Best Walleye Spinner Rigs For Lake Erie

Best Walleye Spinner Rigs For Lake Erie

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🔍 How we chose: We researched 50+ Lake Erie Fishing products, analyzed thousands of customer reviews, and filtered down to the 6 best options based on quality, value, and real-world performance.

Lake Erie teaches you to read wind, current, and water like a chart you can trust from the cockpit. In this roundup, you’ll see rigs that actually perform on Western Basin mornings and Central Basin edges, not just look good on a shelf. You’ll get real-world, cold-water durability notes, walleye and perch versatility, and practical setups for trolling, jigging, and ice fishing you can trust in fall tournaments. I’ll call out depth targets and season-specific tactics that separate the boats that catch from the boats that talk.

Main Points

Our Top Picks

Best for Freshwater TrollingDr. Fish 10 Pack Walleye Rigs Kit, 47 Inches, 15LB Mono Crawler Harness Walleye Float Rig Colorado Spinner Octopus Hooks for Freshwater TrollingDr. Fish 10 Pack Walleye Rigs Kit, 47 Inches, 15LB Mono Crawler Harness Walleye Float Rig Colorado Spinner Octopus Hooks for Freshwater Trolling★★★★☆ 4.3/5 Key Ingredient: 15 lb monofilament crawler harnessScent Profile: No added scentBest For: Best for Freshwater TrollingCheck Price on AmazonRead Our Analysis
Best for Quick RiggingDovesun Walleye Rigs 16lb Walleye Spinner Rig Crawler Harness with Unique Smile Blades Worm Harnesses for Walleye Fishing 2 Hooks 7PCSDovesun Walleye Rigs 16lb Walleye Spinner Rig Crawler Harness with Unique Smile Blades Worm Harnesses for Walleye Fishing 2 Hooks 7PCS★★★★☆ 4.4/5 Key Ingredient: 16 lb test spinner rigsScent Profile: NoneBest For: Best for Quick RiggingCheck Price on AmazonRead Our Analysis
Best for DIY Lure MakersWalleye Rig Making Kit DIY Fishing Lure Spinner Making Kit Supplies Parts Crawler Harness Live Bait Rigs Colorado Blades Pompano Floats Clevis Beads Tackle FishingWalleye Rig Making Kit DIY Fishing Lure Spinner Making Kit Supplies Parts Crawler Harness Live Bait Rigs Colorado Blades Pompano Floats Clevis Beads Tackle Fishing★★★★½ 4.7/5 Key Ingredient: Colorado blades, beads, clevis, floatsScent Profile: Unscented; no added attractantsBest For: Best for DIY Lure MakersCheck Price on AmazonRead Our Analysis
Best for Bulk Rig PartsWalleye Spinner Rigs Kit, 200 Piece DIY Fishing Lure Making Supplies Parts Walleye Rigs Crawler Harness Colorado Blades Spinner Clevis Stacked BeadsWalleye Spinner Rigs Kit, 200 Piece DIY Fishing Lure Making Supplies Parts Walleye Rigs Crawler Harness Colorado Blades Spinner Clevis Stacked Beads★★★½☆ 3.9/5 Key Ingredient: Colorado blades, beads, and crawler-harness partsScent Profile: NoneBest For: Best for Bulk Rig PartsCheck Price on AmazonRead Our Analysis
Best for Freshwater TrollingDr. Fish 10 Pack Walleye Rigs Kit, 47 Inches, 15LB Mono Crawler Harness Walleye Float Rig Colorado Spinner Octopus Hooks for Freshwater TrollingDr. Fish 10 Pack Walleye Rigs Kit, 47 Inches, 15LB Mono Crawler Harness Walleye Float Rig Colorado Spinner Octopus Hooks for Freshwater Trolling★★★★☆ 4.3/5 Key Ingredient: 15 lb monofilament crawler harnessScent Profile: No added scentBest For: Best for Freshwater TrollingCheck Price on AmazonRead Our Analysis
Best for Organized GearLindy Rigger for Walleye Fishing - Keeps Snells and Rigs Organized and Tangle-Free, Lindy RiggerLindy Rigger for Walleye Fishing - Keeps Snells and Rigs Organized and Tangle-Free, Lindy Rigger★★★★½ 4.6/5 Key Ingredient: modular rig organizer keeps lines neatScent Profile: N/A for gearBest For: Best for Organized GearCheck Price on AmazonRead Our Analysis

