Practical double-rigger spreads are a game changer for walleye trolling, especially in mid spring when fish start pushing shallower but still keying on deeper thermals at times. Here’s a clear, actionable way to rig two baits per main line (a true double-rigger setup) and keep them clean and productive on the water.
Two main approaches you’ll see most often: a) two baits per line using a three-way rig, and b) two divers/boards per side to spread the spread. The fastest, most controllable method for a tight double rig is the three-way swivel method described in the video linked below. For wider, side-to-side spreads, planers or dipsy divers work great.
- Start with the right hardware
- Main line and terminal tackle: a stout braid or fluoro leader, plus a three-way swivel. The swivel gives you two diverging leaders from one anchor point, letting you run two baits on separate depths.
- Leaders: two distinct leaders (roughly 12–36 inches each, adjustable). One feeds a crawler harness or spoon, the other a minnow/crank setup. The exact lengths depend on how deep you want each bait.
- Releasable snap/side releases: use reliable releases so each line runs independently and you can swap baits quickly without tangling.
- Optional spread options: planer boards or Dipsy Divers to push one or both baits off to the side for better coverage.
- Tie up the double-rig on a three-way swivel
- Attach your main line to the top eye of a sturdy three-way swivel.
- From the two bottom eyes, tie your two distinct leaders. Keep them short enough to avoid overlap with the mainline but long enough to reach your desired depths.
- Clip your baits on the far ends of each leader (crawler harness on one, crank/plastic or live minnow rig on the other).
- If you’re using releases, clip them near the bait so you can easily swap baits without losing depth control.
- Depth control and depth testing
- Start with one bait shallower (8–15 ft down) and the second deeper (20–40 ft, depending on water temp and clarity). In mid spring, walleye can be at a mixed depth band; keeping one bait shallower and one deeper increases your odds.
- Use leadcore or a dipsy/diver system to manage depth for each line. If you’re using Dipsy Divers, set one on a lower dial to pull shallower and the other to push deeper.
- Confirm depth with sonar or casting-ttice checks at the dock. Small adjustments to leader length or diver settings can tune both baits simultaneously.
- Speed, color, and lure selection
- Speed: stay in the 1.8–2.5 mph range; walleye respond well to slow to moderate pulls in spring.
- Lures: use two distinct profiles to cover more bite windows — a bright blade/harness for the shallower line and a more subtle minnow-plug or crank for the deeper line. If water clarity is good, brighter combos near the surface; if stained, go with brighter blades and larger profiles.
- Colors: spring patterns often benefit from chartreuse, chartreuse/gold, and nickel/copper blades. Mix metals and blades to trigger different bite entries.
- Deploy, test, and tune
- Before you pull, practice the two-bait setup at the dock to prevent tangles. Once on the water, start with a modest spread (one board or diver per side, plus the two leads) and test bite response.
- Maintain line tension and watch for tangles. If the baits cross, shorten one leader slightly or adjust your diver’s depth setting.
- If you’re covering a wide water column, you can augment with a second spread on the opposite side using a planer board, then swap to a true double-rig on one side when you’ve found active trollers.
- Quick references and proven tactics
- See how pros troll two baits per line with a three-way swivel: Trolling two baits per line for Walleye and Steelhead using a three-way swivel!
- Dipsy Divers for controlled depth: How To Use Dipsy Divers For Walleye Fishing - Set Up Tips and Settings for Trolling with Dipsies
- Multi-line spreads with boards: How to Set Multiple Trolling Board Lines to Catch More Fish - Easy and Tangle Free Fishing
Tip: in mid-spring, fish can be ambush predators along weed edges and drop-offs. Start shallow, then alternate with the deeper bait as water warms. Always snap a quick depth check on your first pass and adjust as needed. With patience and a tidy double-rig, you’ll increase your bites per pass and keep your lines clean on the move.
Gear up, stay patient, and enjoy the chase—the walleye bite can be surprisingly cooperative this time of year. Let’s get out there and fish it hard! 🎣🌊
