Chloe Zhang
Trolling is a fishing technique where a baited rig or lure is run behind a moving boat at a slow speed, and it's a popular method for catching walleye. When trolling for walleye, speed and depth are critical factors. A speed of 1.5 to 2.5 miles per hour is recommended, but this may need adjusting depending on the behaviour of the fish and the conditions of the water. In terms of depth, a floating crankbait or spinner rig can be used effectively at less than 15 feet, while a deep-diving crankbait or a jig and plastic tail are more suitable for medium-depth water of 15-30 feet. For depths over 30 feet, a downrigger is required. Soft plastics are a popular choice for trolling, as they allow anglers to experiment with different scents and colours, and can be used with slow-turn hooks and bottom bouncers to appeal to a walleye's sense of smell and vision.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic type | Soft plastics, chemically engineered plastics, hair jig |
| Plastic shape | Worms, minnow-imitating bodies, curly-tailed grubs |
| Plastic size | 4-5 inches |
| Plastic weight | 1/16-1/4 ounce |
| Plastic brand | Berkley Gulp!, Lunker City, B-Fish-N, TriggerX, Gamakatsu |
| Plastic colour | Various |
| Plastic scent | Various |
| Plastic presentation | Slow zig-zag pattern, off straight rigging |
| Plastic depth | Less than 20 feet, less than 15 feet, 15-30 feet |
| Plastic speed | Slow, 1-2.5 mph |
| Plastic equipment | Spinning gear, level wind reel, downrigger, planer board, trolling rod and reel setup, trolling motor |
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What You'll Learn
Soft plastics are effective in shallow waters
Soft plastics are highly effective in shallow waters, especially when fishing for walleyes. Trolling with soft plastics is a great way to catch a lot of walleyes when they move into areas less than 20 feet deep. This technique can be applied all year round, especially during the summer months.
When fishing in shallow waters, it is recommended to use light jigs (1/16 to 1/4 oz) and slower retrieval methods. A slow zig-zag pattern can help the lure escape the "spook zone" around your boat, allowing you to cover more water. Walleyes in shallow water behave differently—they invade these areas to feed and quickly leave when done foraging. They are quite tolerant of a single boat passing by, but if interrupted, they will push off to the sides.
Soft plastic baits, such as swimbaits, are ideal for shallow water walleye fishing. These baits glide in the water, producing a kicking action that attracts fish. Popular options include the Northland Mimic Minnows and the AuthentX line of plastics, with the latter being a favourite among walleye anglers. The 4-inch paddle tail option in colours like salt-n-pepper or purple body with a chartreuse or green paddle tail, are great choices for clear water lakes.
Additionally, new-age plastics like Berkley Gulp! are chemically engineered to appeal to a walleye's sense of smell. You can also experiment with different scents and colours to find what works best. When trolling with soft plastics, it is important to hold onto the rod, as walleyes in shallow waters tend to take the jig deep into their mouths.
Overall, soft plastics are a highly effective and versatile option for shallow water walleye fishing, allowing anglers to experiment with different techniques and presentations to maximise their catch.
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Experiment with different scents and colours
Unlike live bait, plastics allow you to experiment with different scents and colours. For example, Berkley Gulp! is chemically engineered and laboratory-tested to appeal to a walleye's sense of smell. You can also use cornmeal and spray it with Gulp recharge juice, allowing the plastic to take on the Gulp residue by osmosis.
When it comes to colours, understanding the walleye's retina is key to understanding their colour perception. Walleyes have dichromatic vision, meaning they primarily rely on two types of cones to perceive colour – one sensitive to green and the other to a range of orange and red. This means they see these colours the best, with some ability to detect blues and yellows, but with significantly less sensitivity.
In clear water, natural colours that mimic baitfish are a good starting point. Think whites, silvers, and translucent finishes with hints of green or blue. In murky water, where visibility is reduced, brighter and more contrasting colours become more effective. Chartreuse, firetiger, and even glow-in-the-dark options can be great choices.
It's also important to consider the time of day. Walleyes are most active at dusk and dawn (twilight hours), so using glow-in-the-dark lures can be effective at these times, especially in deep, dark water.
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Slow troll tactics with swim baits
Slow trolling with swimbaits is an effective tactic for catching walleyes. The hang time and stalling fall of soft plastics, when popped off the bottom, make them ideal for this purpose. Here are some tips for slow trolling tactics with swimbaits:
Speed
The speed of your boat is crucial for successful trolling. The magic speed for walleye is somewhere between 1.8 to 3.5 miles per hour, about the pace of a fast walk or slow jog. However, some sources suggest an even slower speed of 1.7 to 2.5 mph, noting that even a 0.2 mph difference can impact your catch rate. When the water temperature is between 42°F and 50°F, a stick bait with a slow wobble at slower speeds (1.3 mph to 1.8 mph) is ideal. As the water warms into the 50s, switch to shad profile lures like the #5 Rapala Shad Rap or #5 Berkley Flicker Shad.
Lures
When it comes to lures, lipped crankbaits are hard to beat for walleye trolling. Soft plastics or hair jigs wafting behind the boat create a natural presentation that attracts walleye. Experiment with different scents and colours to find what works best. New-age plastics like Berkley Gulp! are chemically engineered to appeal to a walleye's sense of smell.