More Details on Our Top Picks

  1. Dr. Fish 10 Pack Walleye Rigs Kit, 47 Inches, 15LB Mono Crawler Harness Walleye Float Rig Colorado Spinner Octopus Hooks for Freshwater Trolling

    🏆 Best For: Best for Freshwater Trolling

    ★★★★☆ 4.3/5

    Dr. Fish 10 Pack Walleye Rigs Kit, 47 Inches, 15LB Mono Crawler Harness Walleye Float Rig Colorado Spinner Octopus Hooks for Freshwater Trolling

    Best for Freshwater Trolling

    Check Price on Amazon

    Best for Freshwater Trolling is earned by how this Dr. Fish kit handles Lake Erie in real-world conditions. You get ten rigs built on durable 15 lb mono crawler harnesses, each with a 47-inch leader and Colorado spinner Octopus hooks that track clean behind your boards. In the Western Basin, where boat wake and wind push baits off line, these rigs stay steady and survive a season of hard trolling. The 10-pack spread lets you cover depth and structure from weedlines to drop-offs, a must during fall patterns when walleye roam.

    Key features translate to tangible benefits. The 15 lb mono stays flexible in cold water and resists kinks after a day of fishing, so your action stays lively. The Colorado spinner blades provide flash and vibration without heavy pull, helping keel-bearing walleye bite more consistently at typical Erie speeds around 1.0–1.8 mph. The 47-inch leaders keep your lures clear of the motor wash and chop, while the Octopus hooks bite cleanly on light touches. This kit shines when paired with planer boards, letting you hold a clean water column along weed edges and drop-offs.

    Who should buy this and when? If you’re chasing walleye with serious tournament mindset or you’re a veteran weekend warrior, this kit earns its keep in Western and Central Basin fall patterns. It’s ideal when water cools and fish suspend, requiring reliable depth control and quick rig swaps instead of re-tying rigs each hour. It suits multi-line spreads behind boards and long days chasing schooling fish along weed lines or structure where walleye bite best.

    Honest caveats—this is a fixed-length setup, so you’ll adjust depth with speed and board position rather than changing leader lengths. There are no scent or color variants in the pack, so you’ll want to mix with your preferred colors and supplier scents if required. And while the kit resists freezing up and stays flexible, you’ll still want to inspect knots and hooks after rough water to make sure nothing’s bent.

    ✅ Pros

    • Durable 15 lb mono in cold water
    • Ten rigs per pack for coverage
    • Colorado spinner action drives bites

    ❌ Cons

    • Fixed 47-inch length, no options
    • No scent or color variants
    • Key Ingredient: 15 lb monofilament crawler harness
    • Scent Profile: No added scent
    • Best For: Best for Freshwater Trolling
    • Size / Volume: 47-inch leaders; 10 rigs per pack
    • Special Feature: Colorado spinner blades with Octopus hooks
  2. Dovesun Walleye Rigs 16lb Walleye Spinner Rig Crawler Harness with Unique Smile Blades Worm Harnesses for Walleye Fishing 2 Hooks 7PCS

    🏆 Best For: Best for Quick Rigging

    ★★★★☆ 4.4/5

    Dovesun Walleye Rigs 16lb Walleye Spinner Rig Crawler Harness with Unique Smile Blades Worm Harnesses for Walleye Fishing 2 Hooks 7PCS

    Best for Quick Rigging

    Check Price on Amazon

    This rig earns Best for Quick Rigging because you get a ready-to-go seven-pack. Two-hook crawler harnesses with unique Smile Blades deploy fast and stay tangle-free. In Western Basin fall patterns, you can spread multiple lines at 2.0–2.5 mph through 40–60 feet without retying every rig.

