3 Best Lake Erie Walleye Fishing Lures

Photo Credit: Michael Kretschmer

If you take along the right lures, you just might earn bragging rights on your next Lake Erie walleye fishing trip. Sure, the old timers may tell you that you'd be better off using live bait, but there are certain lures that can work just as well in the right conditions. Your catch rates can still be impressive when walleye fishing Lake Erie if you bring along these three types of lures. 
 

1. Minnowbaits: Since Lake Erie spans over 9,000 square miles, the walleye are almost always on the move. If you are wondering where to fish, try trolling with minnowbait plug lures so that you can cover a lot of water quickly. Troll your minnowbaits at a speed of around 1 to 2 miles per hour and be sure to note the depth when you get your first bite. After the spring spawning period, walleye are most often found at depths between 30 to 75 feet.                                                           
2. Spinnerbaits: Before your Lake Erie walleye fishing trip, check a Lake Erie fishing report online to see what other anglers are saying about the water clarity in different parts of the lake. If water clarity levels are down, break out your spinnerbaits. The vibration and flash from spinnerbait blades will draw attention to this type of lure when visibility is down. Just remember to use a heavier spinnerbait if you are fishing in water that is 20 feet deep or more.                                                                                                                             
3. Jigs: Try fishing Lake Erie using lead head jigs. Not only are jigs easy to use, they are one of the best walleye lures because they consistently produce bites. When walleye fishing Lake Erie, be sure to put a few hair jigs or curly-tail grubs in your tackle box. You can make your jig offering even more enticing by tipping it with a live minnow. This lure and minnow combination can work particularly well in the early spring.

Once you learn how to fish for walleye using artificial lures, you will want to plan more Lake Erie fishing trips to build on your experience. Just don't forget to check the state fishing regulations, and buy your freshwater fishing license before your first Lake Erie walleye fishing adventure!
 

Debbie Hanson

Debbie Hanson is an award-winning outdoor writer, women’s sport fishing advocate, IGFA world record holder, and freshwater guide living in Southwest Florida. Hanson’s written work has appeared in publications such as Florida Game & Fish Magazine, BoatUS Magazine, and USA Today Hunt & Fish. To learn more about her work, visit shefishes2.com or follow her on Instagram @shefishes2.