Best Craw Lures for Perch: My Go-To Picks That Catch More Fish

When it comes to fishing for perch with craw lures, every angler has their own preferences, often shaped by experience and the lures that have delivered those unforgettable catches. Over time, most of us develop a “stable” of confidence craws, reliable lures that just seem to get bites when nothing else does.

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I’m no different. My go-to craw lures for perch are split into three clear categories: floating, sinking, and slow-sinking craws. Each has a specific role depending on how the perch are behaving, water temperature, and conditions. It’s not about fancy colours or marketing hype, it’s about action, presentation, and results.

1. Floating Craw Lures – Z-Man TRD CrawZ

When the perch are hugging the bottom but not aggressively feeding, I reach for a floating craw. My top choice is the Z-Man TRD CrawZ, a small but deadly buoyant craw that’s perfect when rigged on a Ned head or lightweight jig head.

The TRD CrawZ stands up naturally off the bottom, its claws raised in a defensive posture that triggers reaction strikes. This stand-up presentation mimics a real crayfish perfectly and can be irresistible to wary perch.

Because it’s ultra buoyant, you can fish it with finesse, small hops and pauses, and let it do the work. When perch aren’t picking up off the deck, this floating craw often gets absolutely smashed. I’m not using it for its slow sink rate but rather for how it holds its position on the bottom, inviting those delicate yet decisive takes.

Key features of the Z-Man TRD CrawZ:

Ultra buoyant ElaZtech material
Stands up off the bottom for a realistic profile
Perfect on a Ned rig for finesse presentations
Great for cold or pressured perch

2. Sinking Craw Lures – Westin CreCraw (6–8cm)

Next up is my go-to sinking craw lure, the Westin CreCraw. I usually throw the 8cm size, though I’ll downsize to a 6cm version if the fishing is tough or the perch seem finicky.

At first glance, an 8cm craw might look big, especially in the smaller drains I often fish, but if you’ve ever seen the real crayfish living in those waters, you’ll know that any decent perch will happily inhale one.

The CreCraw has a bold, “come and eat me” action. Its multiple appendages move a lot of water, sending out strong vibration and visual signals. It’s the perfect choice when I want a reaction bite or need to draw fish in from a distance. I think of it as my “get noticed” craw, ideal for dirty water, windy conditions, or when I want to trigger aggressive, competitive strikes.

Why I love the Westin CreCraw:

Loads of movement from claws and legs
Excellent realism and natural texture
Works well on Texas rigs, jig heads, or Carolina rigs
Perfect for targeting larger, more aggressive perch

3. Slow-Sinking Craw Lures – FiTU Concept Craw

Finally, there’s the slow-sinking craw, and my current favourite is the FiTU Concept Craw (still awaiting its official name and release). This prototype has quickly become a key lure in my perch box, especially when the fish are suspended or finicky.

Paired with a FiTU 3.5–5g Ned head, this lure has an incredible slow fall rate that keeps it in the strike zone for much longer than usual. That “hang time” is critical, as any experienced perch angler knows, they often hit a lure on the drop.

When you cast out the Concept Craw, it almost feels like it’s never going to reach the bottom. That slow, teasing descent drives perch wild. Often, I’ll see the line twitch or dip long before I expect it, the unmistakable sign that a perch has taken it mid-fall.

If I know perch are holding in a particular area, I’ll sometimes skip the retrieve altogether, just cast, let it fall, and repeat. It’s a deadly tactic that consistently produces savage hits.

What makes the FiTU Concept Craw special:

Ultra slow, natural sink rate
Subtle movement perfect for pressured perch
Pairs beautifully with light FiTU Ned heads
Extends hang time for mid-water strikes

Craw Lure Tips for Perch Fishing

If you’re new to fishing with craw lures for perch, here are a few quick tips to improve your results:

Match the hatch – Choose craw sizes and colours similar to the local crayfish. I personally rarely use bright colours. Either natural or dark.
Experiment with sink rates – Perch behaviour changes daily, having floating, sinking, and slow-sinking craws covers all bases.
Use light fluorocarbon – It enhances presentation and helps your craw fall naturally.
Pause often – Many perch hits come when the lure is completely still.
Watch your line – Especially with slow-sinking craws, bites can be subtle.

Final Thoughts

Fishing for perch with craw lures is all about confidence and presentation. Whether it’s the stand-up finesse of the Z-Man TRD CrawZ, the bold action of the Westin CreCraw, or the slow-fall temptation of the FiTU Concept Craw, each has its place in my perch strategy.

Having the right mix of floating, sinking, and slow-sinking craws gives you versatility and the ability to adapt to perch mood, depth, and water clarity, and that’s often the difference between a blank and a red-letter day. work through them methodically and when you find one that works rinse and repeat! You can often inspire more bites by switching up lures regularly when the bites dry up.