Best Bait For Ice Fishing Walleye (2024 Update)
If you're looking for an exciting and rewarding winter activity, ice fishing for walleye is an excellent choice. However, catching this elusive fish isn't easy, and choosing the best bait can make all the difference. With so many different types of bait on the market, it's essential to do your research before making a purchase.
Readers need to consider several factors before buying bait for ice fishing walleye. Firstly, consider the water temperature and current conditions. Cold water requires a different type of bait than warm water, and different lures work better in ice fishing depending on the depth and clarity of the water. Secondly, think about the time of day and whether you plan to fish during daylight or nighttime hours. Different types of bait perform better at different times of the day. Lastly, consider your level of experience and what type of bait you have used in the past. If you're new to ice fishing, it's best to start with traditional bait types before getting into more advanced methods.
If you're serious about catching walleye through ice fishing, you'll need the best bait available. What type of bait is the most effective in cold water? Is it better to use artificial or natural bait? How do you increase your chances of catching walleye no matter the conditions? Keep reading to discover the answers to these questions and more, and find out which bait options are best for ice fishing walleye.
10 Best Bait For Ice Fishing Walleye
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This product is ideal for ice fishing and catching crappie, panfish, walleye, and bluegill.
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The product is ideal for ice fishing and can be used to catch bass, pike, trout, walleye, saltwater, and freshwater fish.
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3
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The product is ideal for ice fishing and catching various types of fish such as panfish, pike, walleye, perch, and crappies.
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4
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The product is ideal for winter fishing, specifically targeting fish such as crappie, bluegill, bass, and walleye.
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5
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The product is ideal for ice fishing and catching crappie and panfish with hard fishing lures.
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6
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The product is ideal for beginner ice fishers who want to catch big fish using a variety of lures.
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7
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The product is ideal for ice fishing and catching bass and walleye with its lifelike lures and sharp hooks.
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8
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The product is ideal for ice fishing and can be used to catch Walleye, Crappie, Panfish, and Trout.
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9
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Ideal for ice fishing enthusiasts who want a complete and comprehensive starter kit with gear, tackle box, and instructional book.
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10
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The product is ideal for ice fishing for walleye, crappie, and panfish with a variety of jigs and lures.
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1. Vertical Jigs Kit – Thkfish Ice Fishing Gear
Introducing the ice fishing jig that's perfect for open water and ice fishing applications – the Excellent Balanced Design Jigging Rap. With its balanced design and minnow profile, this jig looks incredibly realistic when swimming, and is sure to attract fish from far away. Whether you're fishing for trash fish, small mouth bass, large mouth bass, crappie, bluegill, perch, walleye, or white bass, this jig's awesome swimming action will leave them unable to resist.
One of the most attractive features of this ice fishing jig is its vivid colors. These colors are specifically chosen to bring amazing response and attract more fishing targets. They're great for vertical jigging for deep bass, especially when fishing at depths of 50 to 80 feet. At times, they're even better than a spoon.
This ice fishing jig is made of high quality carbon steel, which gives it the weight it needs to swim effectively. The single reversed hook, center treble and eyelet ensure sharpness and durability, while the mechanically-sharpened barbed hook point ensures better penetration and increased hook-ups. You can rest assured that this jig will last you a long time and will be able to handle even the toughest of fish.
This multiselective ice jig kit comes with four different colors of ice fishing jigs, so you have plenty of options to choose from. Each jig is available in multiple sizes: 7g (1/4oz), 10g (3/8oz), 18g (1/3oz), and 21g (3/4oz). Simply refer to the picture for the specific size you need. If you have any problem with your purchase, the customer support team is available to help you 24/7.
2. Wintrfsh Jig Kit – Sougayilang Tackle Box
The Sougayilang Jigs are an excellent choice for fishing enthusiasts of all levels. With a quantity of 5pcs per pack, these jigs are perfect for those who are looking to add variety to their fishing tackle. Each jig has a weight of 15.7g/0.55oz and a length of 80mm/3.1in, making them heavy enough to get down quickly and reach the deep water where fish tend to gather.
