/
/
Trolling Guide · Walleye & Salmon
How to Use a Dipsy Diver
Dipsy Divers are one of the most effective tools for trolling walleye, salmon, and steelhead — especially on the Great Lakes. This guide covers everything from sizes and depth charts to rigging, rods, line, leaders, lures, and accessories.
Last updated: August 2026 · By: FishUSA Staff
What Is a Dipsy Diver?
Fishing a Dipsy Diver is an extremely effective way to target many species while trolling, especially walleye, salmon, and steelhead. Dipsies are incredibly popular on the Great Lakes for all three species because they allow you to get your lines deep very easily. A Dipsy Diver is a trolling device designed to help anglers achieve greater depths than traditional cranking or planer board setups allow, particularly useful for targeting fish that dwell deeper in the water column where other methods fall short.
The Dipsy Diver works by creating a diving action that pulls lures down to the desired depth, making it an essential piece of equipment for serious trollers. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to build a successful Dipsy Diver program from the ground up.
Key Features of a Dipsy Diver
- Adjustable Depth Control: Allows anglers to set and maintain precise depths for their lures, ensuring they reach the optimal strike zone for specific fish species.
- Directional Steering: An adjustable fin can direct the diver left or right, increasing the area covered while trolling and spreading your lines away from the boat wake.
- Variety of Sizes: Available in four sizes to accommodate different trolling speeds and target depths, covering everything from 20 feet down to 100 feet.
- Tension Control: Allows the amount of tension needed to "trip" the diver to be adjusted for different conditions and line types.
How Do Dipsy Divers Work?
The Dipsy Diver is attached to the fishing line between the rod and the lure. When deployed, its design causes it to dive and maintain a consistent depth, guided by the adjustable fin. The diver's unique shape and weight distribution create a downward pull, allowing lures to travel much deeper than they would naturally. When a fish strikes, the sudden load trips the diver — releasing its tension and signaling the bite. This makes the Dipsy Diver invaluable for reaching walleye, salmon, and steelhead holding in deeper water.
Benefits of Using a Dipsy Diver
- Enhanced Catch Rates: By precisely targeting fish at specific depths, anglers can significantly improve their chances of success over traditional trolling methods.
- Increased Versatility: The ability to control both depth and direction allows for more strategic fishing, adapting to different environments and fish behaviors.
- Efficiency: Reduces the need for multiple lines and heavy sinkers, simplifying the trolling setup and making it more manageable for anglers of all skill levels.
Dipsy Diver Sizes
Dipsy Divers come in four sizes, each designed for a different depth range. Choosing the right size depends primarily on where the fish are holding and your trolling speed.
| Size | Diameter | Max Diving Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Mini (3/0) | 2¼" | 20 ft |
| Small (0) | 3¼" | 30 ft |
| Large (1) | 4⅛" | 50 ft |
| Jumbo (3) | 4⅞" | 100 ft |
The Large (1) is the most popular choice for Great Lakes walleye trolling, offering enough depth capacity for most situations without being overly large. The Jumbo (3) is primarily used for targeting salmon and steelhead in deeper water. If you're just getting started, a couple of Large (1) divers in a mix of colors is the best investment.
Dipsy Diver Depth Chart
Every Dipsy Diver comes with a depth chart on the back of the package. These charts explain exactly how much line you need to have out for your diver to reach a desired depth at each base plate setting, calibrated for fishing with 20lb monofilament. The diver will reach greater depth quicker than the chart indicates when fished with thinner diameter line — which is another reason braided line is the preferred choice.
Braid vs. Mono Depth Difference
When fishing 30lb braid (0.28mm diameter) instead of 20lb mono, your diver will reach the same target depth with less line out than the chart suggests. Start with slightly less line than the chart calls for and adjust based on where you mark fish.
How to Rig a Dipsy Diver
There are two primary ways to rig a Dipsy Diver: a general direct-to-lure setup and a flasher or dodger setup. Both follow the same foundation but differ in what you attach between the diver and your lure.
General Setup
- Select Your Dipsy Diver: Choose the appropriate size and color based on the depth and conditions you will be fishing.
