How To Find And Ice Fish for Walleye

Finding and ice fishing for walleye involves several steps and considerations. Here are some key tips and recommendations:

1. Choose the Right Ice Fishing Location

· Familiar Waters: Opt for locations you know well from summer fishing. Familiarity with fish activity, water depth, currents, and the bottom structure can significantly improve your success rate.

· Check Ice Color: Deep waters appear blue, while shallower areas may show more varied colors. Areas with vegetation may have greenish-brown tones, and some spots might appear white.

· Look for Bubbles: Bubbles under the ice often indicate fish activity. Fixed and evenly sized bubbles suggest debris or mud, while uneven, scattered bubbles often signal fish movement.

· Inspect Ice Cracks: Ice cracks result from expansion and usually indicate thicker ice and deeper water. Cracks often provide better oxygen levels beneath, attracting fish.

2. Prepare Ice Fishing Gear

· Drilling Tools:

o Ice Auger: Lightweight and efficient for ice 30–50 cm thick, it’s easy to use and saves energy.

o Ice Chisel: Heavier and requires more effort, but it creates tapered holes, increasing workload.

· Fishing Rods: Ice fishing rods differ from regular rods, typically being only a few feet long. A 1.8-meter short sea rod is practical for line control and handling fish in deeper waters. Its stiff tip can handle larger fish.

· Fishing Line: Use anti-tangle lines. For walleye, consider a 10-lb carbon line for its durability and sensitivity. Alternatively, LV100 nylon lines paired with lipless crankbaits are effective.

· Bait: Walleye are attracted to pungent baits. Use liver, bones, or blood for chum, and opt for red worms or earthworms as hooks. Red worms are especially effective for walleye and crucian carp.

3. Ice Fishing Techniques

· Movement Matters: Jig the bait every minute to make it move. The motion attracts fish more effectively.

· Gentle Hook Setting: Avoid jerking the rod too hard when a fish bites. Gradually guide the fish to the hole and lift it gently. Aggressive pulling can cause the fish to escape or the line to snag on ice edges.

· Safety First: Ensure the ice thickness is at least 8 cm to fish safely. Carry an ice pick for emergency situations.

4. Additional Considerations

· Stay Warm: Proper clothing is essential. Wear appropriate ice fishing suits, boots, gloves, hats, and socks to stay warm and comfortable.

By following these steps and maintaining safety precautions, you’ll enhance your chances of a successful walleye ice fishing trip.