How To Catch Walleye Ice Fishing? Step-By-Step Guide

You’re out on a frozen lake, and under that thick layer of ice are some sneaky walleye just waiting to be caught. They can be tough to land, but with a few key tips and the right setup, you’ll have a great shot at bringing one in. Let’s go over the basics of ice fishing for walleye so you can make the most of your time out on the ice!

Understand the Behavior of Walleye In Ice Fishing

One of the first steps to successful walleye ice fishing is understanding the walleyes and the seasonal behavior of this elusive fish. Walleye are low-light feeders, meaning they feed and are most active during dawn and dusk.

This walleye feeding pattern remains consistent throughout the winter months and the walleye’s ice fishing season, making the 90 minutes around sunrise and sunset the prime time for walleyes and fishing for walleyes only.

Walleye movements are both horizontal and vertical. Early in the season, walleye are more aggressive and found in shallow water in rivers, bays, and muddy flats.

As the season progresses, they move to deeper water and offshore structures such as reefs and rock piles. Late in the season, during winter and as they prepare for spawning, walleye gradually return to shallower waters. Knowing these patterns helps us plan our fishing strategy effectively.

Essential Gear for Walleye Ice Fishing

Having the right gear is crucial for a successful ice fishing trip. Here’s what we recommend:

• Basic Gear: An auger for drilling holes, a scoop for removing ice and slush, a rod and reel, a variety of lures, and live bait. A plastic bucket or chair to sit on and warm clothes are also essential.
• Advanced Gear: Fish-finding sonar units, underwater cameras, and GPS apps can significantly increase your success rate. These tools help locate fish and provide valuable information about the underwater environment.
• Safety Equipment: Always carry emergency ice picks, a pop-up fishing shelter, a propane heater, and disposable hand warmers. Warm, waterproof gloves and a headlamp are also highly recommended.

Key Locations for Walleye Ice Fishing Season

Location and structural transitions are key when it comes to catching walleye. Here’s where we focus our efforts:

Walleye are often found near points, humps, drop-offs, and weed lines. These structures provide ideal hunting grounds for walleye.

Lake Erie, Lake of the Woods, and Lake Winnipeg are some of the best locations for walleye ice fishing. These lakes are known for their healthy walleye populations and offer a great chance of catching trophy-sized fish.

Our Proven Techniques for Finding Walleye

To locate walleye, we follow a systematic approach:

1. Mapping Out Key Locations: Before heading out, we use depth charts and fishing maps to identify 3-4 key locations with structural transitions, such as near-shore points and mid-lake humps.
2. Drilling Multiple Holes: At each location, we drill 10-15 holes in a grid pattern or zig-zag line. This allows us to cover various depths and structures, ensuring we find the optimal spots.
3. Using Sonar or Flashers: These devices help us locate fish and adjust our bait presentation accordingly. They are handy for identifying the depth at which walleye are holding.

Effective Bait and Lure Presentation

Presenting the right bait and lures can make all the difference. Here’s what works for us:

In clear water, we use silver-colored spoons and lures that mimic minnows and reflect light. Bright colors like chartreuse are effective in stained water. Mixing erratic jigging with normal jigging creates vibrations that attract walleye.

Tip-ups with medium suckers or large fathead minnows are highly effective. Keeping live bait fresh and active is crucial to attract a hungry walleye.

Check our recommendations on the Best Walleye Lures for Fishing & Best Crankbaits for Walleye

Tips for Stealth and Presentation

Walleye can be easily spooked, especially in clear, cold water temperatures. Here’s how we minimize disturbances:

We avoid making loud noises on the ice, such as dropping equipment or stomping around. Using snow patches and leaving slush in the holes helps reduce light penetration and noise.

When jigging, we use subtle wrist flicks to create natural bait movements. Too much movement can scare off walleye, especially larger ones.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Walleye fishing can present various challenges, but we’ve found effective solutions:

• Finicky Bites: During cold fronts or low oxygen periods, walleye may be less active. In such cases, we default to live bait rigs, which can entice bites from less aggressive fish.
• Adapting to Local Conditions: Every lake has its unique quirks. We adjust our techniques based on local advice and observations. For example, in lakes with heavy fishing pressure, we might use smaller, more natural-looking lures to avoid spooking fish.

Some Safety Tips For You (Be Safe, Guys!)

Ice fishing is an enjoyable winter activity but comes with inherent risks. Ensuring safety should always be your top priority. Here’s how we stay safe on the ice:

1. Check Ice Thickness: Always check the thickness of the ice before venturing out. A minimum of 4-5 inches is recommended for walking, while 8-12 inches is necessary for driving a small vehicle.
2. Use Safety Equipment: Carry emergency ice picks, a whistle, and a rope to help in case of an emergency. Wearing a life jacket under your winter gear can provide extra buoyancy.
3. Stay Informed: Be aware of weather conditions and listen to local advisories about ice conditions. Joining local fishing forums and communities can provide real-time updates and tips.

Advanced Techniques and Tips

For those ice anglers looking to take their walleye ice fishing to the next level, here are some advanced techniques we use:

• Two-Pole Approach: In a shanty, use two rods. One with a jig or slip bobber with live bait and the other for active jigging. This approach keeps walleye around your spot longer.
• Using Rattle Baits: Rattle baits work well to call in fish from a distance, especially in stained water. The noise attracts curious walleye, increasing your chances of a strike.
• Underwater Cameras: These can be a game-changer. They allow you to see fish behavior and adjust your presentation in real-time. Just be cautious as the camera can sometimes spook fish if not used properly.

Success Stories and Personal Insights

Over the years, we’ve had numerous successful walleye ice-fishing trips. One memorable experience was on Lake of the Woods. Using our two-pole approach, we set up in a likely spot near a drop-off. The sonar showed fish moving in and out, and within minutes, we had a double hook-up. The thrill of pulling two walleye through the ice simultaneously was incredible.

On another trip to Lake Winnipeg, known to many anglers for its “Greenback” walleye, we used bright-colored lures to match the larger walleyes in unique shallow water and conditions. This tactic paid off with several large walleye catches, including a personal best 28-inch walleye.

These experiences highlight the importance of using a variety of techniques and being adaptable to different fishing conditions.