    The package delivers 16 lb test line, dual hooks, and Smile Blades that flash and draw walleye in cold water. Crawler harness and worm rigs stay clean in open water, tolerate weedlines, and pull cleanly behind boards. The Smile Blades flash at Erie trolling speeds, boosting bite signals on off-color days.

    Buy this if you fish Western Basin weedlines, bite windows near sunrise, or pre-fish tournaments. In mid-season Central Basin churn and fall turnover, these rigs cut rig time and keep you mobile.

    Trade-off: color variety is limited within the pack. Two-hook design increases snag potential in heavy weed and rough structure.

    ✅ Pros

    • Fast rigging out of the package.
    • Cold-water durability; handles big Erie walleye.
    • Effective with crawlers and worm harnesses.

    ❌ Cons

    • Limited color options.
    • Two-hook design increases snag potential.
    • Key Ingredient: 16 lb test spinner rigs
    • Scent Profile: None
    • Best For: Best for Quick Rigging
    • Size / Volume: 7 rigs per pack
    • Special Feature: Unique Smile Blades
    • Target Species: Walleye (perch-friendly)
  3. Walleye Rig Making Kit DIY Fishing Lure Spinner Making Kit Supplies Parts Crawler Harness Live Bait Rigs Colorado Blades Pompano Floats Clevis Beads Tackle Fishing

    🏆 Best For: Best for DIY Lure Makers

    ★★★★½ 4.7/5

    Walleye Rig Making Kit DIY Fishing Lure Spinner Making Kit Supplies Parts Crawler Harness Live Bait Rigs Colorado Blades Pompano Floats Clevis Beads Tackle Fishing

    Best for DIY Lure Makers

    Check Price on Amazon

    What earns this kit the Best for DIY Lure Makers title is its plug-and-play lineup of spinner components tailored for Lake Erie rigs. You get Colorado blades, crawler-harness parts, clevis beads, and floats all in one affordable bundle, so you can build walleye rigs on the spot. Priced at $9.99 and rated 4.7 stars, it’s a practical tool for your trolling spread in Western Basin chop or Central Basin clarity. In Western Basin conditions, water can flip from clear to stained in a day; having these parts on hand keeps your lines tight and your bite window open.

    Key features translate to real-world benefits: cold-water durability, a broad assortment of parts that cover common Erie depths, and components that fit standard trolling and jigging setups. You can swap blades to tune depth and speed without guessing; the beads and clevis give you clean line ties, and the floats help set buoyancy for fall patterns. For fall walleye patterns and quick rig rebuilds, this kit keeps you efficient and in the bite across both basins.

    Who should buy this and when: if you’re a hands-on angler who builds your own rigs, this is a go-to for pre-season and fall tournaments. Guides, boat owners, and serious Erie anglers will find value stocking a couple of these to cover nearshore reefs and deeper humps. Use it to outfit 1.8–2.5 mph trolling spreads or quick jig-rigs during peak migrations in the Central Basin.

    Drawbacks are few but real: it’s a budget kit, so parts are adequate but not top-shelf for extreme salt or heavy-duty long trips. Some components feel generic, and there’s no storage case or step-by-step instructions, so organize small parts separately. If you want premium finishes or specialized patterns for late-season ice or rough seas, plan to upgrade.