The packaging has been updated to ensure that the jigs arrive in perfect condition, without any damage. Made of metal, these jigs have a heavy body that is designed to tempt fish by reaching deep into the water. The treble hooks are stable after catching fish, and the barb is the most important feature that secures the fish, preventing escape.
The drop-water shape of these jigs, combined with the lead material, creates a lifelike swimming action that is vivid in both freshwater and saltwater fishing. There are five different kinds of fishing jigs, each with a unique design that adds variety to your fishing experience.
Sougayilang's commitment to great service is reflected in their 12 months of worry-free service and lifetime support. They offer 24-hour customer service support, so you can purchase these jigs with confidence and enjoy the superior product risk-free.
3. Laxygo Ice Fishing Lure Kit.
Introducing the 15pcs drop jig, insect shape lead jig – a must-have addition to any angler's tackle box. This versatile lure comes in three different weights – 1.4g, 1.0g, and 0.6g – allowing for a customizable fishing experience. Plus, with five vibrant colors to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect match for any fishing environment.
Crafted from high-quality lead and coated with a vivid pattern, this lure boasts a realistic appearance that can reflect light from all angles. The result? A more effective fishing experience that's sure to attract even the most elusive fish. Whether you're fishing in freshwater or saltwater, the life-like swimming action of this lure is guaranteed to entice a variety of species, including crappie, sunfish, panfish, walleyes, bass, perch, bluegills, and many others.
With its top-of-the-line construction and impressive performance capabilities, the 15pcs drop jig, insect shape lead jig is a go-to choice for anglers of all skill levels. So why settle for a subpar fishing experience when you can have the best? Invest in this must-have lure today and watch as your fishing success skyrockets!
4. Winter Fishing Set With 4 Realistic Lures
The ice fishing jigs with balanced design and fish profile are a great catch for both ice fishing and open water applications. The jigs swim in attractive circles to stir up deep or suspended game fish, making them an ideal choice for anglers looking to reel in a big catch.
These jigs come in attractive and vibrant colors that are more appealing to fishing targets, producing amazing effects that will attract fish with ease. They are an excellent bait for vertical fishing of deep bass that go as deep as 50-80 feet, and sometimes even better than a spoon.
The ice fishing jigs are not just for cold water fishing anymore, they can be used any time of the year. They have a unique movement when jumping vertically and a nice smooth bounce when trolling, making them perfect for catching fish in all types of water bodies.
With their water drop shape and high-quality material, these jigs have a lifelike swimming action that is effective in both freshwater and saltwater fishing. They are suitable for catching various types of fish such as trash fish, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, bass, walleye, white bass, and more!
These jigs come with a single reversed hook, center treble, and eyelet, which are made of high-quality carbon steel giving the bait its weight. The hook is sharp and durable, ensuring better penetration and increasing connection. The mechanically sharp barbed hook points make sure that the fish is hooked securely, and the catch is rewarding.
5. Ice Fishing Jigs Kit – 40pcs Thkfish
The Drop Water Shape Ice Fishing Lures are a valuable addition to any angler's tackle box. With six different kinds of fishing jigs and a total of 26 pieces, these lures are perfect for freshwater and saltwater fishing. The life-like swimming action of these lures is sure to stir up deep or suspended game fish, producing some slobs and good all-around action.
The lures boast an attractive and balanced design with a minnow profile and realistic raised-fin attachment eye. The body coating, with vivid patterns and bright colors, is great for darker water and low-light conditions. The innovative jigs have the ability to attract fish from a wider area, and the jig head features premium solid colors and highly detailed paint finishes that replicate the natural colorization process.
Sharp and durable, the hooks of the fishing jigs are made of high-quality carbon steel, which gives the lure its weight. The weight makes it especially effective when the fish are a little deeper. The mechanically-sharpened barbed hook point ensures better penetration and increases the hook-ups. These heavy-duty fishing jigs drop quickly, and they work great when on dirt, rock, or gravel bottom.
