- Choose the right location: Walleye are found in cold water, so look for areas with a depth of at least 10 feet and a temperature between 30-40°F.
- Use the right equipment: A sturdy ice fishing rod, reel, and line with a test strength of at least 6-8 pounds is recommended. Use jigs or spoons that mimic the walleye’s natural prey.
- Set up your ice shelter: A portable ice shelter will protect you from the elements and help you stay warm while waiting for a bite.
- Drill your holes: Use an auger to drill several holes in the ice, about 10-15 feet apart. Drop your baited jig or spoon into each hole and wait for a bite.
- Be patient: Walleye can be finicky biters, so it may take some time to get a bite. Be prepared to wait and try different depths until you find where the fish are biting.
- Pay attention to your line: Keep an eye on your line for any movement or tension, as this could indicate a bite. When you feel a tug on your line, set the hook quickly but gently to avoid losing the fish.
- Clean and cook your catch: Once you’ve caught your walleye, clean it properly by removing the scales and filleting it. Cook it using your preferred method – walleye is delicious baked, fried, or grilled!
Ice fishing for walleye can be a thrilling experience for any angler. However, it’s not just as simple as drilling a hole in the ice and dropping a line. Walleye are notoriously elusive and require a specific set of techniques and equipment to catch.
One of the most challenging aspects of ice fishing for walleye is finding their preferred habitat. These fish tend to hang out in deep water during the day and move into shallow areas at night to feed. This means that anglers need to have a good understanding of lake topography and be willing to drill multiple holes until they find the sweet spot.
Additionally, walleye are notorious for being picky eaters. They have been known to ignore live bait in favor of artificial lures or even pieces of colored plastic. It can be frustrating to spend hours huddled over an ice hole without getting so much as a nibble. But fear not, with the right knowledge and technique, you too can reel in these prized fish.
The Quick Answer:
When ice fishing for walleye, live bait such as minnows, leeches, and nightcrawlers are great options. Jigs, spoons, and crankbaits are also effective artificial lures to use. Varying your bait presentation can increase your chances of catching a walleye.
Essential Equipment and Tools for Ice Fishing Walleye
Rods and Reels
When it comes to ice fishing for walleye, using the right rod and reel is essential. A medium-light or medium action rod that is no more than 36 inches in length is ideal for this type of fishing. The reel should be a spinning reel with a smooth drag system.
Tip-ups
Tip-ups are another essential piece of equipment when ice fishing for walleye. These devices are designed to indicate when a fish has taken your bait by setting off an alarm. They can be either mechanical or electronic, but both types work on the same principle: they detect movement on the line.
Ice Auger
An ice auger is used to drill a hole into the ice where you can fish. An electric or gas-powered auger will make it easier to drill through thicker layers of ice, but they also tend to be more expensive than manual augers.
Bait and Lures
Bait and lures are also important tools when ice fishing for walleye. Live bait such as minnows, leeches, and nightcrawlers are all great options, as well as artificial lures like jigs, spoons, and crankbaits.
Locating the Best Spot for Ice Fishing Walleye: Tips and Tricks
Use Technology to Your Advantage
One of the best ways to locate the best spot for ice fishing walleye is by using technology. Fish finders can help you locate schools of fish beneath the surface of the water so you can drop your line in their vicinity.
Look for Structures
Walleye tend to congregate around structures such as weed beds, drop-offs, and underwater humps. Look for these structures when searching for the best spot to fish.
Fish During Low Light Conditions
Walleye are known to be most active during low light conditions such as early morning or late evening. Fishing during these times can increase your chances of catching a walleye.
The Best Bait and Lures for Catching Walleye Through the Ice
Live Bait
Live bait is a great option when ice fishing for walleye. Minnows, leeches, and nightcrawlers are all effective choices. Hook the live bait through the lips or back so it looks natural in the water.
Jigs
Jigs are another popular choice for ice fishing walleye. Choose a jig that is lightweight and has a small profile. Add a minnow or other live bait to the jig to entice more bites.
Spoons
Spoons are also effective lures when ice fishing for walleye. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, but silver or gold colored spoons tend to work best.
Effective Techniques for Catching Walleye While Ice Fishing
Jigging
Jigging is a popular technique when ice fishing for walleye. Drop your line down to the bottom of the lake and then slowly lift it up about 6 inches off the bottom, then let it fall back down again. Repeat this process until you get a bite.
