10 Best Rapala Lures for Walleye

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

I still remember my first walleye catch with a Rapala — cold morning, fingers half-numb, and just when I was about to call it quits, that lure danced just right and boom — hook set. When it comes to walleye, the right lure doesn’t just help — it decides whether you go home with a story or just a sunburn. Rapala’s line of lures has earned its reputation because it consistently delivers when walleye get picky. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top-performing models and insider tips to help you hook into your own “I’ll never forget that one” moment.

Why Rapala Lures Are Great for Walleye Fishing

Rapala lures are synonymous with quality and performance. Designed with precision and backed by years of innovation, they are a favorite among professional and recreational anglers alike. Here’s why they stand out:

1. Realistic Action: Rapala lures mimic the natural movements of baitfish, making them irresistible to walleye.
2. Durable Construction: Built with high-quality materials, these lures can withstand the wear and tear of repeated use.
3. Versatility: Rapalas come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing you to adapt to different fishing conditions.
4. Proven Track Record: Many anglers swear by Rapala lures for their consistent ability to catch walleye.

Key Features to Look for in the Best Rapala for Walleye

To choose the best Rapala for walleye, consider the following factors:

1. Size
   • Walleye typically feed on small to medium-sized baitfish. Opt for lures in the 2 to 5-inch range.
2. Color
   • Match the hatch by selecting colors that resemble local forage. Popular choices include silver, gold, and perch patterns.
3. Diving Depth
   • Walleye often inhabit specific depths depending on the season and time of day. Use lures designed to reach those depths effectively.
4. Lure Type
   • Rapala offers various lure types, including crankbaits, jerkbaits, and lipless lures. Each has its own strengths for walleye fishing.

Best Selling Rapala for Walleye

Over years of chasing walleye from calm lakes to icy rivers, a few Rapala lures have stood out as absolute game-changers — the ones I reach for when nothing else works. Here are the tried-and-true models that have earned their place in my tackle box (and on more than a few fish tales).

1. Rapala Scatter Rap Minnow

Features:

• Kicking almost 180 degrees right then left, with very little forward travel, it stays in the strike zone

Why It’s Great for Walleye: After a sharp snap and generous slack line, it will actually spin around and look backwards

2. Rapala Shad Rap

Features:

• Classic shad profile
• Tight wobbling action
• Available in multiple sizes and colors

Why It’s Great for Walleye: The Shad Rap’s realistic design and action make it a go-to lure for both trolling and casting.

3. Rapala Husky Jerk

Features:

• Neutral buoyancy for a suspending action
• Loud rattles to attract fish
• Excellent for cold-water fishing

Why It’s Great for Walleye: The Husky Jerk is perfect for triggering strikes from finicky walleye, especially during colder months.

4. Rapala Jigging Rap

Features:

• Balanced design for vertical jigging
• Sharp hooks for solid hooksets
• Ideal for ice fishing and open water

Why It’s Great for Walleye: The Jigging Rap is a must-have for targeting walleye in deeper water, particularly during the winter.

5. Rapala Deep Tail Dancer

Features:

• Large, curved lip for deep diving
• Wide tail action
• Great for trolling

Why It’s Great for Walleye: This lure is specifically designed to reach the depths where walleye often lurk during the summer months.

6. Rapala Original Floating

Features:

• Balsa wood construction for lifelike movement
• Floats at rest and dives on retrieve
• Versatile for casting or trolling

Why It’s Great for Walleye:
This classic lure shines in shallow water or when walleye are suspended. Its subtle action is deadly when fished slow over weeds or near rocky points.

7. Rapala Rippin’ Rap

Features:

• Lipless design with loud BB rattle
• Fast sinking and ideal for yo-yo retrieve
• Vibrating action on lift and fall

Why It’s Great for Walleye:
Perfect for covering water quickly, the Rippin’ Rap triggers aggressive strikes from active walleye, especially in late spring and fall.

---

8. Rapala Down Deep Husky Jerk

Features:

• Suspending action
• Loud rattle chamber
• Built to dive up to 20 feet when trolled

Why It’s Great for Walleye:
This deeper-diving version of the Husky Jerk is ideal for targeting suspended summer walleye or trolling along deep contour lines.

---

9. Rapala Slab Rap

Features:

• Center line tie for aggressive flutter
• Weight-forward design for long casting
• Compact, tight-vibration profile

Why It’s Great for Walleye:
The Slab Rap excels in vertical jigging or cast-and-hop presentations—making it a secret weapon when walleye are holding tight to structure.

---

10. Rapala Shadow Rap Deep

Features:

• Slow-sinking on the pause
• Realistic darting and fading action
• Built to dive deeper than the original Shadow Rap

Why It’s Great for Walleye:
Its stop-and-go finesse mimics a dying baitfish, perfect for triggering bites from neutral or pressured walleye in deeper water.

Techniques for Using the Best Rapala for Walleye

1. Trolling
   • Cover large areas of water by trolling Rapala lures at varying depths. Use a fish finder to locate schools of walleye and adjust your lure accordingly.
2. Casting and Retrieving
   • Cast near structures like rocks, weed edges, or drop-offs, and retrieve with a steady or erratic motion to entice strikes.
3. Vertical Jigging
   • Drop a Jigging Rap directly above a school of walleye and use short, sharp jerks to mimic an injured baitfish.
4. Seasonal Adjustments
   • In spring, focus on shallow water with floating or shallow-diving lures.
   • In summer, target deeper areas with deep-diving crankbaits.
   • In fall, use suspending lures to capitalize on aggressive feeding behavior.
   • In winter, switch to vertical jigging techniques with ice fishing-specific lures.

Tips for Maximizing Success with Rapala Lures

1. Experiment with Colors
   • Start with natural hues like silver or perch and switch to brighter colors in murky water or low-light conditions.
2. Match the Speed
   • Adjust your trolling or retrieval speed based on the activity level of the walleye. Slow down in colder water and speed up during warmer months.
3. Use a Leader
   • Prevent line twists and increase durability by attaching a fluorocarbon or steel leader.
4. Check Your Hooks
   • Ensure your hooks are sharp and in good condition for better hooksets.
5. Keep Your Lures Clean
   • Remove debris or weeds from your lure to maintain its natural action.

Common Questions About the Best Rapala for Walleye

Q: How do I know which Rapala lure to use for walleye?

• Consider the season, water depth, and local baitfish when selecting a lure. The Shad Rap and Husky Jerk are versatile options for most conditions.

Q: Can I use Rapala lures for ice fishing?

• Yes, the Rapala Jigging Rap is specifically designed for ice fishing and works exceptionally well for walleye.

Q: What is the best way to store Rapala lures?

• Use a tackle box with individual compartments to prevent tangling and protect the lures from damage.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Best Rapala for Walleye

There’s nothing like the jolt of a strike when you’ve picked the perfect Rapala — that split-second thrill as your line tightens and you know it’s a walleye on the other end. Whether it’s your hundredth catch or your very first, choosing the right lure makes all the difference. I’ve watched the Shad Rap dance just beneath the surface and trigger bites on days when nothing else worked. The Husky Jerk? A cold-water savior. And the Deep Tail Dancer? That’s my go-to when I need to reach those deeper haunts.

Don’t be afraid to play with sizes, swap colors, or test new techniques. Walleye can be picky, but when you crack the code — man, it’s magic. At Tent Camping Pro, we’ve put together the gear and tips to turn your next fishing trip into something unforgettable. So pack your tackle box, head to the water, and let those Rapalas do what they do best: catch fish.