Best Walleye Baits for Trolling the Thousand Islands
Dial in your spread and get ready for a rod-bending battle! These top 10 walleye baits are proven winners for trolling the deep, fish-filled waters of the Thousand Islands.
There’s something magical about chasing walleye in the deep waters of the Thousand Islands. The vast expanse of the St. Lawrence River, its strong currents, and ever-changing depths make it a world-class walleye fishery. Whether you're looking for an eater-size fish for a shore lunch or targeting a trophy, having the right bait in your spread is key to success.
The following lures have proven themselves time and time again, producing limits and giants alike. Whether you're working rocky drop-offs, deep channels, or submerged humps, these baits belong in your tackle box.
1. Rapala Shad Rap
The Shad Rap, a versatile staple in walleye fishing, is renowned for its tight wobble and consistent action. Whether you're running it in warm or cold water, this lure can trigger strikes when other baits won’t, making it a reliable choice in various water conditions.
Best Colors for the Thousand Islands:
Firetiger – A must-have for stained water and overcast days.
Chrome Blue – Excellent in clear water where walleyes feed on shad and alewives.
Perch – Perfect for imitating one of the river’s primary forage species.
2. Berkley Flicker Shad
The Flicker Shad, with its wide wobbling action and a built-in rattle, is a go-to bait for many walleye anglers. Its ability to dive deep and stay in the strike zone makes it a top choice for trolling the river’s deeper waters, ensuring it remains effective in these conditions.
Best Colors for the Thousand Islands:
Purple Tiger – A solid choice when walleye are feeding aggressively.
Slick Blue Alewife – A natural baitfish imitation.
Firetail Green – Stands out in darker water and low-light conditions.
3. Reef Runner 800
The Reef Runner 800 is built to cover big water. Its erratic wobble mimics an injured baitfish, making it irresistible to walleyes on the hunt.
Best Colors for the Thousand Islands:
Bare Naked – A translucent option that excels in clear water.
Wonderbread – A time-tested favorite in all conditions.
Cheap Sunglasses – A flashy pattern that triggers reaction strikes.
4. Rapala Husky Jerk
When walleye are in a neutral mood, the Husky Jerk can be a game-changer. Its neutral buoyancy and subtle rolling action make it perfect for slow trolling or stop-and-go presentations, showcasing its potential to be a difference-maker in these situations.
Best Colors for the Thousand Islands:
Glass Minnow – Great for clear water and sunny days.
Clown – A high-visibility option for stained water.
Tennessee Shad – A classic baitfish pattern that never fails.
5. Berkley Flicker Minnow
Designed for deeper trolling, the Flicker Minnow gets down fast and stays in the zone. Its erratic darting action makes it a must-have for walleye anglers.
Best Colors for the Thousand Islands:
Black Silver – Imitates natural forage species.
Purple Pearl – Great for targeting deeper fish.
Firetiger – Stands out in all water conditions.
6. Smithwick Perfect 10 Rogue
This jerkbait is a game-changer for cold-water trolling. The Perfect 10 Rogue has a signature rolling action that triggers strikes from big walleyes, primarily when worked near drop-offs.
Best Colors for the Thousand Islands:
Purple Gold – Perfect for sunrise and sunset fishing.
Blue Chrome – Reflects light well and mimics natural baitfish.
Orange Belly Perch – An excellent perch imitation.
7. Storm Hot ’N Tot
A classic lure that has stood the test of time, the Hot ’N Tot is known for its erratic action that walleye can’t resist.
Best Colors for the Thousand Islands:
Chrome/Blue – A standard for clear water conditions.
Red Craw – An excellent option for aggressive fish in murky water.
Gold Black – Shines in deeper water and around structure.
8. Moonshine Shiver Minnow
While primarily a vertical jigging bait, the Shiver Minnow is also deadly when slow-trolled along steep breaks.
Best Colors for the Thousand Islands:
Glow Perch – A night-fishing favorite.
Bloody Nose – Stands out in clear and dark water.
UV Blue Tiger – A bright option for overcast days.
9. Bandit Walleye Deep
When fish are holding deep, the Bandit Walleye Deep is a must-have. Its long body and wide wobble make it a killer choice for big water trolling.
Best Colors for the Thousand Islands:
Chartreuse Wonderbread – A unique pattern that triggers aggressive strikes.
Blue Chrome – Mimics a variety of baitfish species.
Green Perch – Great for matching natural forage.
10. Northland Rippin’ Shad
This lipless crankbait has a loud rattle and a tight vibration, making it an excellent option for quickly covering water.
Best Colors for the Thousand Islands:
Gold Perch – A tried-and-true pattern for all conditions.
Glow White – Ideal for deep-water and night fishing.
UV Purple – A high-visibility choice in stained water.
Trolling Tips for the Thousand Islands
Speed Matters: Start trolling at 1.5 to 2.5 mph, adjusting based on how the fish respond. Cold water often calls for slower speeds, while summer walleye can be more aggressive.
Vary Your Depths: Some walleye hug the bottom, while others suspend in the water column. Experiment with lead core, snap weights, or downriggers to find the hot zone.
Work the Edges: Focus on contour lines, current breaks, and transition areas where baitfish congregate.
Use Planer Boards: Spreading out your presentation helps cover more water and reduces spooking wary fish.
Time Your Trolls: Walleyes feed most actively at dawn, dusk, and under overcast conditions. Adjust your trolling runs to take advantage of peak feeding windows.
Change Lure Action: Sometimes, a steady troll does the trick, but don’t be afraid to incorporate pauses, turns, or speed changes to trigger strikes.
Final Thoughts
Trolling for walleye in the Thousand Islands is as much an art as it is a science. The river’s current, depth variations, and structure all play a role in where the fish are and how they’ll bite. Armed with the right lures and an understanding of their best applications, you’ll be well on your way to landing trophy walleyes in one of the best fisheries in North America.
Whether you’re chasing a limit or a once-in-a-lifetime giant, these baits will get the job done. Now, spool up, set your spread, and get ready—because when that rod tip starts bouncing, you’ll know you made the right call.