Dead Sticking
Dead sticking involves dropping your line into the water and leaving it there without moving it at all. This technique works best with live bait as it will move around naturally in the water.
Setting Up Your Ice Fishing Equipment for Successful Walleye Fishing
Check Your Line
Before you start fishing, make sure your line is in good condition. Check for any nicks or frays that could weaken the line and cause it to break.
Adjust Your Depth
Walleye tend to swim closer to the bottom of the lake, so adjust your depth accordingly. Make sure your bait or lure is within a foot or two of the bottom for the best chance at catching a walleye.
Be Patient
Fishing for walleye through the ice can be slow at times, so it’s important to be patient. Keep jigging or dead sticking and eventually, you’ll get a bite.
Safety Precautions to Take When Ice Fishing for Walleye
Wear Warm Clothing
Ice fishing can be cold work, so make sure you dress warmly. Wear layers of clothing that will keep you warm and dry while out on the ice.
Bring Safety Gear
Be prepared by bringing safety gear such as a first aid kit, ice picks, and a throw rope in case of an emergency.
Check Ice Conditions
Always check the thickness of the ice before heading out onto the lake. Four inches of clear ice is generally safe for walking on but always err on the side of caution.
Determining if the Ice is Safe Enough to Fish for Walleye: A Guide
Check with Local Authorities
Before heading out onto any body of water, check with local authorities such as parks and recreation departments or state wildlife agencies to ensure that it is safe to fish there.
Check Ice Thickness Regularly
Once on the ice, check the thickness regularly using an ice auger or spud bar. Four inches of clear ice is generally safe for walking on, but always err on the side of caution.
Look for Signs of Weak Ice
Be on the lookout for signs of weak ice such as slushy areas, cracks, or recent thawing. These areas may be weaker than surrounding ice and could pose a hazard.
The Best Time of Day and Season to Go Ice Fishing for Walleye
Early Morning and Late Evening
Walleye are known to be most active during low light conditions such as early morning or late evening. Plan your fishing trip accordingly to increase your chances of catching a walleye.
Winter Months
The winter months are generally the best time to go ice fishing for walleye. As water temperatures drop, walleye become more active and will move closer to structures where they can find food.
In conclusion, ice fishing for walleye can be an exciting and rewarding activity if done correctly. By following the tips and techniques mentioned in this guide, anglers can increase their chances of catching a prized walleye during the winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Ice Fish for Walleye
How do you ice fish for walleye?
To improve your chances of catching fish while ice fishing for walleye, we suggest drilling 10-15 holes in a grid or zig-zag pattern at each location. Specifically, for the point structure, drill 5 holes in the shallow area, 5 in the transition zone, and 5 in the deeper section. Jig your ice fishing rod in each hole for 5-10 minutes until you locate fish. This method increases your chances of success while ice fishing for walleye.
What depth do you ice fish for walleye?
When fishing in clear lakes, the most productive depths are typically between 10 and 20 feet. However, the movement of fish can vary and depths as shallow as 2 feet or deeper than 20 feet can also be successful. Tip-ups are often used with live bait.
Can you ice fish for walleye during the day?
Walleyes can be caught at any time of day if you fish on fresh ice without any prior holes or tracks. Contrary to popular belief, the optimal times of sunrise and sunset are not ideal for fishing due to the limited amount of water that can be covered during these periods. Instead, it is better to fish throughout the entire day to increase your chances of finding fish.
What colors do walleye like for ice fishing?
Research shows that walleyes have better vision in the red-orange-green parts of the color spectrum, especially in the presence of light. However, their ability to see is reduced when colors shift towards blue. This information was discovered on July 16, 2011.
What lures to use for walleye ice fishing?
If you’re an ice angler looking to catch walleye, it’s essential to have a variety of lures in your toolkit. Our top five recommended bait styles for this purpose are the Jigging Rap Series, lipless crankbaits, and types of spoons including rattle, slab, and flutter spoons. Make sure you have these on hand for successful ice fishing this winter.
What size ice rod is best for walleye?
To catch walleyes, I like to use rods that are 28-36 inches in length and have a medium-light action. However, during the winter, this may not always be the optimal choice, so being willing to downsize can lead to more success in catching fish.