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Best Live Bait For Walleye (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a way to increase your chances of catching walleye, live bait is a great option. Choosing the right live bait for walleye can be a challenge, as there are many factors to consider.

First, think about the size of the bait. Walleye prefer smaller bait, so consider using minnows or leeches. Next, consider the water temperature and conditions. In clearer water, use smaller bait and in murkier water, use larger bait. Lastly, think about the time of day. Walleye are more active at dawn and dusk, so using live bait during these times can increase your chances of a successful catch.

Still not convinced? Ask yourself these questions. Have you been struggling to catch walleye? Are you tired of using artificial lures with little success? Do you want to increase your chances of catching more walleye on your fishing trips? If you answered yes to any of these questions, live bait for walleye may be the solution you’ve been searching for. Try it out and see the difference it can make in your fishing experience.

10 Best Live Bait For Walleye

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
Ideal for freshwater walleye fishing with live bait, featuring a crawler harness spinner rig, Colorado spinner blades, and snelled hooks.
2
The product is ideal for catching walleye fish using live bait with spinner blade lures and crawler harnesses.
3
It is ideal for fishing bait.
4
This product is ideal for making custom walleye fishing rigs with spinner blades and crawler harnesses using live bait.
5
The product is ideal for fishing walleye with a spinner rig kit that includes assorted sizes and colors of baitfish-image spinners.
6
Ideal for fishing with live bait or crawlers using bottom rigs, walleye rigs or surf fishing.
7
This product is ideal for freshwater and saltwater fishing with live bait rigs, especially for catching walleye, trout, and salmon.
8
Ideal for attracting live walleye when fishing.
9
Ideal for catching walleye and crappie fish using live bait.
10
This product is ideal for fishing rigs that require a float for surf fishing, walleye rigs, live bait rigs, and crawler harnesses.
Ideal for freshwater walleye fishing with live bait, featuring a crawler harness spinner rig, Colorado spinner blades, and snelled hooks.
The product is ideal for catching walleye fish using live bait with spinner blade lures and crawler harnesses.
This product is ideal for making custom walleye fishing rigs with spinner blades and crawler harnesses using live bait.
The product is ideal for fishing walleye with a spinner rig kit that includes assorted sizes and colors of baitfish-image spinners.
Ideal for fishing with live bait or crawlers using bottom rigs, walleye rigs or surf fishing.
This product is ideal for freshwater and saltwater fishing with live bait rigs, especially for catching walleye, trout, and salmon.
Ideal for catching walleye and crappie fish using live bait.
This product is ideal for fishing rigs that require a float for surf fishing, walleye rigs, live bait rigs, and crawler harnesses.

1. Walleye Fishing Kit With 10 Rigs – Dr. Fish

The Walleye Rigs Kit includes 10 unique rigs, each designed to attract fish with their bright colors and patterns. The rigs are hand-tied and come in 10 different colors, with each rig featuring a #3 Colorado blade, a #2 Octopus hook, a clevis, 15lb mono, and six fishing beads. The rigs are 47 inches long, with a knot at the end of the mono for easy attachment to the leader line.

Each walleye rig is equipped with a hard and sharp Octopus hook that provides excellent penetration power, making it difficult for large gamefish to escape. The bright-colored blades and beads are tied in matched patterns to create flash, splash, and vibration in the water, mimicking the movement of a small fish and attracting big fish to bite the hook.

To ensure long-term use, the blades are coated with high-quality anti-rust coating that is highly resistant to chipping. The high-density material used for the beads further increases the rig's lifespan. These walleye rigs are perfect for freshwater fishing and are sure to attract fish with their bright colors and unique designs.

Pros

  • Comes with 10 unique rigs in 10 different colors
  • Equipped with hard and sharp Octopus hooks for excellent penetration power
  • Hand-tied with bright-colored blades and beads in matched patterns to create flash, splash, and vibration in the water
  • Blades are coated with high-quality anti-rust coating that is highly resistant to chipping
  • Beads are made from high-density material for increased lifespan
  • Convenient 47-inch length with a knot at the end of the mono for easy attachment to the leader line

2. Live Bait Walleye Rigs – 10 Pack

The set includes 10 pre-tied walleye rigs that are easy to use for walleye fishing. These rigs can be attached to your leader and hooks, and you're ready to fish. The exquisitely designed fishing spinner rig creates a swirling swimming action as it moves across the water, making it tempting for fish to attack. The hammered Colorado blade comes in specially selected colors and patterns to maximize productivity. This blade design deflects light in multiple directions and generates splashes to increase your bait's visibility and attractiveness. The walleye rig is finished with high-visibility, sharp, strong hooks, hard plastic beads, and high-strength monofilament line, making it ideal for catching walleye or even saltwater marlin. These walleye rig lures are versatile and can be used to catch many species of fish, including kokanee, bass, trout, bream, muskie, and more, in both freshwater and saltwater. They make a great gift for fishing enthusiasts.

