Best walleye fishing gear: expert tips

Walleye is one of the most prized catches for anglers in Quebec and Ontario. But this elusive, unpredictable fish isn’t easy to fool. Success on the water comes down to a few key factors worth knowing.

Here are SAIL fishing expert Claude Bissonnette’s tips and recommendations to get it right.

Walleye fishing gear

Walleye characteristics and behaviour

Walleye are known for their brilliant scales and flaky white flesh. They are a favourite among anglers who like to eat what they catch. They average 15 to 20 inches (38 to 50 cm) and 5 to 10 pounds (2 to 5 kg) and are among the most common fish in Quebec and Ontario lakes and rivers, making them easy to find no matter where you fish.

When does walleye fishing season open? It typically kicks off around mid-May (depending on the zone), coinciding with the opening of most outfitters in Quebec and Ontario. You can also fish for walleye in national parks, regional parks and wildlife reserves that offer day and multi-day packages as well as boat rentals.

Walleye colouring shifts with their environment, running deeper and richer in murky water and more washed out in clear water. Look for an olive-brown body with golden flecks along the sides, those trademark large glassy eyes, and a white tip on the lower tail fin. Not to be confused with sauger, which runs smaller and has rough cheeks and dark blotches on the dorsal fin.

The best gear for walleye fishing

The best walleye rod for your technique

Outsmarting a wary fish starts with the right tool. Rod length, power and action all need to match the technique you plan to use on the water. Here are specialist Claude Bissonnette’s top configurations.

Jigging

Jigging for walleye demands maximum sensitivity to feel subtle bites along the bottom. We recommend a shorter rod in the 6′ to 6′6″ range (1.8 to 1.98 m), with medium power and a fast or extra-fast action. Pair it with a size 2000 to 2500 spinning reel for a well-balanced setup. Two models stand out for this approach:

The Fenwick Eagle Walleye Spinning Rod

The St. Croix Legend Tournament Walleye Spinning Rod

Trolling

If you prefer covering water and trolling for walleye, the setup changes. Go with a longer rod in the 6′6″ to 7′ range (1.98 to 2.1 m), medium to medium-heavy power, and a moderate-fast or fast action. The extra flexibility absorbs line tension and keeps fish pinned through the fight. Pair it with a size 2500 to 3000 reel. One model stands out for this technique:

The St. Croix Premier Spinning Rod

Recommended fishing lines for walleye

To get the most out of your rod and reel, Claude recommends braided line. Its near-zero stretch is key for feeling bites and setting the hook solidly.

• For jigging: Use 8 to 15 lb. (3.6 to 6.8 kg) braid, paired with a 6 to 7 ft. (1.8 to 2.1 m) fluorocarbon leader rated 8 to 12 lb. (3.6 to 5.4 kg) for underwater invisibility.
• For trolling: Go with a heavier 10 to 20 lb. (4.5 to 9.07 kg) braid, combined with a 10 to 12 ft. (3 to 3.6 m) fluorocarbon leader rated 10 to 15 lb. (4.5 to 6.8 kg) to handle abrasion from rocky structure.

Walleye lures and bait: what should you have in your tackle box?

Walleye are opportunistic predators, but their wariness demands a careful presentation. Knowing which bait to use depending on the conditions is key to maximizing your chances. Live worms (often rigged on a bottom walker) remain one of the most effective options when fish are sluggish or hugging the bottom. That said, if you prefer a more active approach, artificial lures are hard to beat.

Crankbaits and jerkbaits

Crankbaits and jerkbaits are the go-to trolling lures for walleye. Some float, some suspend, and others are built to dive down to 10 to 20 ft. (3 to 6 m). To reach deeper walleye schools, look for lures with a long lip that gets them down fast.

• The Rapala Harvest Shad Crankbait (2 ¾ in): A trolling workhorse. Its size and profile closely mimic the baitfish that walleye are actively keying on. It dives quickly to depth and produces a steady, vibrating action that triggers aggressive strikes even at higher speeds.
• The Rapala Harvest Shad Crankbait (2 in): The more compact option, and the right call early in the season when walleye are targeting smaller prey. Its size also makes it versatile for casting around shallow structure, rock piles and bay entrances, or anywhere fish are pressured in clear water.
• The Storm ThinFin Hard Bait: With its distinctive flat profile and ultra-fast shimmy, this classic shines for early morning and late evening trolling runs when the light is low.

Jigs and soft baits

Jig heads range from 1/8 oz. to over an ounce and are tipped with a soft plastic body imitating a small baitfish, leech, crayfish or worm. There are a wide range of soft baits designed specifically for walleye, in all kinds of shapes and colours.

• The Mister Twister Curly Tail Soft Bait: A true classic. The curly tail kicks and pulses with the slightest movement, sending out vibrations that walleye pick up on their lateral line even in stained water.
• The Berkley PowerBait Pre-Rigged Swim Shad Soft Bait: A realistic baitfish imitation built for walleye. The built-in PowerBait scent formula gets fish to hold on up to 18 times longer, giving you the extra split second you need to set the hook.

Worm harnesses and bottom walkers

Worm harnesses are wire rigs fitted with a spinning blade and one or two hooks loaded with a live worm. A bottom walker can be added up front to get the rig down to depth.

• The Invasion 911 Walleye Fishing Rig: Built specifically for walleye, this harness delivers an ultra-smooth blade rotation that throws off intense flash and maximum vibration. It is a great choice for covering large bottom structures quickly.
• The Northland Float’n Spin Fishing Rig: What sets this one apart is a small built-in float that lifts the rig just above the mud, weeds, and bottom debris, keeping your bait right in the walleye’s strike zone.
• The Jig-a-Jo Magnum Harness: True to the original, this model stands out with its oversized magnum-style blades. It pushes serious water and generates deep, thumping pulses at low speeds, making it the right tool for waking up big walleye or fishing in heavily stained water.

Other essentials to remember

Your fishing licence, PFD, and bug spray are obviously at the top of the list. But if you want to locate fish and map out underwater structure, a fish finder is a must. Check out our complete guide to choosing the right fishing sonar for your needs.

Claude also recommends bringing a cooler with ice rather than a fish stringer, especially in warm weather, to keep your catch fresh. And don’t head out without these essentials:

• A landing net sized for the species you’re targeting
• Long-nose pliers for easy hook removal
• A fillet knife and a clean towel
• A portable electric motor, battery and backup paddle

Shop all fishing accessories and tools

Before loading up for your outfitter or wildlife reserve trip, run through our fishing trip checklist to make sure your clothing and safety gear are all accounted for.

A few extra tips

• Whether you’re trolling or jigging, your walleye setup should include a variety of lures in different colours and sizes.
• Looking to build the perfect walleye tackle box? Take inspiration from Cyril Chauquet’s tips and recommendations.
• And if you still have questions about rods, reels, line or other walleye fishing gear, come see us in-store. Our fishing specialists are there to help you find the right setup for your outings.