The package includes a great assortment of sizes, with small jigs weighing 1/25oz, 1/16oz, 1/12oz, and 1/11oz, and fish shape jigs weighing 1/3oz and 2/3oz. Part of the jigs are glow in the dark, making them perfect for use with suspended fish or on the bottom. The jig heads lures can catch a wide range of fish, making them deadly for walleyes, bass, trout, pike, crappies, panfish, bluegill, yellow perch, and more.
All the fishing jigs are made of lead material and high carbon steel hook, making them sharp and durable. The package includes 26pcs ice fishing lures, with six different kinds of fishing jigs and one plastic box. These fishing jigs are perfect for anglers of any level, and they are sure to "activate" the fish!
6. Xblack Ice Fishing Kit: 55 Essential Lures
The XBLACK 33PCS Ice Fishing Jigs Set is a must-have for any serious angler's collection. This set includes a total of 10 different types of jigs to accommodate a variety of fishing conditions. Each set includes 6 A-type jigs measuring 1.06 inches and weighing 0.07 ounces, 4 B-type jigs measuring 1.96 inches and weighing 0.19 ounces, 4 C-type jigs measuring 1.57 inches and weighing 0.19 ounces, 6 D-type jigs measuring 0.8 inches and weighing 0.05 ounces, 6 E-type jigs measuring 0.7 inches and weighing 0.06 ounces, 6 F-type jigs measuring 0.6 inches and weighing 0.06 ounces, 5 G-type jigs measuring 0.78 inches and weighing 0.05 ounces, 6 H-type jigs measuring 0.78 inches and weighing 0.06 ounces, 6 I-type jigs measuring 0.78 inches and weighing 0.08 ounces, and 6 J-type jigs measuring 0.6 inches and weighing 0.04 ounces.
The jigs in this set are made of high-quality lead and covered with bright, attractive colors that are sure to attract fish. The hooks are constructed of high-carbon steel, ensuring they are double sharp and durable enough to withstand aggressive fish. And for those who prefer to fish at night, the jigs are designed to glow in the dark, making them irresistible to fish.
The XBLACK 33PCS Ice Fishing Jigs Set is suitable for both saltwater and freshwater fishing in any season. They are versatile enough to be used to catch a variety of fish, including bass, yellow perch, walleye, trout, and more.
XBLACK's mission is to help anglers catch the biggest fish possible, and this set of ice fishing jigs is no exception. Anyone who is serious about fishing should definitely consider adding this set to their collection.
7. Winter Lifelike Ice Fishing Lures With 3 Hooks.
The Artificial Bait is an exceptional fishing tool that is designed to attract fish with its lifelike artificial intelligence baits and bright colors. With its new design, both the head and tail of the bait are equipped with hooks, which make it difficult for the fish to escape once caught.
The Artificial Bait is made of lead, which ensures a solid body and a long service life. It has a weight of 20g/0.7oz and a length of 83mm/3.26in, making it a perfect size for a wide range of fish species.
The packaging of the Artificial Bait is in a kraft paper box and comes in a set of four pieces of ice jigging. The high-performance Artificial Bait is an excellent choice for both professional anglers and novice fishermen.
With its lifelike appearance and bright colors, the Artificial Bait is guaranteed to attract fish to bite. Its hooks are strategically placed to make it difficult for fish to escape once caught, making it a reliable fishing tool.
8. Glowy Tungsten Ice Fishing Jigs – 12 Pack
Introducing The Beasty Buoys UV Glow 6mm 12 pack – the ultimate Tungsten jigs for avid fishers. This pack comes with free shipping, making it a great deal for anyone looking to upgrade their fishing gear. Each jig is 6mm in size and weighs 2 grams, equipped with sticky sharp #8 hooks and an exclusive solder mix for added hook security.
The pack includes 12 jigs, each in a different color as seen in the pictures. The secret to a successful strike is often the twinkle of light that catches a fish's eye or a UV Glow reflection, which is why these jigs are designed with the highest quality paint and anodized exterior coating used in today's fishing industry.
One of the advantages of Tungsten jigs is that they are heavier than lead, making them more sensitive to movement. They also sink faster than lead, guaranteeing more action and ultimately more catches. The jigs are finished with a hardened clear-coat that is embedded with small specks of metallic particles, providing extra sparkle and leading to more sun pickup and strikes.