Pros

  • Easy-to-use pre-tied walleye rigs
  • Exquisitely designed fishing spinner rig with swirling swimming action
  • Hammered Colorado blade in specially selected colors and patterns for maximum productivity
  • High-visibility, sharp, strong hooks, hard plastic beads, and high-strength monofilament line
  • Versatile and can be used to catch many species of fish in both freshwater and saltwater
  • Great gift for fishing enthusiasts

3. Slimers Leeches Black 80 Per 10 Oz Container

The Slimers are an excellent option for those who enjoy fishing in freshwater or saltwater. These baits have a realistic look, feel, and taste that is similar to live bait, making them a great choice for attracting fish. They can absorb attractants and brines, making them even more effective at luring fish. Unlike live bait, Slimers do not require refrigeration, which makes them a convenient and cost-effective option for anglers. These baits are salt-saturated, which adds to their effectiveness in saltwater environments. Overall, Slimers are a reliable and efficient option for any angler looking to improve their chances of catching fish.

Pros

  • Realistic look, feel, and taste similar to live bait
  • Absorbs attractants and brines for added effectiveness
  • No refrigeration required, making them cost-effective and convenient
  • Salt-saturated for increased effectiveness in saltwater environments

4. Ultimate Walleye Rig Kit By Dr.fish

The Ageless Bright Blades are a top-quality set of fishing accessories that are designed to last for years. Each blade is painted with the latest technology, which makes them chip-resistant and corrosion-resistant underwater. This means that they will remain shiny and new even after long-term use. The colorful bright blades create a continuous flash and vibration that is sure to attract walleye from far away, and drive them to bite. This set is perfect for making walleye rigs, pompano rigs, trout spinners, inline spinners for bass, steelhead, salmon, and more. Dress up your lure or rig in front of live bait as attractant, and stripers, bluefish, and snapper will go crazy for them. The assortment contains 60pcs blades, 30pcs floats, 20pcs clevis, 10pcs quick change clevis, and 150pcs beads, making it easy to find the correct combination for your next fishing adventure. All accessories are made with premium quality plastic, brass, or nickel-coated stainless steel, which ensures that the fishing spinnerbait can be used efficiently for many times. The set comes in a durable plastic box, making it easy to store and transport.

Pros

  • Chip-resistant and corrosion-resistant blades
  • Colorful bright blades create continuous flash and vibration that attracts fish
  • Great for making a variety of rigs for different types of fish
  • Made with premium quality materials for long-term use
  • Comes in a durable plastic box for easy storage and transport

5. Foam Surf Fishing Floats – 30 Pack!

The fishing floats are an essential item for any angler who wants to make surf fishing rigs such as pompano rig, live bait rig, or bottom rig. These floats can also be used for making walleye rigs and crawler harness. The floats come in a package of 30 and have a size of 1-1/5 inches.

These floats are designed to keep your bait at the perfect water column by floating it off the bottom. This feature ensures that your bait is visible to the fish and increases your chances of catching a fish. The bright colors of the floats also make your bait more attractive to the fish.

One of the significant benefits of using these floats is that they keep the crabs off your bait. This feature ensures that your bait lasts longer and increases your chances of catching a fish.

Overall, these fishing floats are an excellent addition to any angler's fishing gear. They are versatile, easy to use, and come in a package of 30, making them a cost-effective option for all fishing enthusiasts.

