There's nothing quite like the thrill of reeling in a trophy walleye. But to catch that monster fish, you'll need to understand how their feeding habits change with the seasons and how to adapt your crank bait strategy accordingly. In this article, we'll cover the best bait sizes, colors, and actions to help you catch that huge walleye you've been dreaming of, organized by the time of year. So let's dive in and get you ready for the ultimate walleye fishing experience!

Spring Walleye Fishing: Lure Selection and Techniques

• Location: When the spawn is over, walleye tend to stick around shallow areas near their spawning grounds. Keep an eye out for structures like rocky points, fallen trees, and weed beds.

• Lure Selection: Post-spawn walleye are hungry and ready to eat, so try medium-sized crank baits like the Rapala Shad Rap and Husky Jerk, as well as the Berkley Flicker Shad and Strike King KVD Slash Bait.

• Colors: Natural hues such as silver, gold, and white help mimic the appearance of baitfish in clear water.

• Depth & Retrieve: Start with shallow-running baits and a slow to moderate retrieve to match the sluggish movement of baitfish in cooler water.

Summer Walleye Fishing: Lure Selection and Techniques

• Location: As the water warms, walleye move to deeper, cooler areas. Focus on drop-offs, underwater humps, and weed edges.

• Lure Selection: In the summer months, switch between medium-sized baits like the Rapala Tail Dancer and deep-diving crank baits such as the Reef Runner Deep Diver and the Bandit Deep Walleye. For a more versatile option, try the Storm Deep ThunderStick.

• Colors: Bright colors like chartreuse, fluorescent orange, and hot pink are great for stained or muddy water, while natural hues work well in clear water.

• Depth & Retrieve: Use deeper-diving baits during the day and shallower baits in the early morning and late evening. Speed up your retrieve to match the increased activity of walleye in warmer water.

Fall Walleye Fishing: Lure Selection and Techniques

• Location: In the fall, walleye often move back to shallow areas to feed aggressively. Look for structures like rocky points and weed lines, as well as areas with baitfish schools.

• Lure Selection: Break out larger crank baits (4-7 inches) like the Rapala Shad Rap, Husky Jerk, Tail Dancer, and Reef Runner, as well as the Bomber Long A, to imitate larger prey.

• Colors: Dark shades like black, purple, and blue create a striking silhouette against the surface in low light.

• Depth & Retrieve: Experiment with different depths and retrieval speeds, as walleye may be more aggressive in their feeding during the fall. Try varying the retrieval pattern with pauses and jerks to make your crank bait seem more lifelike.

Catching a monster walleye takes patience, skill, and the right strategy for the season. By understanding how walleye feeding habits change throughout the year and adapting your large crank bait techniques accordingly, you'll be well on your way to reeling in that trophy walleye. Don't forget to show off your catch when you land it, and remember to always practice responsible fishing by adhering to local regulations and catch-and-release practices when appropriate.