experience for both seasoned anglers and novices. By ensuring you have a selection of effective lures such as the Rapala Husky Jerk and hair jigs in your arsenal, you can maximize your chances of a successful outing. As water temperatures rise and baitfish become more active, the right lures will not only enhance your fishing technique but also contribute to an enjoyable and productive spring on the water.
