Outdoors Articles Library

This article is an extension of what we discussed in Part 1.

I like to call this time of the year “REAL hard ice”. It is when the ice gets past 2 feet thick and -50 is not uncommon. This is when you need to change how you go after old marble eyes. Walleye begin to move into a different pattern this time of the year and the three main steps for hunting them down like you would a deer also changes. Again, follow the steps in the first section of deer stand walleye hunting, just make a few changes to the system.

Knowledge: Review a lake map before going to the lake. I like to use a highlighter to mark structure at deeper water. My favorite spot this time of the year is a channel between two deep bodies of water. The same rules apply now more than ever as far as other walleye hunters on the lake. This time of the year fishermen seem to hibernate and begin to spend more time enjoying the simple joys of being on the lake, like playing cards with friends. A GPS helps out by simply getting you to the spots more quickly. Walleye, like deer this time of year, begin to slow down and will move less. Use this to your advantage when looking at the lake map. Look for areas with large deep flats and deep water structure come together. Walleye, like deer, will prefer to go shorter distances and feed in less time during this period. This is a good thing to remember when looking at the next section.

Location: During the hard ice period, I like to have a morning and evening spot. In the early morning hours look for areas were flats come into smaller bays. Structure near or on the channel going into the bay works well for early morning action. I will often move after lunch time to structure near the deepest part of the lake, long points, sunken islands anything that will hold food. Here again, it is very important to look for a spot on a spot. Just like setting up a deer stand in the woods – it pays off to be in a spot were walleye are bunched up or channel threw to feed.

Presentation: I like to ring the bell as loud as possible during the REAL hard ice. My personal favorite system for catching these slow moving, lock jawed walleye is to use a two way approach. First I will set up one or two rods with medium to large size jigging tackle, rattle spoons, swimming jigs, anything with some action. Jig these baits in the same pattern as before but keep a good eye on the Vexilar®, I catch my largest fish suspended this time of the year, often 3 feet or more off the bottom. Then on the second line, legal here in Minnesota, a tip up set 5 to 15 yards away or inside the house also works. Set up this other line with a plain hook and include a small red bead above the hook. On both of these, use a bobber just big enough to stay a float with the minnow on. Walleye will often hit this line more than one time before going for it. Use a larger size minnow and with the help of  a scissors, cut off part of the fin on one side or part of the tail. This will help provide some additional attraction for the walleye.

This is also a wonderful time of the year to put out a permanent house on a pretty lake. Bring with you as many of the creature comforts of home as you can and sit back with some friends playing cards while waiting for old marble eyes. My personal favorite permanent house is owned by a friend of mine, GREEN. His fish house is like having a beautiful lake home with out paying taxes.

If you have yet to experience looking up at a clear sky when the temp is -20 or below or colder, enjoying the company of friends in a warm fish house, all I have to say is “ you have yet to live a full life!”

Enjoy the experience
RandyMan