Targeting walleye with soft plastics is one of the most effective and versatile tactics in freshwater fishing. Whether you’re vertical jigging on deep structure or casting along weed edges, soft plastics allow for precise presentations that entice even the most finicky walleye. If you’re new to walleye fishing or want to sharpen your skills, check out our full guide on how to catch walleye. In this post, we break down the 7 best soft plastics for walleye in 2025, including how and when to use them.

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The Berkley PowerBait Ripple Shad is one of the most effective soft plastic lures for walleye anglers looking to increase both hook-up rates and overall fish attraction. Its unique design features a segmented, ribbed body that creates subtle vibrations as it moves through the water, closely mimicking the swimming motion of real baitfish. This added motion helps trigger predatory instincts in walleye, especially in stained water or low-light conditions. What sets this bait apart even more is its infusion of PowerBait scent, which encourages fish to bite and hold on longer. This makes a significant difference, especially for anglers who struggle with short strikes or finicky fish that spit the lure quickly.

Available in a wide range of natural and bright color options, the Ripple Shad can be effectively fished in various environments including rocky shorelines, drop-offs, and deeper mid-lake structures. It excels when paired with a 1/4 to 3/8 oz jig head and either cast and retrieved slowly or used in vertical jigging applications. During spring and fall transitions when walleye are actively feeding but also wary, the natural profile and scent of this bait make it one of the best soft plastics for walleye.

For optimal success, use a sensitive rod paired with braided line and a fluorocarbon leader. This setup helps detect light bites and provides a natural presentation. Whether you’re fishing clear lakes or murky rivers, the Ripple Shad remains a go-to bait for both seasoned pros and weekend anglers.

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The Z-Man Scented Jerk ShadZ is an exceptional soft plastic bait that combines lifelike action with unmatched durability, making it a staple for walleye anglers who fish tough conditions. Made with Z-Man’s proprietary ElaZtech material, the bait resists tearing and lasts much longer than traditional plastics. Its slender, forked-tail design allows for a darting and gliding action that mimics a struggling baitfish—a sight few walleye can resist.

What truly elevates this lure is the integration of Pro-Cure scent. Unlike unscented plastics that rely solely on visual presentation, this bait provides a strong smell that triggers feeding behavior in both aggressive and neutral fish. It is especially effective in cold or clear water when fish rely more on scent and subtle motion than flashy action. This makes the Jerk ShadZ one of the best soft plastics for walleye during transitional seasons or high-pressure days.

Rig this bait on a dropshot setup or a light jig head for finesse presentations. You can also twitch it through the water column or let it fall on slack line to simulate a dying baitfish. It’s highly effective around weed edges, submerged timber, or rocky points where walleye ambush prey.

With a wide selection of baitfish-inspired colors, the Jerk ShadZ allows anglers to match the hatch in virtually any body of water. It’s a reliable choice when you need something that not only draws bites but also stands up to repeated use.

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The Northland Tackle Eye Candy Paddle Shad is an advanced soft plastic bait designed with walleye in mind. Known for its floating design and realistic swimming action, this lure excels in both shallow and deep-water conditions. The paddle tail kicks with minimal effort, offering a natural presentation that mimics baitfish like shiners and perch. The floating plastic helps keep the bait suspended, making it perfect for stand-up jig heads or Ned rigs when targeting bottom-oriented fish.

One of the standout features of the Eye Candy Paddle Shad is its ultra-soft, hand-poured body that creates subtle lifelike movement even with the slowest retrieves. The realistic 3D eyes and detailed body patterns further entice fish by triggering their predatory instincts. It’s a strong performer in cold water or pressured conditions, where finesse and realism are key.

Whether casting over weed beds, jigging along rocky points, or drifting flats, this bait remains effective throughout the season. It’s especially productive in spring and early summer when fish are holding in shallower water. Colors like Firetiger, Electric Chicken, and Smelt are proven favorites across a range of water clarities.

The Northland Tackle Eye Candy Paddle Shad is not only a top-tier finesse bait but also a reliable producer for both beginners and experienced anglers.

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Kalin’s Lunker Grub is a proven classic that has stood the test of time. As one of the original soft plastic lures used for walleye fishing, it continues to earn its place in tackle boxes thanks to its simplicity, effectiveness, and unmatched tail action. The thin, curly tail is extremely responsive and activates at the slowest of speeds, making it an excellent option for cold fronts, early spring, or other tough-bite situations.

What makes this grub so reliable is its versatility. It can be rigged on standard jig heads, spinner rigs, or even trolled behind bottom bouncers. The profile is compact, which makes it an ideal choice when walleye are keyed in on smaller forage or during times when a downsized presentation is needed. Anglers also favor this bait for night fishing due to the vibration created by its constantly moving tail.

