James Lindner gives us some tips on how to work blade baits for walleyes in cold water.
Blade Baits for Walleyes: An Effective Cold Water Tactic
As summer turns into fall and water temperatures drop below sixty degrees walleyes begin to transition from deep water reefs to shallow water structure in search of baitfish. Throughout the fall months walleyes can be found on the large shallow sand flats, main lake points, and reefs in less than twenty feet of water. This time of year walleye get more aggressive and key in on faster, more erratic presentations. While there’s a variety of different reactionary baits that work, blade baits are unrivaled for fall walleyes.
Fishing blade baits for walleyes is an overlooked tactic that can be a great way to trigger strikes in cold water. Blade baits allow you to cover a lot of water quickly which is incredible beneficially if the walleyes are scattered across are larger area. Blade baits can also be fished on a number of different bottom types like sand, mud, and rocks.
Retrieval Tactics
Having the right retrieve is crucial in order to effective fish blade baits for walleyes. The best way to fish a blade bait is to cast out and let it hit the bottom. Once the bait hits the bottom pop-jig it back off the bottom in 2-3 foot jig strokes. This will allow the blade bait to give off flash and vibration as it is ripped up and falls down. It will also cause some bottom disturbance which will attract walleyes from a distance. Work the bait fairly quickly. This retrieval method will allow you to cover a lot of water and trigger bites from passing fish.
Changing Your Cadence
When fishing blade baits for walleyes it can pay to change up your retrieve depending on the day and the behavior of the fish. If fish are in a lethargic mood and don’t want to chase a bait you can slowly swim your bait back giving it subtle pops off the bottom. Another thing you can do is let the bait sit on the bottom for a few seconds between each jig stroke. This is an effective tactic when the walleyes are slightly finicky.
Rapala Rippin’ Blade
The Rapala Rippin’ Blade is a great blade bait that produces a big vibration creating lots of commotion. It features an extra heavy nose that allows it to sink fast and drop into the strike zone quickly. The heaviness of the bait also allows the angler to cover more water and ultimately leading to more fish. The Rapala Rippin’ Blade is offered in a 9/16-ounce size and is available in a variety of great fish catching colors including glow options. It’s loud, flashy, injured baitfish imitation is something that cold water walleyes can’t resit.
Blade Baits for Other Species
While blade baits work great for fall walleyes they should be used for other predator species like lake trout and smallmouth bass. Cold water smallmouth bass love deepwater structure and this alternative to classic bass baits is a fantastic option to fish in the fall. Another species that loves to eat blade baits is lake trout. The bait’s fast sinking ability and erratic action makes it a super effective vertical jigging bait for deepwater lake trout. The flashy, vibrating action that a blade baits provides entices lots of strikes from these deepwater predators.
FAQs:
1. What type of fishing rod should I use to throw blade baits for walleye?
A 7-foot, medium power, fast-action spinning rod is a great choice for throwing blade baits.
2. What line should I use when fishing blade baits for walleye?
A ten to fifteen pound braided mainline is recommended to help cut through the water and allowing the angler maximum sensitivity. A 8 or 10-pound fluorocarbon leader is also recommended to add some stealth to your presentation.
3. What are some of the best colored blade baits for walleye?
A good rule of thumb is to use brighter colors in stained water, and more natural colors in clear water.
4. Will blade baits work in rivers?
Yes. Blade baits are incredibly effective for river walleyes.
5. What weather patterns should I look for to trigger this bite?
Cold fronts starting in September should help trigger the transition for walleyes to move back onto shallow water structure.
Conclusion:
Fishing blade baits for walleyes in cold water is a fun and effective way to target these fish. It can be one of the best times of year to fish for walleyes and shouldn’t be passed up. The bites are aggressive and some of those bigger walleyes are really feeding. Make sure to tie on a blade bait this fall!