Most of the jigs come with no blinded line tie eyelets, which helps ensure that the hook line will not break due to excess paint. Additionally, all our Tungsten jigs are coated with either metallic or UV Glow-in-the-dark paint, making them highly visible to fish.
In case of any issues, the manufacturer encourages contacting them first through the Amazon message system for prompt resolution. These Tungsten ICE fishing jigs are of top quality and a must-have for any fishing enthusiast looking to up their game. Upgrade your fishing gear today with The Beasty Buoys UV Glow 6mm 12 pack.
9. Ice Fishing Kit: Rod, Reel, Jigs & Book.
The ICE FISHING KIT is an all-in-one set for ice anglers who want to catch Walleye, Trout, Perch, and other panfish through the ice. The kit contains ICE JIGS x12, ICE FISHING LURES x4, ICE FISHING SOFT PLASTICS x20, TERMINAL TACKLE FOR ICE FISHING x39, and a 26 PAGE ICE FISHING BOOK.
The ICE JIGS x12 come in various sizes of 1/32, 1/16, 1/12, and 1/8 Oz, and are hand-painted with ice bright colors of Perch Tiger, Chartreuse Glow, Orange Tiger, Gold, Black, and more. These jigs are designed to attract fish in low light conditions and murky water.
The ICE FISHING LURES x4 include a Jigging Lure, Ripping Rattle Minnow, Curved Flutter Spoon, and Perch Jigging Spoon with a Dropper Chain. Each lure is specially designed to mimic the movement of prey and trigger the predatory instincts of fish.
The ICE FISHING SOFT PLASTICS x20 are soft bait lures in micro panfish sizes of 1/2" Spike Larvae Blood Red and 1.5" Wax Tail Chartreuse. These soft plastics are scented with anise and have proven to catch panfish like Bluegill, Crappie, Perch, and more.
The TERMINAL TACKLE FOR ICE FISHING x39 includes 15 Red Octopus Hooks, 2 Red Treble Hooks, 9 Splits, 5 Duolock Snaps, Slip Bobber Float Rig with 6 Ties, and a 1/2 Oz Depth Finder. These tackle items are essential for ice fishing and can be used to rig up any bait and lure combination.
The 26 PAGE ICE FISHING BOOK is written and designed by ice fishing experts and provides step-by-step instructions on how to catch Walleye, Trout, Perch, Crappie, Bluegill, Panfish, and Northern Pike through the ice. This book is a valuable resource for both beginner and experienced ice anglers.
10. Thkfish 54pc Ice Fishing Jig Kit
The Assorted 54pcs Fishing Jigs set is the perfect addition to any angler’s tackle box. This set includes 10 different shapes of jigs, each with a variety of colors to meet all your fishing needs. With a total of 54 jigs, you’ll be prepared for any fishing excursion.
All jigs are made of high-quality lead material and have a high-carbon steel hook. The jigs are designed with a tremendous finish that replicates the natural colorization process. Additionally, the jig head features a simulation fish scales design that is sure to attract your target fish. The diamond on the head of the jig reflects light, which will increase your hook-up ratio.
The Assorted 54pcs Fishing Jigs set is designed for a variety of fish species such as bluegills, crappies, panfish, perch, sunfish, walleyes, pike, and crappies. With such a diverse range of shapes and colors, you’ll find the perfect jig for any situation.
When you purchase the Assorted 54pcs Fishing Jigs set, you can buy with confidence. Our 24-hour friendly customer service and email support are available to help you with any questions or concerns you may have. If you encounter any problem, please contact our customer support, and we will reply to you within 24 hours.
Best Bait For Ice Fishing Walleye FAQs
Are live minnows or artificial lures better for catching walleye through the ice?
When it comes to catching walleye through the ice, both live minnows and artificial lures have their advantages and disadvantages. Live minnows can be very effective because they are a natural food source for walleye and can often entice a strike. However, keeping live minnows alive and active in cold water can be difficult, and they can also be more difficult to handle on the ice.