- Attach the Diver to Your Main Line: Use a strong snap swivel to connect the Dipsy Diver to your main fishing line at the front snap.
- Attach Your Lure to the Diver: Clip a snap swivel to the rear of the Dipsy Diver. Connect your leader line to the snap swivel, then attach your chosen lure to the other end of the leader.
- Set the Direction Dial: Adjust the dial on the Dipsy Diver to the desired direction. A setting of "0" dives straight down, while settings from "1" to "3" veer the diver left or right to spread coverage away from the boat.
Leader Length by Lure Type
| Lure Type | Leader Length |
|---|---|
| Spoons | 6–8 ft |
| Crankbaits | 4–6 ft |
| Trolling Flies / Meat Rig | 8–10 ft |
| Soft Plastics / Worm Harnesses | 5–7 ft |
Flasher or Dodger Setup
- Select Your Dipsy Diver based on target depth and trolling speed.
- Attach the Diver to Your Main Line using a snap swivel at the front.
- Connect the Flasher or Dodger: Run a section of fluorocarbon leader (4–6 feet) from the rear snap of the Dipsy Diver to the front of your flasher or dodger.
- Attach the Trailing Lure: Run a shorter leader from the rear of the flasher or dodger to your lure — typically 2–5 feet depending on lure type.
- Set the Direction Dial on the diver to the desired position.
- Test Your Setup: Deploy the rig at trolling speed and confirm the diver is running true and the flasher or dodger is rotating or flashing properly before fishing the full spread.
Flasher/Dodger Leader Lengths
| Lure Type | Dipsy to Flasher/Dodger | Flasher/Dodger to Lure |
|---|---|---|
| Spoons | 4–6 ft | 2–4 ft |
| Trolling Flies / Meat Rig | 5–7 ft | 3–5 ft |
Additional Tips
- Line Type Matters: Braided line is preferred for Dipsy Divers because its near-zero stretch transmits the strike signal more clearly and makes tripping the diver easier than mono or fluoro.
- Depth Adjustment: Let out more line to run deeper, or reduce line to fish shallower. Use a line counter reel to stay consistent between rods in the same spread.
- Speed Control: Trolling speed affects how deep the diver runs. Faster speeds push divers shallower; slower speeds allow them to dive deeper.
- Test in the Water: When rigging up, deploy the diver at speed to confirm it's diving in the intended direction before running the full spread.
- Color Selection: While depth and direction matter more than color, chartreuse and bright colors work well in stained water while natural and green tones tend to produce in clear water.
- Mirror Your Dial Settings: When running multiple divers, set one left and one right so the lines spread across a wider swath of water rather than doubling up in the same zone.
Dipsy Diver Setup: Rods
Dipsy Diver fishing requires a dedicated trolling rod — not just any spinning or casting setup. You need a rod with enough backbone to handle the load a diver places on the line, a sensitive tip to detect the diver tripping, and the right length to separate inside and outside positions across your spread. Rods designed specifically for dipsy fishing by experienced charter captains make a significant difference in control and hook-up rate.
| Model | Power | Line Weight | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| FFSHIP-T-902-MH | Medium Heavy | 15–30 lb | Inside Diver Position |
| FFSHIP-T-1002MH | Medium Heavy | 15–30 lb | Outside Diver Position |
- Inside vs. Outside Positions: The 9 ft FFSHIP-T-902MH is designed for inside diver positions closest to port and starboard, while the 10 ft FFSHIP-T-1002MH provides more tip reach and separation for outside positions farther from the boat.
- Sea-Guide Uplocking Reel Seats: Cushioned hoods protect your reel foot during the constant load of trolling.
- Heavy-Duty Line Keepers: Keep your line secure when moving between spots or stowing rods in the gunnel holders.
- Triangular EVA Foam Foregrip: Designed for extreme comfort during long days of trolling at the helm.
- Developed by Experts: Designed and thoroughly tested by FishUSA charter captains and pro staff who run Dipsy Diver spreads professionally on the Great Lakes.