    ✅ Pros

    • Cold-water durable components for Erie
    • Wide parts variety speeds rigging
    • Budget-friendly for DIY lure projects

    ❌ Cons

    • Some parts feel basic, not premium-grade
    • Lacks storage case or clear instructions
    • Key Ingredient: Colorado blades, beads, clevis, floats
    • Scent Profile: Unscented; no added attractants
    • Best For: Best for DIY Lure Makers
    • Size / Volume: 100+ components in kit
    • Special Feature: Quick-switch blade options
  4. Walleye Spinner Rigs Kit, 200 Piece DIY Fishing Lure Making Supplies Parts Walleye Rigs Crawler Harness Colorado Blades Spinner Clevis Stacked Beads

    🏆 Best For: Best for Bulk Rig Parts

    ★★★½☆ 3.9/5

    Walleye Spinner Rigs Kit, 200 Piece DIY Fishing Lure Making Supplies Parts Walleye Rigs Crawler Harness Colorado Blades Spinner Clevis Stacked Beads

    Best for Bulk Rig Parts

    Check Price on Amazon

    Best for Bulk Rig Parts is earned because this 200-piece Walleye Spinner Rigs Kit gives you a ready-to-build library of crawler-harness parts, Colorado blades, spinner clevises, and stacked beads to outfit a full spread fast. In Western Basin fall patterns, you need rigs on standby and you can't waste time tying while the bite is on.

    Key features include a bulk assortment of crawler-harness components, Colorado blades, beads, swivels, and clevises. The real-world payoff is simple: you can tune action and flash by swapping beads and blades, swap color and blade weight on the fly, and keep your rigs durable enough to handle Lake Erie’s cold water without constant re-rigging. In 30–60 feet of water during a typical Western Basin troll, these parts let you dial in speed and depth without fumbling through a drawer full of mismatches.

    Who should buy this and when: serious Erie anglers, guide crews, and tournament-minded teams who troll and occasionally jig with harness rigs will get the most value. It’s ideal for fall pattern prep, quick-spread outfitting, and keeping several rigs ready for back-to-back trips out of Port Clinton or Cleveland. If you fish Western Basin to Central Basin and want the flexibility to adapt as currents shift, this kit keeps you aggressive and efficient.

    Honest drawbacks or caveats: it requires time to assemble multiple rigs, and the quality varies across components. You’ll want pliers and basic rig-building know-how to get the best out of it, so it isn’t a plug-and-go solution for a casual weekend trip.

    ✅ Pros

    • Huge piece count for many rigs
    • Includes Colorado blades, beads, swivels
    • Easy to customize for Western Basin tactics

    ❌ Cons

    • Requires time to assemble rigs
    • Quality varies across components
    • Key Ingredient: Colorado blades, beads, and crawler-harness parts
    • Scent Profile: None
    • Best For: Best for Bulk Rig Parts
    • Size / Volume: 200-piece kit
    • Special Feature: Includes swivels, clevises, stacked beads
  5. Dr. Fish 10 Pack Walleye Rigs Kit, 47 Inches, 15LB Mono Crawler Harness Walleye Float Rig Colorado Spinner Octopus Hooks for Freshwater Trolling

    🏆 Best For: Best for Freshwater Trolling

    ★★★★☆ 4.3/5

    Dr. Fish 10 Pack Walleye Rigs Kit, 47 Inches, 15LB Mono Crawler Harness Walleye Float Rig Colorado Spinner Octopus Hooks for Freshwater Trolling

    Best for Freshwater Trolling

    Check Price on Amazon

    Best for Freshwater Trolling is earned by how this Dr. Fish kit handles Lake Erie in real-world conditions. You get ten rigs built on durable 15 lb mono crawler harnesses, each with a 47-inch leader and Colorado spinner Octopus hooks that track clean behind your boards. In the Western Basin, where boat wake and wind push baits off line, these rigs stay steady and survive a season of hard trolling. The 10-pack spread lets you cover depth and structure from weedlines to drop-offs, a must during fall patterns when walleye roam.

    Key features translate to tangible benefits. The 15 lb mono stays flexible in cold water and resists kinks after a day of fishing, so your action stays lively. The Colorado spinner blades provide flash and vibration without heavy pull, helping keel-bearing walleye bite more consistently at typical Erie speeds around 1.0–1.8 mph. The 47-inch leaders keep your lures clear of the motor wash and chop, while the Octopus hooks bite cleanly on light touches. This kit shines when paired with planer boards, letting you hold a clean water column along weed edges and drop-offs.

