Perch
Walleye Fishing in Minnesota
The signature fish of Northern lakes and big rivers. Walleye feed at dawn, dusk, and night and are caught jigging, trolling, and through the ice.
Best Months: Apr to Jun, Sep to Nov
Plan by Month
Best Flies, Lures & Bait for Walleye
4 picks for October.
Suspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in
LureHard Bait · After dark.
Shop This LurePaddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic
Shop This LureJig and Minnow 1/8 to 3/8 oz
LureJig
Shop This LureLive Minnows 1 to 3 in
BaitLive Bait
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Rod & Reel
Walleye Setup
Walleye
Spin / Cast 6.5 ft medium-light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 10 lb braid with a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Minnesota
Where to Catch Walleye
Lakes & Reservoirs · Minnesota
Lake of the Woods
A vast border lake called the walleye capital of the world, with a big winter ice fishing scene.
Walleye · Northern Pike · Yellow Perch
Lakes & Reservoirs · Minnesota
Lake Vermilion
A rocky Northwoods lake with about 340 miles of shoreline and 365 islands.
Walleye · Muskellunge · Smallmouth Bass
Lakes & Reservoirs · Minnesota
Leech Lake
One of Minnesota's largest lakes, with walleye and big muskies.
Walleye · Muskellunge · Yellow Perch
Lakes & Reservoirs · Minnesota
Mille Lacs Lake
Classic Minnesota walleye lake with a big ice fishing community and trophy smallmouth.
Walleye · Smallmouth bass · Muskellunge
Minnesota
Shops to Stock Up
Recommended
Gear for Walleye
Crankbaits
Rapala Shad Rap
A tight-wobbling crankbait that walleye anglers troll and cast.
Check PriceNets & Tools
Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net
A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.
Check PriceRod & Reel Combos
Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.
Check PriceRods
St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.
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Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel
A smooth, durable reel in sizes for trout through inshore saltwater.
Check PriceReels
Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.
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Berkley Trilene XL Monofilament
Limp, easy-casting mono for spinning reels and general fishing.
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Seaguar Red Label Fluorocarbon
Low-visibility fluorocarbon for leaders and clear water.
Check PriceHard Baits
Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait
A suspending jerkbait that shines in cold, clear water.
Check PriceRigs
Northland Baitfish-Image Spinner Harness
Crawler harnesses trolled behind bottom bouncers for summer walleye.
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