Walleye are one of the most sought after gamefish during winter months, however, many people new to ice fishing seem to struggle to find these elusive fish. Most walleye tend to hold patterns somewhat similar to what is observed during the late fall, making them fairly predictable. The “What, When, Where, and Why” factors of chasing walleye through the ice can be easy to overthink, so it is best to keep things simple and adjust presentations accordingly.

tim steinmetz walleye little bay de nocIt really doesn’t matter what you drop down the hole if you aren’t targeting the right areas to begin with. Generally speaking walleye will hold to the same structure as they would during fall months during early ice. Slight drop-offs, sandy or rocky flats, green weed beds, and hard structure anywhere from 8 to 15 feet deep are great places to start. Although these fish can be caught throughout most of the day, by far the most productive time is from about an hour before sunset through dark. The walleye generally tend to move into this shallower water in pursuit of baitfish, and most of the larger fish seem to be caught closer to dark or even after dark.

An effective way to cover water and various depths is through the use of both tip ups and jigging rods. Here in Wisconsin it is legal to fish with up to 3 lines per person. That said, a great way to pattern these winter walleye is to stagger 2 tip ups at different depths or locations (along a break, down a drop, in or on the edge of a weed bed), and drilling a handful of holes at various depths in which to jig. By doing this you are able to give the fish different presentations at different depths until you locate an active school.

Keeping things simple is probably the best way to figure out winter walleye. With so many different choices of spoons, jigs, and profile baits on the market, choosing only a few to work with can be pretty tough. Here are a few walleye essentials that have stood the test of time, and every ice angler should carry in their arsenal.

Northland Buckshot Spoons

Northland Buckshot Spoons are a great finesse jigging lure with a slender profile and a loud rattle chamber. They can be fished straight out of the package, but are also very effective when rigged with wax worms, minnow heads, or even scented soft plastics.

northland buckshot rattle spoon

Custom Jigs and Spins Slender Spoons

The Custom Jigs and Spins Slender Spoon offers a super flashy presentation with a great fluttering action. They are best fished slow and like the Buck Shot Spoons can be tipped with a minnow head or other assorted small additions. Due to the slender profile and how light these spoons are, it is best to go light on the added attractants to maintain a decent action.

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Vibrations Tackle Echotail Blade Baits

The Ice Series of Echotail by Vibrations Tackle is an excellent lure for hole-hopping and locating fish. They give off a tremendous amount of vibration and can be fished both fast and slow. The barbed tail section allows for the angler to switch tails (anything from plastics to live bait) to tune the lure to the bite. The action can also be changed by changing the attachment point on the top of the lure with any of the 5 holes.

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Rapala Jigging Rap

Rapala Jigging Raps are a classic choice for walleye under the ice. With a baitfish profile, tons of hooking potential, and a darting/spiraling action, they are an excellent choice when searching for hungry walleye.

rapala jigging shad rap

Colors, as with open water, can be critical to success. The same rules tend to apply to fishing under the ice as far as color selection is concerned. In clear water, more natural colors (silvers, golds, greens, blues, and forage patterns) are usually a safe bet. In tannic or dirty water, brighter colors (yellows, oranges, glow patterns, white, chartreuse) can be the way to go. Switch things up until you start getting some attention.

A quality jigging rod is key to detecting strikes and fighting fish under the ice. Something with larger guides which help prevent ice buildup, a sensitive and sturdy rod blank, and a comfortable and compact handle are the makings for a great walleye ice rod. The Fenwick Elite Tech ice series is an excellent choice in the 27”, medium power model. A lightweight spinning reel such as the Pflueger President in size 20 (6920 X) spooled with 6lb Berkley Trilene Fireline Crystal Ice is hard to beat. The no stretch quality of the line provides almost instant feedback from the lure while also helping to transmit bites quickly through the rod.

fenwick elite tech ice series rod
Fenwick® Elite Tech™ Ice Spinning Rod

Electronics can be especially helpful in figuring out the proper jigging cadence. Sometimes the fish seem to prefer a lure that is barely moving, when other times they want something fast and erratic. By watching a flasher you’ll know when a fish is approaching your lure. If they swim away without touching it, then try changing up your jigging action, or just speeding up/slowing down. If you are fishing without electronics, just switch up your cadences every few minutes until you start getting some action. Also, don’t be afraid to switch lures and colors until you find something that works!

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