On the other hand, artificial lures can be very effective as well, especially if you choose the right ones. Jigs and spoons are popular choices for ice fishing for walleye, and they come in a wide variety of colors and styles. The advantage of artificial lures is that they don't require any special care or attention, and you can easily switch them out if one isn't working.
Ultimately, the choice between live minnows and artificial lures will depend on a variety of factors, including the conditions you're fishing in, the preferences of the walleye in your area, and your own personal preferences and fishing style. It's worth experimenting with both to see which works best for you.
Are there any specific techniques for using bait to catch walleye through the ice?
Yes, there are specific techniques for using bait to catch walleye through the ice. Firstly, it's important to choose the right bait. Walleye are known to prefer live bait, such as minnows, so it's a good idea to use them. Secondly, it's important to use the right rigging technique. A popular rigging method for walleye is the "jig and minnow" technique. This involves using a jig with a minnow attached to it, and then jigging it up and down in the water to attract the walleye. It's also important to vary the speed and depth of the jigging to see what works best. Another technique is the "deadstick" method, which involves using a stationary rod with a live minnow attached to it and waiting for the walleye to bite. It's important to be patient when using this method, as it can take some time for a bite. Overall, using live bait and the right rigging techniques can greatly increase your chances of catching walleye through the ice.
How should I rig my live bait for ice fishing walleye?
When it comes to rigging live bait for ice fishing walleye, there are a few different methods that can be effective. One popular approach is to use a jighead with a minnow or other live bait attached. To set up this rig, start by tying a small jighead onto your line, then hook the live bait through the lips or back and attach it to the jighead. You can also add a small piece of soft plastic or a spinner blade to the jighead to add some extra attraction.
Another option is to use a slip bobber rig with a live bait suspended beneath it. To set up this rig, tie a small hook onto your line and attach a small split shot a few inches above it. Then, slide a slip bobber onto your line and adjust it to the depth you want to fish. Finally, hook your live bait through the lips or back and suspend it beneath the bobber.
Regardless of which rig you choose, it's important to pay attention to the depth you're fishing at and adjust your presentation as needed to keep your bait in the strike zone. With a little practice and experimentation, you should be able to find a rig that works well for you and helps you catch more walleye on the ice.
Is it better to use scent or no scent on my bait for ice fishing walleye?
When it comes to ice fishing for walleye, the use of scent on your bait is a debated topic among anglers. Some believe that adding scent to your bait can attract more fish and increase your chances of catching a walleye. Others argue that walleye rely on their sense of sight and vibration to locate their prey, and that scent is not necessary.
However, there are certain scenarios where using scent on your bait can be beneficial. For example, if you are fishing in murky or stained water, the addition of scent can help the walleye locate your bait more easily. Additionally, if you are using artificial lures, adding scent can make them more appealing to the fish.
Ultimately, the decision to use scent on your bait for ice fishing walleye is up to personal preference and the specific conditions of the fishing location. It is always a good idea to experiment with different techniques to see what works best for you.
Should I use a jigging spoon or a jig head with live bait for ice fishing walleye?
When it comes to ice fishing for walleye, both jigging spoons and jig heads with live bait can be effective. However, the choice may depend on several factors.
Jigging spoons are typically heavy and can be used to create a lot of movement in the water, which can attract fish from a distance. They also come in a variety of colors and sizes, making it easier to match the hatch or experiment with different presentations. However, they may not be as effective in colder temperatures when fish are less active.
On the other hand, jig heads with live bait can be more subtle and enticing to fish that are less active or finicky. Live bait, such as minnows or wax worms, can also add a scent that can attract fish. However, using live bait requires more attention and maintenance, as the bait needs to be kept alive and fresh.
Ultimately, the choice between a jigging spoon or a jig head with live bait may come down to personal preference and the specific conditions of the fishing spot. It may be worth experimenting with both to see which one works best for you.
Should I use a tip-up or a traditional jigging rod for ice fishing walleye?
When it comes to choosing between a tip-up or a traditional jigging rod for ice fishing walleye, it really depends on your personal preference and the specific conditions you are fishing in.
