Fishing in lakes offers a range of exciting opportunities for anglers, especially when using the right lures to target a variety of fish species. Crankbait fishing lures are among the most popular lures for both seasoned and beginner anglers alike, and they play a significant role in both traditional fishing and fly fishing in lakes. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed review of easy-to-use crankbait fishing lures, focusing on their application in fly fishing within lakes.
We’ll cover how crankbaits work, their advantages, the best ways to use them, and why they’re an excellent choice for targeting species like bass, trout, walleye, and others found in lake environments.
What is a Crankbait Fishing Lure?
A crankbait fishing lure is a type of hard-bodied artificial bait designed to resemble injured or fleeing fish. Unlike soft baits or jigs, crankbaits are made of solid materials like plastic or wood and feature a built-in lip that allows them to dive and move through the water in a specific pattern.
Crankbaits come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, each designed to mimic different types of prey. They can be used for a variety of fishing techniques, but they are especially effective when targeting fish that are feeding in mid-water or near the bottom.
For fly fishing, crankbaits can be used as part of a hybrid fishing setup that combines traditional casting techniques with the action of fly fishing. Fly fishing enthusiasts may use spinning gear or fly rods to cast crankbaits, giving them the best of both worlds: the versatility and action of crankbaits with the finesse of fly fishing techniques.
Why Use Crankbait Lures for Fly Fishing in Lakes?
1. Realistic Action and Motion
Crankbaits are designed to mimic the natural movement of injured or fleeing fish, making them highly attractive to predators. When retrieved, the lip on the crankbait causes it to dive and wobble, sending vibrations and flashes through the water, which is particularly appealing to fish like bass, trout, and pike in lake environments. This action is beneficial for anglers targeting species that respond well to motion and sound, such as bass or walleye.
2. Versatility in Various Water Depths
One of the most significant advantages of crankbait lures is their ability to target fish at various depths. Whether the fish are suspended near the surface or lurking deeper in the lake, crankbaits are available in various diving depths. Shallow-diving crankbaits are great for fishing along the surface, while deep-diving crankbaits can reach fish that are further down. This versatility allows anglers to adjust their technique based on the location of the fish.
3. Ease of Use
Crankbait fishing lures are relatively easy to use, making them ideal for both beginner and expert anglers. They don’t require complex techniques, and their effectiveness comes from their natural movement in the water. For fly fishing in lakes, this ease of use makes them an excellent choice when you want to cover large areas of water efficiently.
4. Attracting Different Species
Crankbaits are particularly effective in attracting species like:
- Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: Bass are highly attracted to crankbaits, especially in lakes where they are actively hunting.
- Trout: Crankbaits are effective for targeting trout when fished at the right depths.
- Pike and Walleye: These fish are known to be attracted to crankbaits, especially when the water temperature is ideal and they are actively feeding.
Types of Crankbait Lures for Fly Fishing in Lakes
1. Shallow-Diving Crankbaits
Shallow-diving crankbaits are ideal for fishing in the upper parts of the water column. They typically dive to a depth of around 1 to 5 feet and are perfect for situations where fish are feeding near the surface.
- Best For: Targeting fish that are feeding on surface-level prey.
- Colors: Natural colors like shad, crawfish, or bluegill work well.
- When to Use: Early mornings or evenings when fish are close to the surface.
2. Medium-Diving Crankbaits
These crankbaits typically dive to a depth of 5 to 10 feet and are ideal for targeting fish in mid-water. They are versatile, as they can be used in shallow and deeper areas of the lake.
- Best For: General lake fishing where fish are not deep but not entirely at the surface either.
- Colors: Bright colors like chartreuse or orange are effective, especially in murky water.
- When to Use: Mid-day or in warmer water temperatures.
3. Deep-Diving Crankbaits
Deep-diving crankbaits are designed to reach depths of 10 feet or more, making them perfect for targeting fish that are feeding on deeper parts of the lake. These lures are often used in deeper, cooler waters or during times when fish move to the lakebed.
- Best For: Targeting fish that are deep in the water or in the colder, lower portions of the lake.
- Colors: Darker shades such as black or blue mimic deepwater prey.
- When to Use: When fish are deeper, such as during midday or late in the season.
How to Use Crankbait Fishing Lures for Fly Fishing in Lakes
1. Choosing the Right Gear
For fly fishing with crankbaits, you can either use a traditional spinning rod or a fly rod depending on your personal preference and the fishing technique you’re using. If you’re opting for the fly rod, make sure you use a heavier fly line with a casting reel to handle the weight of the crankbait. This will give you the necessary casting distance and control needed for effective fishing.
- Rod: Medium to medium-heavy action rod, 6 to 7 feet long.
- Reel: Fly reels or spinning reels with a good drag system.
- Line: Use a braided line or fluorocarbon line to ensure good sensitivity and control.
2. Retrieving the Crankbait
The key to effectively using crankbaits is controlling the speed and action of the retrieve. Typically, you’ll want to use a steady retrieve with occasional pauses. Varying the speed of your retrieve can help trigger fish to bite. A slower retrieve mimics injured prey, while a faster retrieve imitates fleeing fish.
- Steady Retrieve: Use a consistent retrieve to keep the crankbait wobbling steadily in the water.
- Pause and Twitch: Occasionally pause and twitch your rod to simulate a struggling fish.
- Speed Variation: Experiment with speed to see what triggers the most strikes.
3. Fishing at the Right Depth
The depth at which you fish is critical to success when using crankbaits. Adjust the crankbait’s depth to match where the fish are located. If you’re fishing in shallow areas, use shallow-diving crankbaits, but if the fish are deeper, opt for a medium- or deep-diving crankbait.
- Shallow Areas: Use shallow-diving crankbaits to target fish near the surface.
- Deeper Areas: Use medium- or deep-diving crankbaits to reach fish that are feeding at greater depths.
4. Adapt to Weather and Water Conditions
Weather and water conditions can greatly affect the success of crankbait fishing. On bright, sunny days, fish may be closer to the surface, so shallow-diving crankbaits may work best. On cloudy or overcast days, fish may move deeper, so switching to deeper-diving crankbaits can help you stay productive.
Advantages of Crankbait Fishing Lures for Fly Fishing in Lakes
1. Efficient Coverage
Crankbaits allow you to cover large areas of the lake efficiently, making them a great choice when fishing in expansive lakes or areas with lots of fish-holding structures.
2. Attracting Reluctant Fish
Crankbaits excel at attracting fish that may be more reluctant to strike other types of lures. Their vibrant colors and erratic motion make them irresistible to predatory species.
3. Durability
Unlike soft plastic lures that can tear easily, crankbaits are made from durable materials, making them long-lasting and effective even after many uses.
Where to Buy Crankbait Fishing Lures
When looking for high-quality crankbait fishing lures, visit Lurebolt.com. We offer a wide selection of crankbaits, along with other lures such as minnows, pencil baits, poppers, jigs, and softbaits designed to suit all fishing conditions, including fly fishing in lakes.
Our lures are built to last and are designed to attract a wide range of freshwater species, ensuring you get the most out of your fishing experience.
Conclusion
Crankbait fishing lures are an excellent choice for fly fishing in lakes. Their realistic action, versatility, and effectiveness in covering various depths make them perfect for targeting a wide range of species. Whether you’re targeting bass, trout, pike, or walleye, crankbaits offer an exciting and productive way to fish.
For premium crankbait fishing lures, visit Lurebolt.com and explore our collection designed to help you land that next big catch.
Happy fishing!
By understanding the different types of crankbaits, how to use them effectively, and selecting the right gear, you’ll be well on your way to making the most of your fly fishing trips in lakes.