When selecting a quality rig for walleyes, a good spinning reel is the most versatile gear you can buy. Spinning reels allow you to throw blade baits, jigs, and spinners, as well as using slip sinker rigs.

Spinning reels in the 2000 - 2500 range can even be used as a jigging reel, provided you keep two spools on hand; one spooled with spinning line, the other with jigging.

Their light lines and lures keep spinning reels easy to use and beginner-friendly no matter your skill level. With so many possible uses to choose from, it’s easy to see why anglers prefer spinning reels for walleye fishing.

Walleyes, or yellow pike, are freshwater fish commonly found throughout Canada and the Northern Midwest. However, stocking programs have widened their range to the south and west of the U.S, reaching as far south as Texas. When selecting a reel, bear in mind that they prefer to go deep — regularly found as far as 20ft down — and enjoy turbid, choppy waters.

Since walleyes aren’t known for putting up a fight, heavy-duty reels are rarely required to land them. For most temperate freshwater environments, a lightweight 2000-2500 class spinning reel with plenty of versatility is all you need.

If you’ll be ice-fishing for walleye in the Northern U.S. and Canada, however, check for durable spinning reels that are compatible with ice rods.

Walleyes have developed plenty of genetic variation over the years, so each region can be unique. Be sure to research your intended environment and consider the climate while choosing the best size spinning reel for walleye.

Considering the wide range of regions in which walleye can be found, it’s understandable that experienced anglers prefer a reel they can attach to any rod. From Canadian ice fishing to Texas lakes, we find it best to seek out a walleye spinning reel that’s compatible with various rods.

It’s rare to find a list of top spinning reels without the Shimano Stradic Ci4+, and we’re happy to admit we’re no exception. This reel is notorious for a reason, with Shimano’s signature cold-forged Hagane gears, Core Protect coating, and a waterproof drag so smooth it’s become the standard to beat for freshwater spinning reels.

Built from a carbon-infused casing for extreme durability and lightweight functionality, the Stradic Ci4+ is both 20% lighter and 1½ times stronger than standard graphite builds. This feather-light body prevents weight strain no matter how long you’re out on the water, and its Core Protect water resistance keeps the roller clutch, body, and line roller safe despite splashes.

Speaking of splashes: The Stradic’s sealed body, internal gearing, and waterproofed drag housing allows it to remain functional after being submerged for a full minute. And with fresh water rinsing and maintenance, this reel works equally well in saltwater environments.

All this external protection helps to keep the internal technology safe, and there’s plenty of it. Shimano’s X-Ship gearing ensures smooth cranking, with a 31 - 39” IPT for rapid retrieves. And thanks to their new Magnumlite Rotor, turning the Stradic’s handle feels as effortless as the build is weightless.

In short, Shimano’s Stradic Ci4+ is renowned for good reason; between its quality, durability, and high tech-build, there’s plenty of reasons why this is the best spinning reel for walleye in our books.

The Pflueger President 25X is undoubtedly a commanding presence. Pflueger is a brand known for its quality, and this model doesn't let us down. With its 9 + 1 bearing system and oscillation gearing, this ultra-smooth model is the best spinning reel for walleye jigging on our list. 

Like the Stradic Ci4+, the Pflueger President uses an innovative graphite body and rotor to lessen long-term strain. Anglers’ comfort is clearly catered to in this reel, with a durable aluminum bail and soft-touch knob for easy, ergonomic use.

Thanks to Pflueger’s slow oscillation gearing and corrosion-resistant sealed bearings, you can be sure this reel will stay smooth in every environment. The 9 + 1 bearing system keeps the reel precisely balanced, while the instant anti-reverse ensures you remain in control of every cast. Pflueger seems to have thought of everything with The President, filling it with thoughtful design details such as the braid-ready spool.

Jigging depends upon controlling your line with quick jerks for a natural presentation, and this is our top pick for the technique for good reason. Namely, the President’s improved lay line and optimized spool design will help keep your lines clean with every cast.  

Paired with a traditional bucktail or spoon, this reel is a natural choice for the best spinning reel for walleye jigging.

The Daiwa Tatula LT is the only 1000 class reel on our ranking for good reason. Both ultra-light and small-yet-mighty, this model is perfect for high-speed maneuvering and responsive control. When it comes to a lightweight approach to walleye, look no further than the Tatula LT 1000.

Daiwa takes care to build their reels with quality in mind, and the Tatula’s air rotor and bail have been specifically machined to weigh 15% less than average. Paired with an aluminum spool for a light, durable build, the Tatula feels like next to nothing in the hand.

But don’t let the feather-light reel fool you. This spinning reel comes equipped with a precision-cut aluminum alloy digi-gear, offering maximum efficiency with minimal weight. Its corrosion-resistant ball bearings are precisely placed and specifically designed, meant to last up to 12x longer than competitors.

Daiwa’s bearings live up to their name, offering anglers a buttery smooth drag with every cast. And thanks to the Tatula LT’s gearing, this reel offers speedy retrieve with 32” IPT. If you’re a fan of weightless, high-speed spinning reels, the Daiwa LT 1000 is our top choice. Pair this with an ultralight spinning rod and some shallow spinnerbaits for a perfectly balanced combo.

Spinning reels work well for a wide variety of techniques, but specialized walleye anglers may prefer the precise depth measurements offered by line counters. For a high-tech, low-profile reel, look no further than the Okuma Coldwater 350 Line Counter.

This mechanical line counter comes in a compact, die-cast aluminum frame. Offering rigid support in a corrosion-resistant build, the Coldwater 350 hides some heavy-duty tech in its lightweight housing. Within, oversized machine cut XL drive and pinion gears keep your cranking smooth. And with a 26.1 IPT, you can trust the Coldwater to provide fast retrieves no matter the depth.

The mechanical counter keeps track of depths in feet, with a Clear View Technology screen to keep your readout fog-free. Okuma’s multi-disc carbonite drag system ensures effortless control, with an aluminum ratcheting drag star for precise drag adjustments.

The Coldwater 350 also features a feather-light machined aluminum spool, with a two-tone anodized coating for additional protection. Paired with a balanced aluminum handle, ergonomic grip knobs, and an automatic spool engaging trip, this model makes for easy reeling.

For walleye anglers who’ll be aiming for lower lake depths or kayakers who want an easy, well-balanced reel while out on the water, the Okuma Coldwater 350 remains our top pick among line counter reels for walleye fishing.

For experienced anglers comfortable with baitcasting, the KastKing Rover Round 60 meets your needs without costing a fortune.

This affordable baitcaster reel is heavy-duty without being highly-priced, featuring full-metal features where similarly-priced competitors typically use plastic. With a thick, reinforced anodized aluminum build, stainless steel shaft, and precision cut brass gears, the KastKing Rover Round is effectively the best walleye reel for baitcasters on the market.

This reel is built with durability both inside and out, with all-alloy flawless level wind, stainless steel worm gear, and KastKing patented metal ideal gear. Its superior carbon fiber drag system offers effortless control, thanks in part to its shielded stainless steel bearings.

Absolutely! Although your line strength and lures may need to adapt, a saltwater spinning reel is equally effective in freshwater environments.

There are plenty of different reels available for the subtle art of walleye fishing, but few have impressed us quite so much as the Shimano Stradic Ci4+.

With its wide range of saltwater and freshwater applications, superbly durable build, and ultra-smooth handling, it’s no surprise the Stradic Ci4+ has become the leading spinning reel in the industry.

Whether you’ve just begun to explore walleye fishing or are looking for a reel to last you a lifetime, the Shimano Stradic Ci4+ is decidedly the best walleye reel for the job.