Ice Fishing For Walleye: Everything You Need To Know -

Ice Fishing For Walleye

Hey there anglers! If you are itching to get out on the ice or looking to try something new, look no further than walleye fishing. Walleye are known to be finicky at times, and ice fishing is no different. Winter provides a unique set of challenges, but there are several key things that you can do to put the odds in your favor. Whether you’re an experienced ice angler or just starting out, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about ice fishing for walleye.

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Table of Contents:

Location
Gear
Lures
Safety
Conservation

Locating Walleye Through The Ice

One of the most important factors when it comes to ice fishing success in general is location

Early Ice

When the water temperatures cool back down in the fall, walleye tend to move back into the shallows. They remain on these same spots throughout the early ice period as well. Look for shallow flats between 10 and 20 feet that drop off to the basin. Finding cover on these spots is critical. Any vegetation that is still green this time of year is a magnet for walleye. Submerged wood and rocks are other good options. Make sure to make as little noise as possible and avoid constantly moving around when fishing this shallow water.

Mid Winter

As winter progresses, walleye tend to move to deeper water. Depth is relative. If your lake only gets 25 feet feet deep at its deepest point, walleye may be around 20 feet deep. If your lake gets much deeper, walleye can found in 30 feet. Avoid ice fishing for walleye deeper than 30 feet since they are likely to suffer from the barotrauma. Hard bottom areas are critical this time of year. Rock piles and gravel beds are great places to focus on mid-winter.

Late Ice

As the days get longer and temperature first begin to rise, walleye move back towards the shallows in preparation for the spawn. Look for walleye on the outskirts of spawning flats this time of year. Generally, the drop off of shallow rock and sand flats are great places to start. Be sure to adhere to your local regulations and fishing seasons this time of year.

Night Fishing

Time of day is another key factor that determines walleye location in the winter. During low-light conditions, walleye tend to move into shallower water to feed. If you have located walleye in off of a break line in 20 feet during the day, fish the top of the break in shallower water come night. Make as little noise as possible to avoid spooking fish.

Understanding Ice Fishing Electronics

When ice fishing, your electronics are one of the most important tools to helping you locate and catch walleye. If you are using a flasher, look for any suspended marks you see off of bottom. These are fish. Additionally, flickers on the bottom can indicate nearby fish as well. Walleye tend to rise off of the bottom. With a little experience, you will be able to decipher which species of fish you are marking with your ice fishing electronics.

How to read an ice fishing flasher

Walleye Ice Fishing Gear

When it comes to ice fishing, especially for walleye, gear is important.

Ice Fishing Rods For Walleye

The two most important factors to consider before choosing a walleye ice fishing rod is length and power. For ice fishing rods, added length tends to help the rod load better when fighting a fish. However, space can be an issue if you primarily fish in a shelter. For that reason, if you fish in a shelter I recommend a rod between 28″ to 32″. If you primarily fish outside you can get away with a rod up to about 38″.

The power of rod you choose depends on the size of walleye and types of lures you will be using. A good all around walleye rod power for ice fishing is a medium-light in my opinion. This power is ideal for lures ranging from 1/8 oz to 1/4 oz. If you plan on fishing larger fish or heavier lures, feel free to opt for a medium power rod.

Ice Fishing Reels For Walleye

The two main ice fishing reels on the market are spinning reels and in-line reels. Each have their advantages and disadvantages. Spinning reels are a good budget option and generally have reliable drag systems. In-line reels have come a long way in recent years however. The main advantage to in-line reels is that they minimize line twist, preventing your lure from spinning underneath the ice. Choose whichever model that you prefer. As far as size goes, a 500 or 1000 size reel is ideal for ice fishing for walleye.

Ice Line

Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all option when it comes to ice fishing line. Some anglers will tell you one thing while another angler may tell you the complete opposite. The truth is that all of the types of line (braid, monofilament, and fluorocarbon) work for ice fishing. Just make sure that they are ice specific lines since they will handle much better in the cold conditions.

Braid typically works best when fishing primarily in a shelter or when it is above freezing outside. If you primarily fish outside, braid tends to collect water and freeze. The advantage of using braided line is its superior sensitivity. Make sure to use a fluorocarbon or monofilament leader to prevent walleye from seeing the line when fishing braid.

Monofilament is a great all around option for ice fishing. It performs very well in cold conditions and has stretch which help keep fish pinned. This is especially useful in shallow water.

Fluorocarbon is a great option when fishing in ultra-clear water due to its low-visibility. This is one situation where you don’t want to buy the cheap stuff. A high quality ice fishing fluorocarbon will have less memory and fish much better than a low-quality one. Trust me.

