Walleye Fishing Gear

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Essential Equipment for Walleye Anglers

Walleye fishing is all about precision, timing, and reading the water. These iconic Canadian game fish are known for their subtle bites, low-light feeding windows, and ability to disappear into structure. Whether you’re jigging deep in late fall, trolling big water on the Great Lakes, or casting shallow flats at dusk, walleye demand gear that’s sensitive, durable, and tuned for finesse.

Key Gear for Walleye Success

Walleye anglers rely on medium-light to medium-power rods with fast actions to detect even the lightest tap. Pair these with smooth spinning reels or compact baitcasters for excellent line control and the ability to work light jigs, crankbaits, and live-bait rigs. Popular walleye techniques include vertical jigging, long-line trolling, bottom bouncing, and casting minnow-style baits, each requiring specific tackle and line choices to stay effective in changing conditions.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned walleye chaser, the right gear makes all the difference when targeting these finicky predators.

At Angling Sports, we stock the exact equipment walleye anglers look for, including:

  • Spinning Rods & Reels: Ideal for jigging and finesse presentations, featuring top brands like Shimano, Daiwa, and St. Croix.
  • Trolling Rods & Reels: Built for big-water walleye with dependable drags and power, perfect for long runs and planer board setups.
  • Jigs, Rigs & Terminal Tackle: From round balls to stand-ups, worm harnesses, bottom bouncers, swivels, and fluorocarbon leaders and everything you need for your go-to presentations.
  • Crankbaits & Minnow Baits: Proven walleye producers like Rapala, Berkley, and Smithwick in colours that shine across Canadian waters.
  • Soft Plastics: Paddletails, grubs, and finesse minnows from Berkley, Z-Man, Great Lakes Finesse, and more.

Trusted Brands for Walleye Anglers

We carry the brands walleye anglers trust season after season:

  • Shimano: Smooth, reliable spinning reels ideal for jigging and rigging.
  • Daiwa: Tough gear built for long days on the water.
  • St. Croix: Leading the category in sensitive, responsive walleye rods.
  • Berkley: The makers of PowerBait, MaxScent, and hard baits proven to put more walleye in the boat.
  • Rapala: Legendary minnow baits and trolling lures dialed in for Canadian walleye.
  • Acme: Classic spoons and jigs built for versatility.

From Lake Erie’s famous walleye grounds to smaller northern lakes and rivers across Ontario, our selection is designed to perform in every Canadian walleye fishery. No matter the season whether it's opener, summer deep bite, or late-fall giants, Angling Sports has the gear that keeps you ready for every tap, thump, and light-bite surprise.

Shop Walleye Gear at Angling Sports

Angling Sports is your one-stop shop for premium walleye gear. With expert recommendations, award-winning staff, and the largest in-stock selection, we make it easy to gear up for your next walleye mission.

FAQs About Walleye Fishing Gear


What lures do walleye like best?

Walleye are opportunistic feeders that love a mix of jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics. In rivers or lakes, jigging with soft plastics or live bait is one of the most effective methods. Try paddle tails, finesse minnows, or curly grubs in natural colours for clear water and brighter tones in stained conditions. Crankbaits like the Rapala Shad Rap or Berkley Flicker Shad are proven producers for trolling or casting. During low light, switch to glow or firetiger colours.

What size Shiver Minnow is best for walleye?

The ideal Shiver Minnow size for walleye depends on the depth and season. In most cases, sizes #2 and #3 work best for vertical jigging or casting in 15–30 feet of water. When targeting larger fish or fishing deeper, go up to a #4 or #5 to maintain control and attract aggressive strikes. Use natural colours like silver or perch during clear conditions and brighter patterns like firetiger in murky water. Pair your Shiver Minnow with a medium or medium-light spinning rod for best action.

When is the best time to fish for walleye in Ontario?

The best time to fish for walleye in Ontario is during the spring and fall seasons, when water temperatures range between 50–65°F (10–18°C). Spring walleye are active after the spawn, feeding heavily in shallow areas near rocky points, weed edges, and river mouths. Summer brings deeper patterns and you’ll find them near drop-offs and structure. In the fall, walleye move shallow again to feed aggressively before winter. Early morning and dusk are prime feeding windows, especially during calm or overcast days.

What’s the best rod and reel setup for walleye fishing?

For walleye fishing, choose a medium-light to medium spinning rod around 6’6”–7’ with a fast action tip for sensitivity. Pair it with a 2500–3000 size spinning reel spooled with 6–10 lb fluorocarbon or braid for finesse presentations. This setup gives you the sensitivity to feel light bites and the strength to handle big fish. For trolling, use a medium-power rod with a line counter reel and 10–14 lb mono. Popular options include Shimano, Daiwa, and Okuma combos.

What line should I use for walleye fishing?

The right line for walleye fishing depends on your technique. For jigging or casting, use 6–10 lb fluorocarbon for clear water or 10–15 lb braid with a fluorocarbon leader for deeper or stained conditions. Fluoro is nearly invisible underwater, giving you a stealthy advantage when walleye are finicky. For trolling, go with 10–14 lb monofilament for stretch and shock absorption. If you’re running bottom bouncers, braid helps feel structure and bites better. Top options include Sufix 832, PowerPro, and Seaguar InvisX.

What colours work best for walleye lures?

Walleye rely heavily on vision, so colour choice can make or break your day. In clear water, go with natural shades like silver, perch, or gold. In stained or low-light conditions, opt for bright hues like chartreuse, orange, or firetiger. At night or in deeper water, glow-in-the-dark or UV patterns are deadly. Many anglers switch colours throughout the day to match changing light and water clarity.

What depth do walleye usually feed at?

Walleye move throughout the water column depending on light and temperature. In spring and fall, they often feed shallow (5–15 feet) near rocky points, weed lines, or river mouths. During summer, they shift deeper (20–40 feet) to stay cool and find baitfish. Overcast days and low-light periods can pull them back shallow. A fish finder helps locate suspended walleye over drop-offs or humps. Adjust your lure depth with bottom bouncers, lead core line, or jig weights.

What’s the best live bait for walleye?

Live bait remains one of the most reliable ways to catch walleye, especially when the bite is slow. Minnows, leeches, and nightcrawlers are top picks, either fished on a jig, bottom bouncer, or slip float. Minnows work great in colder water, while leeches shine in summer. Crawlers are excellent for drifting or trolling. Keep baits fresh and moving naturally for best results. Pair your live bait with light fluorocarbon leaders and slow retrieves.