    Who should buy this and when? If you’re chasing walleye with serious tournament mindset or you’re a veteran weekend warrior, this kit earns its keep in Western and Central Basin fall patterns. It’s ideal when water cools and fish suspend, requiring reliable depth control and quick rig swaps instead of re-tying rigs each hour. It suits multi-line spreads behind boards and long days chasing schooling fish along weed lines or structure where walleye bite best.

    Honest caveats—this is a fixed-length setup, so you’ll adjust depth with speed and board position rather than changing leader lengths. There are no scent or color variants in the pack, so you’ll want to mix with your preferred colors and supplier scents if required. And while the kit resists freezing up and stays flexible, you’ll still want to inspect knots and hooks after rough water to make sure nothing’s bent.

    ✅ Pros

    • Durable 15 lb mono in cold water
    • Ten rigs per pack for coverage
    • Colorado spinner action drives bites

    ❌ Cons

    • Fixed 47-inch length, no options
    • No scent or color variants
    • Key Ingredient: 15 lb monofilament crawler harness
    • Scent Profile: No added scent
    • Best For: Best for Freshwater Trolling
    • Size / Volume: 47-inch leaders; 10 rigs per pack
    • Special Feature: Colorado spinner blades with Octopus hooks
  6. Lindy Rigger for Walleye Fishing - Keeps Snells and Rigs Organized and Tangle-Free, Lindy Rigger

    🏆 Best For: Best for Organized Gear

    ★★★★½ 4.6/5

    Lindy Rigger for Walleye Fishing - Keeps Snells and Rigs Organized and Tangle-Free, Lindy Rigger

    Best for Organized Gear

    Check Price on Amazon

    That Best for Organized Gear honor comes from the Lindy Rigger’s ability to keep snells and rigs neatly separated and tangles-free. At $18.99 with a 4.6-star rating, it’s a compact, rugged unit that survives cold Western Basin mornings and heavy trolling sessions, streamlining fall-pattern spreads across Lake Erie’s Western and Central basins.

    The design features clearly spaced slots for snells and rigs, so you can grab what you need without a tangle. It stays solid in cold water, protects knots, and clips into your setup for easy reach when you’re trolling or jigging through fall walleye movements.

    If you fish Lake Erie year-round—tournament boats, charter programs, or serious shore-to-boat anglers—this is your core gear organizer. In fall, when walleye stage in the Western Basin and perch slide with the fronts, a tidy rig system lets you swap baits and depths quickly without tangled lines. It also pays off on ice by keeping jigs and snells orderly between stops.

    Drawbacks are real: capacity limits mean you may want two units for a full spread, and it adds a bit of deck footprint that needs securing in rough water.

    ✅ Pros

    • Tangle-free snells and rigs
    • Speeds rig changes on the water
    • Sturdy, cold-water durable build

    ❌ Cons

    • Limited capacity; need multiple units
    • Adds footprint on small boat
    • Key Ingredient: modular rig organizer keeps lines neat
    • Scent Profile: N/A for gear
    • Best For: Best for Organized Gear
    • Size / Volume: compact unit fits most tackle boxes
    • Special Feature: quick-access slots reduce tangles
    • Durability: stainless hardware; cold-water ready

Factors to Consider

Blade design and size

Choose between willow and Colorado blades based on water color and speed. Willow blades flash quickly and stay lively at higher trolling speeds, a solid call in clear Western Basin water. Colorado blades thump more and pull harder, which helps in dirty water or slower fall patterns. Carry a couple of sizes so you can adapt on the water without swapping rigs every run. In clean water, chrome and silver finishes stay visible at distance; in stained water, chartreuse or orange blades grab bites fast.

