While jigs are a tried-and-true presentation for cold water walleye, there’s another highly effective option that often gets overlooked—suspending jerkbaits. These hard plastic lures have a natural minnow profile, frequently include internal rattles, and most importantly, suspend perfectly still in the water column when paused. That ability to hang in place is the secret behind their cold-water effectiveness.
Popular choices include the Rapala X-Rap and Rapala Husky Jerk. These suspending jerkbaits come in various sizes and colors, allowing anglers to match the hatch and tailor the presentation to the conditions. When used correctly, they can be absolutely deadly in the early spring and late fall.