A tip-up is a device that suspends your bait in the water and alerts you when a fish bites. It allows you to fish multiple holes at once and can be effective for targeting larger walleye that may be more cautious about biting. However, it can be less interactive and require more patience as you wait for a bite.
On the other hand, a traditional jigging rod allows for more hands-on action and can be effective for targeting active or aggressive walleye. You can use a variety of jigging techniques to entice bites, and it can be a more engaging and rewarding experience.
Ultimately, the choice between a tip-up or jigging rod comes down to your personal preference and the specific conditions you are fishing in. Consider factors such as the size and activity level of the walleye, the depth of the water, and the type of bait you are using to make an informed decision.
What colors and sizes of jigs work best for ice fishing walleye?
When it comes to ice fishing for walleye, choosing the right jig color and size can make a big difference in your success rate. Generally, natural colors such as white, black, and brown work well in clear water, while brighter colors like pink, chartreuse, and orange are effective in murky water or low-light conditions.
In terms of jig size, it's important to match the size of your jig to the size of the baitfish that walleye are feeding on. For example, if the walleye are feeding on small minnows, a 1/16 or 1/8 ounce jig would be appropriate. If they are feeding on larger baitfish, a 1/4 or 3/8 ounce jig would be more suitable.
It's also important to consider the depth at which you'll be fishing. If you're fishing in shallow water, a smaller jig would be more appropriate, while deeper water may require a larger, heavier jig to get down to the fish.
Ultimately, the best jig color and size will depend on a variety of factors, including water clarity, time of day, and the preferences of the walleye in your particular fishing location. It's always a good idea to experiment with different colors and sizes to see what works best in your situation.
What is the best type of live bait to use for ice fishing walleye?
When it comes to ice fishing for walleye, many anglers agree that live bait is the most effective option. One of the best types of live bait for walleye is minnows. Specifically, fathead minnows are a popular choice among ice fishermen. These small fish are easy to find at most bait shops and can be hooked through the back or lips. Other types of live bait that can be effective for walleye include shiners, chubs, and sucker minnows. It's important to remember that the size of the bait should match the size of the fish you're targeting. Additionally, it's a good idea to vary the depth and location of your bait to increase your chances of attracting walleye. Always check local regulations to ensure that the use of live bait is permitted in your area and to determine any size or quantity restrictions.
What is the most effective bait for ice fishing walleye?
When it comes to ice fishing for walleye, using the right bait can make all the difference in your success. There are a few tried and true options that have proven to be effective for catching these fish.
One of the most popular and effective baits for ice fishing walleye is the jigging spoon. These spoons come in a variety of colors and sizes, and they imitate the movement of a wounded baitfish. Walleye are known to be attracted to this type of movement, making jigging spoons a go-to option for many anglers.
Live bait is also a common choice for ice fishing walleye. Minnows and leeches are two of the most popular options, as they both mimic the natural prey of a walleye. When using live bait, it's important to keep it lively and active, as this will attract more fish.
Lastly, soft plastic baits can also be effective for ice fishing walleye. These baits come in a variety of shapes and colors, and can be rigged to imitate different types of baitfish. They can be paired with a jig head and fished similarly to jigging spoons.
Overall, the most effective bait for ice fishing walleye will depend on a variety of factors, including water conditions and personal preference. It's important to experiment with different baits and techniques to find what works best for you.
What time of day is best for ice fishing walleye and does it affect bait choice?
When it comes to ice fishing walleye, the best time of day depends on a few factors. Generally, early morning and late afternoon tend to be the most productive times as walleye are more active during low light conditions. However, this can vary depending on the specific body of water you are fishing on, weather conditions, and time of year.
As for bait choice, the time of day can also play a role. During low light conditions, walleye tend to be more aggressive and may be more willing to strike at larger or more visible baits such as jigging spoons or rattle baits. During midday when the sun is high and visibility is better, smaller and more subtle baits such as jigs or live bait may be more effective.
Overall, it's important to pay attention to the conditions and adjust your bait and technique accordingly. Experiment with different baits and presentations to see what works best for the time of day and conditions you are facing.
