Walleyes Throughout the Ice Season

Matthew Breuer posted on July 15, 2005 16:13 :: 5417 Views

Walleyes are targeted in hundreds of lakes every winter in Minnesota by thousands of anglers, but catching them throughout the winter is a very difficult task.

Early ice is probably the best time to target this smarter than average fish. You can find walleyes gorging themselves along weed lines and shallow break lines early in the winter when oxygen is still available in these areas. I like to drop down a lighter finesse style jigging spoon like the Phelps Glow Spoon or the Angel Eye Jr. from Scenic Tackle. These baits have a slower than average fall rate for a spoon, and are easier to work at your own pace. Throw a shiner minnow head under your spoon and try to have a tip up or dead stick out as well, you never know what could hit. Jigging aggressively at first then slowing down the presentation when something comes sniffing is how I like to work my spoon this time of year. Colors I like are natural minnow colors such as a perch color, or a silver shiner style bait. There is definitely a chance at a wall-hanger this time of year.

Mid-Winter is a little more difficult and requires a lot more run and gun fishing. This time of year I typically go to a heavier spoon like a standard Angel Eye, a Custom Jigs and Spins Slender Spoon, or a larger heavier Phelps Glow Spoon. Go out and drill some holes, not just two or three, more like six or eight, try to stick to mid-lake structure and run and gun between holes bombing the bottom and looking for a sniffer. Colors I like are glow as well as gold and blue. Smaller fish and eater are had during this time of year, but big boys are lurking, and are possible.

Late winter I typically combine my early-ice and mid-winter techniques. I like to slow down my presentation and go to a lighter spoon, but I try to fish mid-lake structure. Deeper breaks and sharp drop-offs are good places to look. Jumbo perch are always lurking in these areas as well and make the down-time fun. Colors go back to Shiner style baits and glow colors. Phelps makes a great spoon with phosphorescent paint that glows all day long. I like to go with glow colors throughout the year, but especially during late-ice. Salmo USA has also come out with a jigging bait somewhat similar to a crank bait that has worked very well for me this year. It's called the Chubby Darter and it comes in three sizes and numerous colors. Late ice I loved the perch color. Don't miss out on the bite these baits trigger! Eaters, small fry's, and big guys can be found throughout the year, but you'll find the greatest mix during late-ice.

Typically I stick to 14-18 feet of water during twilight and go out to as deep as 35 feet during the day in all seasons. If you can find a spot in the middle 20 foot range close to 30-40 feet with a sheer slope somewhere in the mix, I would target that mid and late-ice. Make sure you bring out your Vexilar, whether you have an FL-8 mounted on a piece of wood, or the new FL-18 Ultra Pack, it's an essential tool in finding walleyes. Don't limit yourself, and don't be afraid to try new spots and new lakes. Go out and try something unknown to you. Hopefully these tips help you put more walleyes in
the fry-pan. Throw back the big girls and keep those 13-17 inch 'eyes for a meal. Don't forget to be safe and keep a tight line!