Rod Placement
Always troll with your rods placed out the port, starboard, and stern sides of the boat. When using multiple rods, place your heavier, deeper diving presentations in front of the boat on shorter rods, and your shallower presentations on longer rods in the back to prevent tangles.
Planer Boards
Planer boards are small pieces of wood or plastic that can be clipped to your line to help present your baits and lures to different areas of the water. They aid in preventing tangles and can be useful when running swim baits behind your boat.
Water Conditions
Slow trolling with swimbaits is particularly effective in shallow water, where walleye invade to feed. In deeper water, a clean bottom is crucial to avoid bottom contact, unless you are targeting suspended fish. If there is algae or other debris on the bottom, a crankbait or spinner may work better.
By employing these slow troll tactics with swimbaits, you can effectively target walleye and increase your chances of a successful catch.
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Use a smooth drag system to wear down walleye
Trolling for walleye is a fishing method that involves dragging a baited rig or lure behind a moving boat at a slow speed. Anglers use different types of bait, including plastic worms, hair jigs, and crankbaits, to attract and catch walleye. While trolling, it is important to use a smooth drag system to wear down the walleye and prevent the line from breaking.
A smooth drag system helps control the tension of the line during the fight with a fish. It is important to understand the type of drag system you are using, such as star drag, centrifugal drag, or magnetic drag, and set the proper tension before casting. A general rule of thumb is to set the drag to one-quarter of the breaking strength of your line, which allows you to control the fish without putting too much stress on it.
When fighting a large fish, such as a walleye, it is crucial to have a smooth working drag to tire the fish down and avoid line breaks during big runs or surges. Anglers can loosen the drag and apply temporary pressure by putting a hand or finger on the spool. This technique requires practice and is often used with braided lines. In contrast, when using higher pound tests, anglers may prefer a tighter drag, but it is crucial to loosen it if the fish pulls hard to prevent breaks.
To set the drag correctly, anglers can perform a simple test by pinching the line between two fingers and pulling. The drag should slip smoothly, and it should start slipping before the line reaches its breaking point. On most baitcasters, the drag can be adjusted by turning a star knob forward to tighten and backward to lessen the drag.
By using a smooth drag system and adjusting it during the fight, anglers can better control the walleye, prevent line breaks, and ensure a successful catch while also preserving the welfare of the fish.
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Trolling speed and depth tips
Trolling for walleye is an incredibly technical and involved fishing method that can be very satisfying. Here are some tips for trolling speed and depth to help you catch more fish:
Trolling Speed Tips:
- The magic speed for trolling walleye is generally between 1.8 to 3.5 miles per hour, which is about the pace of a fast walk or slow jog. However, the best trolling speed can vary widely depending on the lure type and water temperature.
- In the summer, when the water is warmer, you can troll at faster speeds, typically between 1.7 mph to over 3 mph. The fast pace of your crankbaits can trigger bites from the fish.
- During the colder months or when trolling in cold water, slow down your trolling speed to around 1 mph. Fish tend to be more lethargic and may not chase a fast-moving lure.
- Vary your speeds from time to time, as walleyes are known for chasing baits over long distances. A slight slowdown or quick speed-up can be achieved by trolling in zigzags or S-curves, which will naturally change the speed of your lures.
- Pay close attention to your speed when you get a strike, as even a small adjustment of 0.2 mph can make a difference in your catch rate.
Trolling Depth Tips:
- When using multiple rods, place your heavier, deeper diving presentations in front of the boat on shorter rods, and your shallower presentations on longer rods at the back. This will prevent your lines from tangling.
- Planer boards are small pieces of wood or plastic that can be clipped to your line to help prevent tangles and spread your lines apart, presenting your lures at different depths and areas of the water.
- When trolling in shallow water, walleyes may behave differently. They invade shallow water to feed and then leave when they are done foraging. So, be mindful of their behaviour and adjust your depth accordingly.
- Use split shots when trolling at different depths, as they can be added or removed quickly and easily.
- If you are fishing in a basin area, use technology like the Depth Highlight feature on the Humminbird Helix 10 to find similar areas of water at specific depths. This will help you locate where the fish are congregating.
- When using crankbaits, check the packaging or utilise resources like the Precision Trolling Guide app to determine the dive-to depths of your lures. This will ensure you are fishing at the right depth for the behaviour and location of the walleye.
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Frequently asked questions
Trolling is the act of running a baited rig or lure behind a moving boat and towing it at slow speed until a fish grabs.
Soft plastics are one of the most effective tactics for catching walleyes. Berkley Gulp! is a plastic that is chemically engineered and laboratory-tested to appeal to a walleye's sense of smell. Other plastics to consider include Case Plastics 4-inch Ring Worm, B-Fish-N 4-inch Moxi Tail, and TriggerX Herring.
Trolling for walleye is most effective when the lure is at the right depth and speed. A good starting point for speed is 1.5 to 2.5 miles per hour, but this may need to be adjusted based on the behavior of the fish and the conditions of the water. To avoid snags, use a line counter reel to keep track of the depth of your lure. Opt for a reel with a smooth drag system to assist in wearing down a walleye and reducing the risk of line breakage.
Walleye can also be caught using more stationary methods such as jigging and bait fishing. They will also bite on normal baits such as creek chubs, worms on a hook, and free-swimming minnows.