Dipsy Diver Setup: Line
Braided line is the overwhelming preference for Dipsy Diver fishing. Its near-zero stretch transmits the diver tripping when a fish strikes and gives you better depth control at every setting. Monofilament is possible but its inherent stretch makes it harder to detect trips and slightly more difficult to control depth precisely. For Great Lakes walleye, 30lb braid is the standard starting point. For salmon and steelhead, heavier braid is appropriate.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Diameter (30 lb) | 0.28 mm |
| Color | Moss Green (recommended for trolling) |
- Superior knot strength for reliable connections at snap swivels and line counter reels
- Near zero stretch — critical for sensing the diver trip and detecting fish strikes with confidence
- Incredible strength — 10X stronger than steel at equivalent diameter
- No reel memory — lays flat on the spool for smooth, consistent deployment on every pass
- Won't cut guides — safe for all rod guide materials including standard and SiC rings
Dipsy Diver Setup: Leaders
Fluorocarbon is the preferred leader material for Dipsy Diver fishing because it's virtually invisible underwater — an important advantage in clear Great Lakes water where walleye can be leader-shy. Leader length should vary from 6 to 12 feet for walleye depending on water clarity, with longer leaders in clear conditions. For walleye on the Great Lakes, 12–17 lb fluorocarbon is standard. For steelhead and salmon, step up to 20–30 lb.
| Test | Diameter (in) | Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 lb | 0.008" | 0.205 mm |
| 6 lb | 0.009" | 0.235 mm |
| 8 lb | 0.010" | 0.260 mm |
| 10 lb | 0.012" | 0.310 mm |
| 12 lb | 0.013" | 0.330 mm |
| 15 lb | 0.015" | 0.380 mm |
| 17 lb | 0.016" | 0.405 mm |
| 20 lb | 0.018" | 0.450 mm |
| 25 lb | 0.020" | 0.505 mm |
- Excellent knot strength for secure connections at snap swivels and lure snaps
- Virtually invisible underwater — critical for spooky fish in clear Great Lakes water
- Superior abrasion resistance against diver hardware and snap connections
- Made from exclusive 100% Seaguar resins for consistent diameter and strength
Dipsy Diver Setup: Lures
The most effective lure categories for Dipsy Divers are spoons, shallow diving crankbaits, and crawler harnesses. The single most important rule when choosing a lure: it must not dive deeper than the diver itself. If your lure dives below the diver, it creates upward tension on the rear of the diver and will cause tangles or prevent it from running true.
Top crankbait choices include Bandit Walleye Shallow Divers, Bomber Long As, and the Storm Jr. Thunderstick — all relatively shallow-diving cranks that ride just behind and slightly above the diver without interfering with its depth.
Top spoon choices include Michigan Stinger, Dreamweaver, and Moonshine Lures spoons. Spoons have virtually no dive of their own, making them inherently compatible with any diver depth.
Crawler harnesses round out the top three. The Dreamweaver Wormburner, Dutch Fork harnesses, and Northland harnesses all produce well on Great Lakes walleye behind a diver, particularly during the warmer months when natural crawler presentations shine.
Dipsy Diver Setup: Terminal Tackle
Two connections matter most in a Dipsy Diver rig: the front connection from your main line to the diver, and the rear connection where your leader and lure attach.
Front connection (main line to diver): Use a size 4 snap swivel. The FishUSA Welded Ring Ball-Bearing Swivel Snap and the VMC Stainless Steel Tournament Snap Swivel are both proven options at this connection. A ball-bearing swivel eliminates line twist from the diver's rotation during the trolling pass.
Rear connection (diver to leader): Use a size 3 duolock-style snap. The FishUSA Heavy Duty Duo-Lock Snap provides a reliable, quick-change connection for swapping leaders and lures throughout the day without having to retie every time.
Dipsy Diver Setup: Accessories
Snubbers
If you're fishing braid — and you should be — a snubber is one of the most important additions to your Dipsy Diver rig. Snubbers are short elastic shock absorbers that install between the rear of the diver and the front of your fluorocarbon leader.
| Specification | Options |
|---|---|
| Colors | Chartreuse, Fire, Kelly Green, Clear |
| Lengths | 6", 8", 12" |
To rig a snubber, snap one end to the rear of the dipsy and attach your leader to the swivel at the other end. The snubber stretches slightly when a fish strikes, giving the fish a brief moment of cushion so they don't immediately pull off on a zero-stretch braid system. It also protects your fluorocarbon leader from shock loads during the strike and effectively mimics the cushioning behavior of monofilament even when your main line is all-braid.
