Cotton Cordell Wally Diver Walleye Crankbait Fishing Lure

Price: $5.08
(as of Nov 25, 2025 13:20:37 UTC – Details)

🎣 What is the Wally Diver — a “legendary” walleye lure

The Cotton Cordell Wally Diver is widely regarded as one of the most trusted crankbaits in the world of walleye fishing. Its reputation isn’t built on hype — it’s built on decades of consistent results.

Key specs for the Wally Diver (typical CD-series) are:

• Small version (CD5): ~ 2½” (6.35 cm), ¼ oz (≈ 6.35 g) — dives about 6-8 ft when cast, 11 ft when trolled.

• Larger version (CD6): ~ 3⅛” (7.94 cm), ½ oz (≈ 12.4 g) — dives about 9-11 ft cast, down to 14-18 ft when trolled.

• Equipped with two treble hooks and built for both casting and trolling.

Because of this combination of size, dive depth, and action, the Wally Diver remains a go-to lure for walleye anglers, especially when targeting fish cruising mid-depth.

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✅ What It Does Well — Why Anglers Like It

• Tight wiggle and slender profile — irresistible to walleye

The Wally Diver’s design emphasizes a “tight wiggle”: its swimming action closely mimics baitfish, making it an enticing target. Its slender profile helps it move naturally through water, and this realistic motion often triggers strikes even from wary fish.

• Versatile — works for casting and trolling

Whether you cast from shore or troll behind a boat, the Wally Diver performs. That flexibility is one of its main strengths — you don’t need a special setup just to make use of it.

• Proven record — “legendary” for a reason

The Wally Diver became famous among anglers on the Great Lakes, where walleye fishing is a serious sport. Over years (decades), it has earned a reputation as a reliable, effective lure in many water conditions.

• Affordable and widely available

Unlike some high-end or specialized lures, the Wally Diver remains relatively inexpensive and easy to find. For many anglers, it’s an accessible entry point or a staple to keep in the box at all times.

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⚠️ Where It Has Limitations (and When to Choose Something Else)

• Not the best for extremely deep water: With typical depth range up to ~18 ft (when trolled), the Wally Diver may struggle in very deep lakes or in conditions where fish are hugging the bottom deeper than that.

• Best for walleye — but not limited to them: While great for walleye, this lure may be less ideal for species that respond better to bigger, bulkier or more erratic baits.

• Dependent on the right retrieval/trolling speed: Because its action is subtle, using improper speeds or water conditions may reduce its effectiveness — it shines when used with attention to depth and movement.

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🎯 When and Where to Use the Wally Diver

The Wally Diver is especially effective when:

• You target walleye in lakes, rivers, or reservoirs where they roam mid-water.

• The water is clear to moderate visibility, where realistic action helps attract fish.

• You’re trolling or casting in moderate-depth zones (not extremely deep bottom).

• You want a reliable “go-to” lure that doesn’t cost much but still delivers.

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🧰 Practical Tips for Using It

• Use a line test around 8–12 lb to get proper diving depth and action.

• Try both casting and trolling — often trolling will get you deeper and trigger more strikes, but casting lets you probe structure and edges.

• Experiment with different color patterns (natural, perch, chrome, bright) depending on water clarity and light conditions. Many colors have proven effective.

• Keep recovery speed moderate — too fast and the lure may surface; too slow and it loses action. The Wally Diver’s strength lies in its steady, tight wiggle.