Pros

  • Keeps bait at the perfect water column
  • Bright colors increase bait attractiveness
  • Package of 30 floats provides a cost-effective option
  • Keeps crabs off the bait, ensuring it lasts longer

6. Walleye Spinner Pack – Catch More Fish!

Make fishing more convenient and effective with this set of 5 pre-tied walleye rigs. Each rig is simple yet highly effective for walleye fishing. The included blade baits are excellent search baits that can cover a lot of water and keep the bait in the strike zone throughout the cast. With a walleye spinner rig, you can create a swirling swimming action as it trolls across the water and the blade rotates, adding a unique temptation to your live bait. These lures are made with premium materials, each featuring one sharp high carbon steel hook that is wear-resistant and not easy to bend. The hard plastic beads make the lures durable and reusable, great for fishing worms. The crawler harness spinner rig kit includes 2 hammered colorado blades, a mono leader 44in, red octopus hook, 2 spinner clevis, and 17 fishing beads, all-in-one rig making fishing simple and effective. These walleye rig lures are not only suitable for walleye fishing but also for other species of fish such as kokanee, bass, trout, bream, muskie, and more. They are also suitable for both freshwater and saltwater, making them ideal for fishing lovers of all kinds.

Pros

  • Set of 5 pre-tied walleye rigs for convenient and effective fishing
  • Blade baits are excellent search baits that keep bait in the strike zone throughout the cast
  • Walleye spinner rig creates a swirling swimming action with rotating blades for added temptation
  • Made with premium materials, including sharp high carbon steel hooks and durable hard plastic beads
  • Crawler harness spinner rig kit includes all necessary components for effective fishing
  • Suitable for a wide variety of fish species and both freshwater and saltwater fishing

7. Baitmate Fish Attractant Live Walleye Scent, 5 Fluid-Ounce Spray

The 5.0 FL Ounce Spray Bottle is a must-have for any angler looking to increase their chances of catching fish. With improved adhesion, the potency of the bait is prolonged, giving you more time to attract fish to your line. The increased scale fleck not only visually stimulates fish but also creates a more natural appearance, making it harder for them to resist. Additionally, the increased amino acids in the formula produce a scent that fish can't resist. This scent is sure to attract more fish than ever before.

The easy-to-use spray bottle allows you to apply the bait quickly and efficiently, saving you time and effort. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, this spray bottle is a great addition to your fishing gear. The compact size makes it easy to carry with you on your fishing trips, so you can be prepared to catch fish wherever you go.

Overall, the 5.0 FL Ounce Spray Bottle is a reliable and effective tool for any angler looking to improve their catch rate. The combination of improved adhesion, increased scale fleck, and increased amino acids make this spray bottle a must-have for any serious fisherman.

Pros

  • Improved adhesion prolongs potency of bait
  • Increased scale fleck visually stimulates fish
  • Increased amino acids create a scent fish can't resist
  • Easy-to-use spray bottle for quick and efficient application
  • Compact size makes it easy to carry on fishing trips

8. 15 Pk 1/8 Oz No Collar Live Bait Walleye Crappie Fishing Jigs Red Sickle Hooks

The 1/8 oz. Round Head Jigs with No Collar is an excellent option for those who are looking for a jig to tie flies. This jig is well-packed and shipped from the United States, ensuring that it arrives in perfect condition.

With its round head design, this jig provides excellent movement in the water, making it an ideal choice for a variety of fishing situations. The lack of collar also allows for more customization when it comes to tying flies, giving anglers more control over the final product.

Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, the 1/8 oz. Round Head Jigs with No Collar is a versatile and reliable option for your fishing needs.

Pros

  • Excellent design for movement in water
  • No collar allows for more customization when tying flies
  • Versatile and reliable option for fishing needs

9. Float-Rite Fishing Rigging Kit

Alwonder cylinder fishing floats are a must-have for any angler. This pack includes 100 floats in 6 different colors – Green, Green and Yellow, Red, Red and White, Red and Yellow, Yellow – and 3 sizes – Small size: 1/4” * 3/5”, Medium size: 1/4” * 2/3”, Large size: 2/5” * 2/3”. This means you can choose the perfect size and color for your fishing needs.

Made of premium Eva foam material, these fishing floats are durable and lightweight. They are designed not to absorb water, which means they have excellent floating performance and will last you a long time.

These fishing floats are great for keeping your bait at the desired strike zone. Simply thread your fishing line through the hole in the center of the float and adjust the depth as needed. The floats will also make your bait float slightly to avoid marine life such as shrimps and crabs from eating your bait by mistake.

The bright colors of Alwonder bullet fishing floats make them excellent strike indicators. They show the location of fishing spots and delivery fishing conditions more clearly, helping you to catch more fish.

These fishing floats are also great for making different rigs, including trout rigs, catfish rigs, bass rigs, walleye rigs, and pompano rigs. With so many sizes and colors to choose from, you can create the perfect rig for your next fishing trip.