For braided line, anywhere from 6 to 10 lb test is a good starting point. For monofilament and fluorocarbon, 4 to 8 lb test is ideal for jigging applications. For tip ups, upsize to 12 to 20 lb test since you won’t have the give from the rod tip when fighting fish.

Safety Equipment

Having the necessary safety equipment is crucial, especially when it comes to ice fishing! Ice picks and a throwable flotation device are non-negotiable. Ice conditions can change rapidly, so be prepared. If you plan on heading out on early ice, always check the ice first with a spud bar. Ice is rarely uniform in thickness, so spud regularly to make sure the ice is thick enough. Finally, dress appropriately for the cold conditions and bring plenty of layers. Waterproof gear is essential in keeping you warm and dry on the ice!

Best Walleye Ice Fishing Lures

The three main lures used to ice fish for walleye are spoons, jigging raps, and lipless crankbaits with each lure having their time and place.

Spoons

Spoons are a great option when ice fishing for walleye. They are one of the most versatile lures available, and can be fished at a variety of depths and water clarities. The two main categories of ice fishing spoons include flutter spoons and jigging spoons. Flutter spoons are ideal when fishing shallower water since they roll and create flash when falling on a slack line. Jigging spoons are a much better options when fishing deeper water since they sink much faster and allow you to feel you lure. When fishing water shallower than 15 feet, 1/8 oz is my go-to size. For water any deeper, 1/4 or 3/8 oz is typically what I opt for.

Walleye caught while jigging with a spoon through the ice

Jigging Raps

Jigging raps are arguably one of the most popular lures when it comes to ice fishing for walleye. Jigging raps have a very unique darting action which allows the bait to glide horizontally through the water column. This is very unique for ice fishing lures that are fished vertically. When you aren’t marking fish, use short hops to create this gliding action. Once you’ve drawn a walleye into your hole, slow down to a quiver and barely jig your rod tip. Size #5 and #7 are ideal for ice fishing.

Lipless Crankbaits

Typically thought of as an open-water lure, lipless crankbaits have gained a lot of popularity in recent years through the ice as well. Lipless crankbaits are an aggressive lure that make a lot of noise and commotion in the water. Use this lure when walleye are aggressively feeding or in murkier water. Additionally, lipless crankbaits are a great option when ice fishing at night for this very reason.

Ice Fishing Techniques For Walleye

The two main techniques used to target walleye through the ice are jigging and tip ups. A lot of times, anglers use a combination of both. Just remember to check your local regulations to see how many lines you are allowed.

Jigging

Jigging for walleye is exactly what it sounds like. This is when you use a rod and reel with you choice of lure, and actively work your presentation. Your electronics are critical when jigging for walleye because they allow you to see if a fish is beneath you and how it is reacting. Generally speaking, use a more aggressive hoping cadence to draw fish in from a distance when you aren’t marking them. Dropping your lure to the bottom and stirring up the sediment is another great way to bring walleye in from a distance. Once you mark a fish, slow down your cadence and slowly lift upwards. Walleye are notorious for feeding upwards through the ice.

Tip-Ups

Tips-up fishing is a great way to spread your lines out and cover more water through the ice. Tip-ups are a set line, meaning that you set them with live bait and let them sit. When a walleye bites, the spool will spin and trigger the flag to stand up. Keep in mind that walleye are light biters, so set your tip-up to the lightest spool setting. If you plan on fishing at night, consider using tip-up lights.

A Note On Ice Safety

Always check the ice thickness before venturing out. Four inches or more is generally safe for walking, but it’s best to consult local authorities or experienced anglers for ice conditions. Check an ice thickness chart before heading out to verify whether the ice is thick enough for walking, using an ATV, driving a car, etc. Despite what anglers may tell you at the launch, check the ice conditions for yourself with a spud bar, especially during early and late ice conditions.

Conservation

Before we wrap up, a word on being a responsible angler.

Selective Harvesting

If you plan on keeping a walleye or two for a meal, make sure to practice selective harvest. Respect size and bag limits, and consider releasing the larger spawning sized walleye to ensure future generations.

Proper Handling and Release

If you are releasing crappie, handle them as short as possible to minimize stress on the fish. The longer the fish are out of the water, the more prone their fins are the freezing. Additionally, avoid targeting them in water deeper than 30 ft since they will likely suffer from the effects of barotrauma.

There you have it – everything you need to know about ice fishing for walleye. Use your electronics to your advantage and focus on key areas. Its much harder to cover water in the hard-water season as opposed to open water, so setting up over the top of fish is critical. It allowed in your state, utilize both jigging and tip-ups to increase your chances of success. Remember to always check the ice before heading out to verify its thickness. So put your newfound knowledge to the test the next time you venture out on the ice. Tight Lines!

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