Weight, depth control, and trolling depth

Match weight to target depth and current. For 15-40 ft down in the Western Basin, use roughly 1/4–1/2 oz rigs; for 40-70 ft, step to 1/2–3/4 oz; for 70+ ft or strong currents in the Central Basin, 1–1.5 oz helps you stay locked at depth. Troll around 1.8–2.2 mph to keep the rig from skating up or digging too deep. If you’re marking fish but no bites, drop 5–10 ft deeper and slow a notch to entice tells from finned ambushers.

Rig construction, hooks, and leader setup

Use a sturdy, corrosion-resistant hook size in the 2–4 range for walleye, with a short leader behind the blade. A bead-chain or small swivel linkage keeps twist under control and lets the blade spin freely. Tie on a 6–12 inch bead-chain leader to a simple mermaid-worm or minnow harness depending on bait you’re using. Keep knots clean and secure; if the water’s cold, make sure the connection remains solid after multiple hits in a tournament day.

Cold-water durability and materials

Look for stainless hardware and durable epoxy coatings that won’t crack in 40-degree water. Brass or stainless swivels resist corrosion better than plated parts in Erie’s mix of brackish and fresh. Choose rigs built with robust rattles or beads that won’t crack when you’re jigging tight to structure in late fall. If you fish deep or around reefs, reliability matters more than a flashy design.

Seasonal color and water clarity choices

Fall patterns favor blade color that cuts through water clarity swings. In clear Western Basin water, chrome and blue-tinish blades stay visible at distance; in the Central Basin’s stained water, chartreuse and orange pickups shine even when light is flat. Tie on a couple of color options and switch as water turns or as weed lines start stacking. Remember, you’re hunting bites, not just showing off lures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a walleye spinner rig and how does it differ from a standard inline spinner?

A walleye spinner rig blends a spinning blade with a bait harness on a short leader, designed for trolling or jigging. It tracks through the water with controlled flash and vibration, letting you target suspended fish along edges and drop-offs. It’s more versatile than a plain inline spinner for Lake Erie depths and fall migrations.

How do I pick blade color for Western vs Central Basin?

Go with chrome or silver for the Western Basin’s clear days, where distance matters and bites come on speed. For Central Basin water that’s often stained, switch to chartreuse, orange, or brighter finishes that punch through the murk. Carry a couple options and switch with the water color and light conditions.

What depth and speed should I run during fall on Erie?

In the Western Basin, target 20–40 ft with roughly 1.8–2.2 mph. In the Central Basin, fish the deeper edges around 40–70 ft at 1.6–2.0 mph. Use sonar marks as your guide and adjust 5–10 ft deeper if you’re not seeing any take chips after a couple passes.

Are spinner rigs effective for perch as well?

Yes, but scale down the blades and hooks and keep the leader shorter. Perch bite closer to the bottom and respond to brighter colors and tighter action. If you’re chasing perch between walleye windows, run shallower and lighter rigs and move faster to provoke a snap bite.

Can I use these rigs for ice fishing?

Light, compact spinner rigs can work under the ice when paired with a jig-bait approach, but they’re not primary ice tools. If you drill shallow flats for perch or late-season walleye, a small blade with a live bait or a minnow harness can be effective, but don’t expect the same results as jigging spoons.

How do I prevent line twist and keep things tidy on the water?

Use a quality swivel at the main line connection and keep the lead length modest to reduce twist. A short leader behind the blade helps the rig track true, and fluorocarbon leaders stay tougher in cold Erie days. Check line and knots often during long runs to avoid surprises on the bite.

Do I need different rigs for jigging versus trolling?

Yes. For jigging, go shorter leaders and lighter blades to keep a tight, vertical action. For trolling, longer leaders and heavier blades work better to maintain depth and readable bite signals at slow speeds. You’ll likely want both setups ready for fall patterns and edge-hunting in Erie’s basins.

Conclusion

Last updated:

About the Author: Mike Caruso — Mike is an 18-year Lake Erie charter captain and walleye tournament angler based out of Huron, Ohio. He's spent thousands of hours on the Western and Central Basin and tests every piece of gear in real fishing conditions before recommending it.