The Lunker Grub is available in a variety of colors and sizes, allowing for easy matching to regional baitfish species or specific water conditions. Chartreuse, white, and black are perennial favorites, but natural hues like smoke or watermelon are great for clear water.

For those just getting started with soft plastics or anyone looking for a confidence bait, Kalin’s Lunker Grub remains one of the best soft plastics for walleye, proving that sometimes, the simplest baits are also the most effective.

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The Strike King Rage Swimmer is a high-performance swimbait that stands out among modern soft plastic lures for walleye. Its body design features a ribbed texture that displaces water and enhances the natural thumping action of the paddle tail. The result is a highly realistic bait that triggers reaction strikes from active and suspended walleye.

Ideal for fishing in stained or darker water, the Rage Swimmer is often rigged on heavier jig heads or underspins to reach deeper zones. It shines during summer and fall when walleye suspend over open water chasing schools of baitfish. The lure’s vibration and swimming motion help it cover large areas efficiently, making it great for searching out aggressive fish.

Available in various baitfish-inspired colors like green gizzard shad, sexy shad, and albino, the Rage Swimmer allows anglers to easily match the hatch. The swimbait can be slow-rolled near the bottom or burned higher in the water column, depending on where fish are marked on electronics.

Many experienced anglers pair the Rage Swimmer with a fluorocarbon leader and spinning gear for maximum sensitivity. When targeting large, roaming walleye, especially in reservoirs or the Great Lakes, this lure becomes a powerful addition to your arsenal. Its combination of vibration, size, and profile makes it one of the best soft plastics for walleye when you need to provoke a strike from fast-moving or scattered fish.

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The TRUSCEND Easy Catch Pre-Rigged Soft Lures are gaining popularity among freshwater anglers for their innovative design and performance. These soft swimbaits come pre-rigged with internal jig heads and are crafted to deliver a lifelike swimming action that triggers reaction strikes from a variety of species, including walleye. What makes these lures stand out is their unique vibrating swim action paired with a natural trembling sink, which gives them a realistic presentation whether they’re retrieved steadily or allowed to fall.

Their soft yet durable body mimics the texture of live bait, making fish more likely to commit and hold on. The segmented body design enhances flexibility and movement in the water, helping anglers achieve more bites in both clear and stained conditions. These swimbaits are especially effective around submerged structure, weed edges, or drop-offs where walleye commonly ambush prey.

Anglers have found success using the TRUSCEND lures for vertical jigging, steady retrieves, and even slow trolling. They’re a versatile addition to any tackle box and come in a variety of colors to match regional forage fish. Because they are pre-rigged, they also offer a convenient option for beginner anglers or family trips where ease-of-use is key.

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The Keitech Easy Shiner is a premium soft plastic swimbait that delivers finesse action with a realistic baitfish profile. Made from a soft, supple material and infused with squid scent, this bait excels in pressured fisheries or during times when walleye are reluctant to bite. Its thin paddle tail kicks naturally at all speeds, giving it a lifelike presence in both still and moving water.

The Easy Shiner shines when slow-rolled along deep weed edges, gravel bars, or rocky humps. It’s also a deadly option behind a bottom bouncer for targeting suspended walleye in large reservoirs or natural lakes. Many anglers prefer the 3.5- or 4-inch versions for their balance between subtlety and visibility.

Color selection is another major advantage of the Easy Shiner. Options like Sight Flash, Electric Shad, and Bluegill Flash allow for precise matching to regional forage such as smelt, shiners, or perch. The translucent finishes combined with the internal flake patterns give this lure a level of realism that few soft plastics can match.

For best results, rig the Easy Shiner on a ball head or swim jig with a light wire hook to maintain its delicate tail motion. A slow, steady retrieve near the bottom often works best, especially in clear water where walleye are relying on sight. Thanks to its lifelike movement, scent, and soft texture, the Keitech Easy Shiner ranks as one of the best soft plastics for walleye in finesse fishing situations.

To get the most out of your soft plastics, consider the following:

• Match the hatch by selecting bait colors and profiles that imitate local forage.
• Choose the right jig head based on depth, current, and retrieve speed.
• Add scent or use scented plastics to encourage longer bites.
• Use fluorocarbon leaders with braid for stealth and sensitivity.

Whether you’re targeting walleye in rivers, lakes, or reservoirs, having the right soft plastics can make a huge difference.\n\n
Want to expand your fishing knowledge even further? Visit our Freshwater Guides section for tutorials, tackle tips, and seasonal advice on a variety of freshwater species.

The soft plastic market has grown rapidly, but certain baits consistently outperform others when targeting walleye. The 7 soft plastic lures listed here have proven success across different regions and seasons. From the classic curly tail grub to modern paddle tails, these options give anglers a versatile and effective walleye fishing arsenal. With the right lure, presentation, and conditions, your chances of landing quality fish will greatly improve.