Pros

  • Pack includes 100 floats in 6 different colors and 3 sizes
  • Made of premium Eva foam material for durability and lightness
  • Excellent floating performance with no water absorption
  • Helps keep bait at the desired strike zone and avoid marine life
  • Bright colors make great strike indicators
  • Versatile for making different rigs

Best Live Bait For Walleye FAQs

How do you properly rig live bait for walleye fishing?

When it comes to walleye fishing, using live bait can be a highly effective technique. However, proper rigging is essential to ensure that the bait is presented in a way that will entice the fish to bite. The most popular live baits for walleye fishing include minnows, leeches, and nightcrawlers.

To rig live bait for walleye fishing, start by selecting a hook that is appropriate for the size of the bait you will be using. For smaller minnows, a size 4 or 6 hook may be sufficient, while larger baits like nightcrawlers may require a size 2 hook.

Next, thread the hook through the bait in a way that will allow it to move freely in the water. For minnows, this may involve inserting the hook through the back and out the mouth, while for leeches and nightcrawlers, you may want to thread the hook through the body multiple times to ensure that it stays securely in place.

Finally, be sure to adjust the weight of the rig to match the depth and current of the water you will be fishing in. This will help to keep the bait at the desired depth and increase the chances of catching a walleye. With the proper rigging technique and a bit of patience, live bait can be a highly effective way to catch walleye.

How do you store and transport live bait for walleye fishing trips?

When it comes to live bait for walleye fishing trips, proper storage and transportation are essential. The first step is to choose the right type of live bait, such as minnows, leeches, or nightcrawlers, depending on the season and location. Once you have your live bait, it's important to keep it cool and aerated to maintain its freshness and vitality.

One option is to use a bait bucket with a built-in aerator, which keeps the water circulating and oxygenated. It's important to change the water frequently and avoid overcrowding the bait bucket, as this can lead to stress and disease.

During transportation, it's important to keep the bait bucket upright and secure to prevent spills or leaks. You can also use a cooler with ice packs or frozen water bottles to keep the bait cool and fresh.

Overall, proper storage and transportation of live bait for walleye fishing trips is crucial for success on the water. By following these tips, you can ensure that your bait stays healthy and lively, increasing your chances of catching that big walleye.

What are the best types of live bait for catching walleye?

When it comes to catching walleye, live bait is often the best option. There are several types of live bait that have proven to be effective for catching walleye. One of the most popular types of live bait is minnows. You can use fathead minnows or shiner minnows, and they should be about two to three inches in length. Another effective live bait option is nightcrawlers. These worms are easy to find at bait shops and can be threaded onto a hook for fishing. Leeches are also a popular choice for catching walleye. They are often used in deeper waters and can be hooked through the sucker end or the tail end. Lastly, crayfish can also be used as live bait for walleye. They are particularly effective in rocky areas where walleye like to hang out. Ultimately, the best type of live bait for catching walleye will depend on the particular fishing conditions and the preferences of the fish.

What is the optimal water temperature for using live bait to catch walleye?

The optimal water temperature for using live bait to catch walleye varies depending on the season. During the spring, when the water is still cool, walleye tend to be more active and feed aggressively. In this case, the optimal water temperature is between 45°F and 55°F. As the water temperature gradually warms up in the summer, walleye tend to become less active and feed less often. The optimal water temperature during this season is between 65°F and 75°F.

It's worth noting that water temperature isn't the only factor that affects the success of using live bait to catch walleye. Other factors such as time of day, weather conditions, and location also play a significant role. It's essential to do some research and talk to local fishermen to get an idea of the best time and place to catch walleye using live bait.

In conclusion, the optimal water temperature for using live bait to catch walleye ranges from 45°F to 75°F, depending on the season. However, it's crucial to consider other factors that can affect the success of catching walleye using live bait.

What time of day is best for using live bait when targeting walleye?

When it comes to fishing for walleye, using live bait can be a highly effective strategy. However, the best time of day to use live bait can vary depending on a number of factors. Generally speaking, early morning and late afternoon tend to be the best times to use live bait when targeting walleye. During these times, the water is often cooler and the fish are more active and willing to bite.

That being said, it's important to note that there are a number of other factors that can impact the effectiveness of live bait, including water temperature, weather conditions, and the specific location where you're fishing. As a result, it's important to do your research and experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you.

Ultimately, if you're looking to maximize your chances of catching walleye using live bait, it's important to be patient, adaptable, and willing to try different techniques until you find what works best for you.

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