Best Soft Plastics for Walleye

Live bait works, but soft plastics are more convenient, last longer, and often outfish the real thing. Here are the soft plastics every walleye angler should have in their tackle box.

Paddle Tail Swimbaits

The #1 soft plastic for walleye. Rig on a jig head and swim it, jig it, or drag it along bottom. The paddle tail creates vibration that walleye can't resist. 3" to 4" is the sweet spot for most situations.

Curly Tail Grubs

The classic. A curly tail grub on a jig head has caught more walleye than any other lure in history. Cheap, effective, and available in every color imaginable. When in doubt, tie on a grub.

Minnow Imitations

Soft plastic minnows (like flukes and split-tail minnows) are deadly when walleye are feeding on baitfish. Jerk them, swim them, or deadstick them — the lifelike profile does the work.

Colors for Walleye

• White/Pearl: Matches emerald shiners and other baitfish
• Chartreuse: High-vis for stained water
• Motor oil: Subtle, natural — great in clear water
• Purple: Weirdly effective, especially in low light