What’s the best technique for trolling for walleyes?

Walleye tend to spend the better portion of most days hanging out around or below rock ledges or other structures. With stomachs growling, walleye go on the move searching for any available food source. There is no better time to troll for walleye then when they are on the move. The key target bait for trolling is any artificial type that mimics surrounding forage or food source walleye are going after. There are several different methods of trolling to try out. In situations that call for vertical jigging or live bait jigging, try back trolling. For more defined settings when you are looking to pinpoint a certain depth level for example, contour trolling is the way to go. This method presents the opportunity to place bait right in the face of the walleye. Another great trolling method is forward trolling. With this method, you can set out several lines at once. This will increase the amount of water territory you can cover in one run. Each line can be set for different water depths giving you the ability to cover all varying water levels where the walleye could be hiding out. Forward trolling also gives you the option of setting inner planer boards in addition to a set of outer planer boards. Ideal bait choices for trolling include Rapala Shad Rap or Tail Dancer crank baits. Either one of these mimic the movements of larger minnows. Walleye tend to favor these guys as a favorite food source. In addition to appealing to the walleye stomach, these crank baits set off vibrations than can be felt miles away. Color choices mirror that of food sources walleye typically seek out.