Best Walleye Crankbaits: Top Picks for Casting and Trolling

By: FishUSA Staff

November 29, 2024

Walleye fishing is all about choosing the right lure for the right conditions, and crankbaits are some of the most effective tools for landing these elusive fish. Whether you're casting along rocky shorelines or trolling deep waters, having the right crankbait can make all the difference. In this guide, we'll cover the best walleye crankbaits for both casting and trolling.

Best Walleye Crankbaits for Casting

Best Walleye Crankbaits for Trolling

Final Thoughts

Best Walleye Crankbaits for Casting

When casting for walleye, crankbaits that offer precise control, a realistic swimming action, and the ability to dive to various depths are key. Here are some of the top crankbaits for casting:

Rapala Shad Rap SR05 Lures

Buy Rapala Shad Rap SR05 Lures

The Rapala Shad Rap SR05 is a classic crankbait that imitates the swimming action of a wounded baitfish. This versatile lure excels at both shallow and deeper depths, making it perfect for casting near drop-offs and rocky points. Its natural profile and lifelike action make it a go-to choice for walleye anglers.The Rapala Shad Rap also doubles as an excellent trolling crankbsit.

Smithwick Perfect 10 Rogue

Buy Smithwick Perfect 10 Rogue Crankbait

The Smithwick Perfect 10 Rogue is designed to dive quickly to 10ft or more and produce a unique rolling action known as the “Rogue-Roll”. This crankbait is especially effective in cooler waters when walleye are more sluggish, and its moderate depth-diving ability makes it perfect for targeting fish at varying depths. The Smithwick Perfect 10 Rogue is also an excellent choice for trolling during cold water months.

Rapala Rippin' Rap

Buy Rapala Rippin' Rap Crankbait

The Rapala Rippin' Rap is a lipless crankbait that excels at generating vibration and noise, attracting walleye from long distances. It's a fantastic lure for casting over flats and through open water where fish might be dispersed. The tight, fast action and loud rattles make it an irresistible choice for aggressive fish. It can also be hopped along the bottom like a blade bait when fish are holding deep.

Rapala Husky Jerks

Buy Rapala Husky Jerks

The Rapala Husky Jerk is a suspending crankbait that works wonders in cold water conditions. Its slow, deliberate retrieve mimics a struggling baitfish, making it a highly effective lure for walleye. The Husky Jerk can be cast and retrieved at different speeds, providing versatility in various fishing situations. The Rapala Husky Jerk also makes a great trolling crankbait.

Best Walleye Crankbaits for Trolling

Trolling is a popular technique for covering large areas of water and locating schools of walleye. The following crankbaits are designed to dive deep and maintain consistent action, making them ideal for trolling:

Bandit Walleye Deep Divers

Buy Bandit Walleye Deep Divers

The Bandit Walleye Deep Divers are a staple in every walleye angler’s tackle box. These crankbaits are known for their ability to dive deep, up to 27ft, and maintain a steady action, making them perfect for trolling in deeper waters. With a range of color options, they’re a versatile choice for various conditions, but are especially effective in colder water months thanks to a wide wobble and loud knocking rattle.

Bomber Deep Long A Lures

Buy Bomber Deep Long A Lures

The Bomber Deep Long A is a great option for targeting walleye that are hanging out in deeper water. This lure dives quickly to depths of up to 20ft and maintains a tight wobbling action that triggers strikes from even the most finicky fish. It's a dependable choice for trolling along ledges and deep drop-offs.

Storm Deep Jr. ThunderStick Lures

Buy Storm Deep Jr. ThunderStick

The Storm Deep Jr. ThunderStick is a deep-diving crankbait that’s perfect for trolling at varying speeds. Its natural swimming action and ability to reach depths of up to 15ft make it a top choice for walleye anglers. This bait’s 3 ½” length makes it an excellent option when walleye are feeding on small - medium sized baitfish.

Berkley Flicker Minnows

Buy Berkley Flicker Minnow

The Berkley Flicker Minnows are designed to mimic the profile of a fleeing baitfish. These crankbaits have a tight action and are perfect for long-line trolling. The Flicker Minnow dives quickly and stays in the strike zone, making it a great choice for catching walleye in deep waters. It’s available in multiple sizes for varying diving depths anywhere from 14 - 23ft.

Walleye Nation Creations WNC Reaper Crankbait

Buy Walleye Nation Creations WNC Reaper Crankbait

The Walleye Nation Creations WNC Reaper is specifically designed for trolling depths of up to 20ft. and excels in both shallow and deep water. Its tight action and ability to attract walleye make it a great addition to any trolling setup, especially when targeting fish near structure or along drop-offs.

Rapala Deep Tail Dancer

Buy Rapala Deep Tail Dancer

The Rapala Deep Tail Dancer is a must-have for anglers trolling in deep waters. The largest size of Tail Dancer can reach depths of up to 30ft. This crankbait features a wide tail action that drives walleye to strike, even at slower trolling speeds. It’s an excellent choice for targeting big walleye lurking in deep river channels and lakes.

Rapala Scatter Rap Tail Dancer

Buy Rapala Deep Tail Dancer

The Rapala Scatter Rap Tail Dancer combines the deadly profile of the Rapala Tail Dancer with the incredible erratic action of the Scatter Rap Bill. This crankbait dives to depths of up to 20ft and has a unique “scattering” action thanks to a cupped bill. The Scatter Rap Tail Dancer is a great choice for triggering bites from aggressive walleyes.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're casting along shallow shorelines or trolling the depths, choosing the right crankbait is crucial to your success when fishing for walleye. From the classic Rapala Shad Rap for casting to the deep-diving Bandit Walleye Deep Divers for trolling, this guide has you covered with the best crankbaits for both techniques. No matter where you're fishing, these top-rated lures are sure to help you land more walleye.

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