Basics for Ice Fishing Walleyes

There's no need to wait for Spring, Summer, or Fall when it comes to fishing for walleye. Fishing through the hard water is a great way to get you through the Winter months.

Factors that affect movements of walleye

There are numerous reason that would affect the movements of walleye during the winter. For example, they tend to move into deeper water which may be due to the dropping of the water temperature. The walleye can fall into their comfort zone of a preferred and maximum temperature of approximately 39 degrees.
In the Winter months the there is also the fact that the daytime is shortened coupled with snow cover and ice. These factors will greatly deteriorate aquatic plant life and cause the weeds to turn brown until they wilt and die. The elimination of weeds can mean the loss of their food source, protective cover and oxygen.
Walleye will also move deeper when they are bothered by different types of fishing traffic such as snowmobiles, cars, and noisy trucks. Any ruckus happening on the top of the ice will force the walleye to move to the bottom. This is more common on shallow lakes where as on deep lakes the surface noise isn't much of a concern.

How to find Walleye

To truly succeed ice fishing walleyes, you should know when to fish. You may just have to settle for a late trip during the Winter. As Spring nears walleye will be getting ready to spawn as soon as the ice goes out especially on the rivers.
Ice fishing is very challenging in the dead of winter because you will need to think of the water below such as structure and currents, deep holes, river bends as well as the movement of the fish during the day. The top priority to finding walleye is locating the bait fish and some type of structure.

Flexibility is another important key in locating walleye when you are on the ice. You will need to be able to move from one location to another. This is due to the fact that the walleyes will move throughout the day, and you should be able to locate the school of walleyes and follow their movement. Always being mobile is the key to catching more walleye.

Know where they will likely spawn

When late winter settles in, the walleye will begin to move looking for specific locations where they can spawn. If you are aware of their spawning routes, you can start drilling holes at different depths and wait for the walleye to swim through. They usually swim in big schools. So the action can be fast and furious for a time. It will make it very easy to catch the walleye if you know where they are likely to spawn. Once the water temperature starts to rise they will begin moving into the area. They are usually hungry and will make you a happy fisherman with a bucket full of eyes.

When is the best time to fish

Late afternoon, evening or early morning are usually the best time to ice fish for walleye The reason you fish at these times for walleye is that the chances are greater for success and there are not as many anglers at these times. It would also be extremely helpful if you can drill holes in different locations and in varying depths. You shouldn't expect that you will be able to get fish when you settle for fishing the same depth with all your tip ups. Spread your holes out, some shallow some deep and jig some holes along with the tip ups.
Most anglers use many different jigging techniques to attract walleye because it offers something different to the fish besides just tip ups. Since they will be somewhat aggressive during their feeding frenzy, you can use Gulp Alive or plastics to tip your lure as opposed to live bait. Sometimes when fish are aggressive using no bait or plastic at all on your jigging Rapala or Chubby Darter works just as well.

Remember safety first

Always remember ice isn't totally safe ever, so be prepared when out on the ice. Bring a safe line, ice picks, flotation vest, ice cleats for your boots. Ask the locals for the ice conditions, good ice depths are 4" to walk on, 6" for ATV's or snowmobiles, and 16" for trucks. Don't take chances if you're not sure, stay off the ice. It's not worth an accident for a fish. The fish will always be there for next time.

Good luck and keep fishing,

Gary