Why troll for walleye
Trolling covers a lot of water at a controlled depth, which helps when fish are scattered over flats, basins or long breaks. It also suits big lakes and reservoirs, where finding fish is the hardest part. Many anglers troll to locate fish, then switch to jigging or rigging on a productive spot. For the broader picture, see our walleye fishing tips and techniques.
Trolling speed
Speed depends on the presentation and water temperature, so treat any number as a starting point and adjust.
- Live-bait rigs and spinner rigs: commonly slow, often somewhere around 1 mph or a little more.
- Crankbaits: often in the range of roughly 1.5 to 2.5 mph, with cooler water favoring the slower end.
- Water temperature: fish tend to prefer slower speeds in cold water and accept faster ones as it warms.
Use a GPS or a fish-finder speed readout, since boat speed and lure speed are not the same in wind or current. Watch the rod tip: a crankbait should have a steady, rhythmic wobble. If it blows out or tumbles, slow down.
Controlling depth
Depth control is usually more important than lure choice. Main tools:
- Line out: more line lets a crankbait dive deeper. Many anglers keep notes on how much line a lure needs to reach a given depth.
- Line diameter: thinner line allows a lure to run deeper, and heavier line reduces depth.
- Dive curves: manufacturers publish charts showing how deep a crankbait runs for a given line out and line size. Use them as a guide, not a guarantee.
- Weights and diving planers: snap weights, inline weights, or planer boards with weights can get live-bait rigs and shallow lures down.
- Lead core: a heavy, color-marked line that sinks in a predictable way, useful for reaching deeper fish with small lures.
Confirm that you are near the bottom or the fish by watching your sonar and occasionally touching bottom, then lifting slightly.
Lure choice
- Crankbaits: minnow-shaped and shallow- or deep-diving baits are the most common. Match depth first, then size and color.
- Spinner rigs (crawler harnesses): a blade and beads ahead of a hook with a nightcrawler or leech, popular in summer and when fish are less aggressive.
- Spoons and other options: used by some anglers on big water, especially when fish are suspended.
For color, many anglers start with natural patterns in clear water and brighter ones in stained water or low light. There is no single best lure for trolling walleye, so run a few different options and let the fish sort them out.
Where to troll
Productive areas often include:
- Flats adjacent to deeper water
- Edges of drop-offs and breaks
- Along weed edges or rock transitions
- Open basins, when fish suspend near baitfish
Wind-blown shorelines and areas with baitfish often make good starting points. S-curves and turns change lure speed and depth, and can trigger bites.
What are the 50-2 and 50/50 methods?
These phrases are used in different ways and I could not tie them to one standard definition, so be cautious if you see them cited as rules. A common reading of “50-2” is a rough guide around a certain line-out distance (for example 50 feet) and a particular speed, such as 2 mph. “50/50” is sometimes used in other ways, such as splitting time between two approaches. If you see these terms in a video or magazine, check how the author defines them. A more reliable habit is to keep your own log of line out, speed, lure, and depth for each fish.
Boat control and rod setup
- Use rod holders and keep rods at consistent angles so tangles are less likely.
- Spread rods or use planer boards to cover wider areas.
- Use a trolling motor or kicker for slow, steady speeds.
- Medium-power rods with enough give to avoid pulling hooks work well, and line counter reels help repeat results.
- Be aware of local rules on the number of lines allowed per angler.
Troubleshooting
- No bites: try different depths, a different speed, or a different part of the structure.
- Weeds on the lure: troll slightly deeper or slower, or choose a different edge.
- Short strikes: try smaller lures, trailing hooks, or slower speeds.
FAQ
How fast should you troll for walleye? Slow is often best. Roughly 1 mph for rigs and 1.5 to 2.5 mph for crankbaits are common starting points, adjusted for water temperature.
What is the best lure for trolling walleyes? There is no single answer. Minnow-style crankbaits and spinner rigs are common choices. For live-bait options, see our guide to the best bait for walleye.
Does trolling work in fall? Often yes, especially along points and weed edges. See walleye fishing in early fall.