FishLimit

Guide

What gear you need to fish for walleye

The basic rod, reel, line, rigs and measuring tools for walleye, plus where to check each state's length rules before you keep a fish.

Updated 2026-10-25Gear on this page

Updated

Walleye are a favourite on northern lakes and reservoirs, and they are often fished at dawn, dusk or after dark. That shapes the gear list: light-handling rods, small jigs and a headlamp for the ride back to the ramp.

Check the length rules first

Walleye rules are frequently about size. Our walleye limits by state page compares what we have read, and each state page notes exceptions:

Combined limits are common. Ohio, for example, groups walleye, sauger and saugeye in one daily limit, which is easy to miss if you only read the word “walleye”. Our guide to reading bag and size limits covers combined limits, possession limits and slots.

Before you leave

Confirm you have the right license for the water (license fees compared), and put the license somewhere you can reach it, such as a waterproof holder (see license holders and measuring tools). A headlamp is worth packing for low-light trips, and a first aid kit takes little room.

Gear picks

The product links below go to Amazon. They are examples of each category, not rankings. Names are the listing titles; check the listing for what is included before you buy.

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Rod, reel and line

A medium-light to medium spinning rod is a common starting point for walleye because it casts small jigs and still has the backbone to set a hook. Walleye often bite lightly, so many anglers prefer a line with little stretch, such as braid, sometimes with a length of monofilament or fluorocarbon at the end.

Jigs and rigs

Jigs tipped with live bait or a soft plastic, and spinner rigs trolled slowly behind a boat, are standard walleye methods. Buy a small assortment, keep it organised, and ask at a local bait shop what is working on your lake.

Landing, measuring and keeping fish

Walleye rules often depend on length, and some waters use a slot. A landing net helps with fish that surge near the boat, a measuring board gives you a number you can trust, and a cooler with ice is what you want if you plan to keep your limit.

Low light and safety

Walleye are often fished at dawn, dusk or after dark. A headlamp frees both hands for knots and unhooking, and a small first aid kit takes almost no room.