Trolling rods for walleye should offer moderate to fast action, medium power, and a sensitive tip to detect light bites while handling deep water trolling or planer board systems. The best trolling rods for walleye include models from St. Croix, Fenwick, Okuma, and Ugly Stik, designed specifically for the species and trolling style used whether on big water like Lake Erie or smaller inland lakes.
What Is a Trolling Rod for Walleye?
A trolling rod for walleye is a purpose built fishing rod designed to drag lures or bait behind a boat at consistent speeds. These rods are built to handle the stress of constant pressure, maintain sensitivity, and work seamlessly with trolling gear like line counter reels and planer boards.
Why Trolling Works So Well for Walleye
Trolling allows you to:
- Cover large areas quickly.
- Control presentation depth with lead core lines or bottom bouncers.
- Mimic injured baitfish behavior with crankbaits or crawler harnesses.
- Stay in the strike zone longer during both spring and summer trolling seasons.
Trolling Depth for Walleye in Summer vs Spring
In spring, walleye often stay in shallower water (8–15 feet), especially after spawning. Use shorter lines or planer boards close to the surface.
By summer, they move deeper often between 20–40 feet. This is when techniques like lead core trolling or using snap weights become essential to reach the strike zone.
Best Trolling Rods for Walleye in 2025
- St. Croix Eyecon Trolling Rod
- Built for serious anglers on big water like Lake Erie.
- Excellent with planer boards or lead core setups.
- Okuma Dead Eye Classic
- Great for pairing with line counter reels.
- Ideal for trolling spinners or crankbaits along rocky drop-offs.
- Fenwick Eagle Trolling Rod
- Strong backbone with responsive action for bottom bouncing applications.
- Ugly Stik Walleye Elite
- Excellent for beginners who want a versatile rod that handles shallow and deep trolling equally well.
Best Trolling Rod Setups for Lake Erie
Lake Erie is one of North America's top walleye fisheries, requiring trolling setups that can handle:
- Long trolling runs.
- Multiple planer boards per side.
- Deep water crankbait trolling using lead core or diving discs.
Recommended Setup:
- 8’6" or 10’ trolling rod
- 20-lb braided main line with fluorocarbon leader
- Precision trolling app or dive charts
- Line counter reel like the Shimano Tekota or Okuma Cold Water
Crankbait Trolling for Walleye
Crankbaits are a trolling staple for catching walleye. The right rod, line, and speed are essential for success.
Tips for Success:
- Use line counter reels to track distance.
- Run baits like Bandit 300, Rapala Deep Husky Jerks, or Flicker Minnows.
- Trolling speed should be 1.2 to 2.0 mph, adjusting based on lure action and water temperature.
Bonus Tip: Use snap weights or segmented lead core to control crankbait depth precisely without changing lures.
Walleye Fishing Gear Checklist (Trolling Setup)
Here’s a complete gear list to help you prep for trolling success:
- Trolling Rod – Medium power, 8’6"–10’ length
- Line Counter Reel – Shimano Tekota, Okuma Cold Water
- Main Line – 10–20 lb braided or mono
- Leader – Fluorocarbon (6–12 lb)
- Planer Boards – Offshore Tackle or Church Tackle
- Crankbaits – Bandit 300, Flicker Shad, Deep Husky Jerk
- Crawler Harnesses – Used with bottom bouncers
- Rod Holders – Secure and adjustable
- Depth Charts or Apps – Precision Trolling Data
- GPS Fishfinder – Helps locate depth and structure
Line Counter Reel Setup for Walleye Trolling
A line counter reel is critical for controlled depth and consistency.
How to Set Up:
- Spool with braid or lead core line.
- Attach a fluorocarbon leader using a swivel or leader knot.
- Reset the counter to zero after letting out line.
- Track and record the ideal depth for each lure setup.
This allows you to repeat success or adjust depths precisely when fish move vertically.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Walleye Trolling Rod
Walleye trolling is part science, part art. With the right trolling rod matched to the right reel, line, and lure setup you'll improve your presentation and catch rate significantly.
Whether you’re trolling the vast waters of Lake Erie fishing report 2025, dragging crankbaits across Green Bay, or learning the ropes on your local reservoir, your rod choice matters.
Build a balanced, technique specific trolling setup, and your walleye success will follow.