- Provides the stretch braid lacks for better hookups on hard-striking fish
- Protects fluorocarbon leaders from sudden shock loads at the strike
- Snap end attaches to the dipsy rear; leader attaches to the swivel end
- Mimics the cushioning effect of mono while allowing you to fish with maximum sensitivity braid
- Compatible with all Dipsy Diver sizes
O-Rings
For size #1 and size #3 Dipsy Divers, O-rings are available as an add-on accessory. Luhr Jensen Dipsy Diver Monster O-Rings increase the surface area of the diver, allowing it to dive up to 20% deeper than the standard depth chart indicates at the same amount of line out. This is a useful option when you need extra depth without switching to a larger diver size.
Watch: How to Fish a Dipsy Diver
FishUSA Pro Staffer and Lake Erie Walleye Charter Captain Ross Robertson breaks down the complete Dipsy Diver program in this step-by-step video.
Dipsy Divers are an important part of any serious Great Lakes trolling arsenal. They may seem intimidating at first, but once you understand the basics of sizing, rigging, and direction control, they're a straightforward and highly productive tool. Start with a Large (1) diver, 30lb braid on a medium-heavy trolling rod, a 12–15 lb fluorocarbon leader, a snubber, and your favorite spoon or crankbait — and you'll be putting fish in the boat on your first Dipsy trip.
Dipsy Diver FAQ
A Dipsy Diver is a trolling device that pulls your lure down to a precise depth while also steering it left or right away from the boat wake. It's widely used for walleye, salmon, and steelhead — especially on the Great Lakes — because it lets you target fish holding deep without stacking heavy sinkers.
Size choice depends on target depth and trolling speed. The Mini (3/0) reaches 20 feet, the Small (0) reaches 30 feet, the Large (1) reaches 50 feet, and the Jumbo (3) can dive to 100 feet. For most Great Lakes walleye trolling, the Large (1) is the most versatile starting point.
Depth depends on diver size, line diameter, trolling speed, and dial setting. Every Dipsy Diver includes a depth chart calibrated for 20lb monofilament. Switching to thinner braid (e.g., 30lb PowerPro at 0.28mm diameter) causes the diver to reach target depth with less line out than the mono chart indicates.
Braided line is strongly preferred because its near-zero stretch makes it much easier to trip the diver when a fish strikes. 30lb braid (0.28mm diameter) in Moss Green is the standard choice for Great Lakes walleye. Heavier braid works for salmon and steelhead applications.
Spoons (Michigan Stinger, Dreamweaver, Moonshine Lures), shallow diving crankbaits (Bomber Long A, Bandit Walleye Shallow Divers, Storm Jr. Thunderstick), and crawler harnesses (Dreamweaver Wormburner, Dutch Fork, Northland) all work well. The key rule: your lure must not dive below the diver or it will create upward tension and cause tangles.
Yes — a dedicated trolling rod in medium-heavy power with a 15–30 lb line rating is recommended. Shorter rods (9 ft) work better for inside diver positions closest to the boat, while longer rods (10 ft) are preferred for outside positions to create more spread. FishUSA Flagship Trolling Rods are designed specifically for dipsy fishing by charter captains who fish the Great Lakes professionally.
A snubber is a short elastic shock absorber that connects between the diver and your leader. It provides the stretch that braid lacks, giving fish a brief moment of cushion during the strike so they don't immediately tear free. It also protects your leader from shock loads and replicates the cushioning behavior of monofilament even when fishing an all-braid system.
Leader length depends on lure type: spoons 6–8 ft, crankbaits 4–6 ft, trolling flies or meat rigs 8–10 ft, and soft plastics or harnesses 5–7 ft. When running a flasher or dodger, split the distance — 4–6 ft from the diver to the flasher, then 2–5 ft from the flasher to the lure.