Trolling for Walleye
Pulling lures behind a moving boat at controlled speed and depth to search large water. Applied to walleye, that means 6–14 lb main line and a medium-light, extra-fast action rod as your baseline.
Last reviewed 26 September 2026 · Editorial policy
Rod, reel, line and hooks
- Rod
- Medium-Light, extra-fast action, 6.5–7.5 ft
- Reel
- 2500–3000 spinning
- Main line
- 6–14 lb
- Hooks
- Size 4–1/0 jig hooks; size 2–6 live-bait hooks
- Method — Rod
- 7'–9' moderate-action trolling rods
- Method — Line
- 10–30 lb; braid for depth control, mono for shock absorption
- Method — Extras
- Line-counter reel, planer boards or downriggers for precise depth
Where the species baseline and the method spec differ, the method spec is the more specific advice — the species row tells you the strength you need, the method row tells you the behaviour you need.
Check prices for this setupWhy this works on this fish
How the rig works
Depth is controlled by lure choice, line length behind the boat, line diameter and added weight or downriggers. Speed controls lure action, so small speed changes often matter more than lure changes.
Walleye behaviour
Low-light predator with excellent night vision. Feeds on perch, shad and minnows.
Large lakes and rivers; relates to bottom structure, breaklines and wind-blown points.
When to fish it
Dawn, dusk and night; choppy 'walleye chop' conditions on windy points.
Walleye tips
- Extra-fast tips telegraph the light 'weight' bite typical of walleye.
- Work depth breaks rather than flat bottom.
- Fish shallower than you expect at night.
Other methods for walleye
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Common questions
What line do I need for trolling for walleye?
Use 6–14 lb main line, adjusting for cover and water clarity.
What hook size for trolling for walleye?
Size 4–1/0 jig hooks; size 2–6 live-bait hooks.
What rod and reel suit trolling for walleye?
A medium-Light, extra-fast action rod around 6.5–7.5 ft with 2500–3000 spinning.
Is trolling hard to learn?
Difficulty is 3/5 (moderate). Record speed, depth and lure for every fish. Trolling is a data exercise — repeatability is the whole point.
When does trolling work best for walleye?
Dawn, dusk and night; choppy 'walleye chop' conditions on windy points.