A Day's Catch Winnebago County, WI | 10 Tips for Ice Fishing Walleye
Ice fishing for walleye can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it takes some preparation and know-how to do it right. Here are some tips to help you get started.
1. Start with the right equipment.
You'll need a good ice auger, an ice fishing rod and reel, and some bait. Live bait is usually the best option for walleye, so bring along some minnows or nightcrawlers. You'll also need some shelters, like an ice fishing shack or a pop-up tent.
Once you've got your bait in the water, jig it up and down to attract the fish. Let it swim near the bottom if you're using live bait. Keep your eye on your line, and set the hook immediately when you get a bite
Walleye are delicious eating fish, so don't forget to bring along a cooler and some ice. When you catch one, carefully remove the hook and clean it immediately. Then put it in the cooler on top of a layer of ice.
2. Find the right spot.
Walleye tend to congregate in deep water near drop-offs or other structures. Use a fish finder to help locate potential hotspots, then use an auger to drill a hole through the ice.
Use a minnow or other live bait on a jigging lure when ready to fish. Drop the lure down the hole and wait for a bite. Walleyes are notoriously picky eaters, so be patient and give them time to strike.
If you want to up your odds of success, try tip-ups. These devices can be baited with live bait or lures, then set in the water and left unattended. When a fish strikes, the tip-up's flag will tell you it's time to reel in your catch.
3. Drill several holes.
Once you've found a promising area, drill several holes in the ice using your auger. This will give you more options to fish from and increase your chances of success. If you don't have a drill, you can make do with a large kitchen knife or an axe.
Next, set up your fishing line. You'll need a spool of fishing line, a fishing rod, and a lure or bait. Baits can be live (such as worms or minnows) or artificial (such as lures). You'll also need a bait bucket if you're using live bait.
Once your line is ready, lower it into the water and wait for a bite. When a fish bites, reel it in slowly and carefully. Be sure to support the fish's head and body as you remove it from the water, so it doesn't flop around and injure itself.
4. Fish during peak times.
The best times to fish for walleye are early morning and late evening. Plan your trip accordingly and give yourself plenty of time to fish during these prime hours.
Another great time to fish for walleye is during a full moon. Walleye are known to feed more actively during a full moon, so this can be an ideal time to cast your line. Check the lunar calendar and plan your trip around the full moon for the best results.
Finally, don’t forget to bring the right gear. Walleye can be tricky to catch, so it’s essential to have the correct tackle. A good walleye rod and reel combo is necessary, as well as a variety of lures and bait that will appeal to these fish.
5. Use the right bait.
As mentioned earlier, live bait is usually the best option for walleye. Minnows or nightcrawlers fished under a slip bobber are an excellent choice. Another good option is to fish with jigs and minnows. Jigs come in various sizes, colors, and weights, so it’s important to experiment to see what works best in any given situation.
In general, walleye prefer clear water and can be found in lakes, rivers, and streams. They are most active at dawn and dusk but can be caught during the day if you know where to look. Walleye are bottom feeders often found near drop-offs, submerged logs, and other structures. They are also attracted to baitfish, so areas with high concentrations of minnows are usually good places to start fishing.
When targeting walleye, it’s essential to use the proper tackle. A medium to heavy action rod paired with a quality reel spooled with an 8-12 pound test line is a good setup. Walleye can be caught using various methods, but live bait is usually the best option. Minnows or nightcrawlers fished under a slip bobber are an excellent choice.
6. Set the hook properly.
When you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Instead, wait until the fish has taken the bait fully into its mouth before striking. This will help you avoid pulling the bait away from the fish and give you a better chance of setting the hook properly.
If you've hooked a fish, but it's not very big, you may be able to reel it in without too much trouble. However, if you've hooked a larger fish, you'll need to be careful not to let it tire itself out before reeling it in. The best way to do this is to keep a steady tension on the line, and when the fish starts to slow down, ease up on the tension a bit.
7. Be patient.
Walleye can be notoriously finicky, so don't get discouraged if you don't get bites right away. Stay patient and keep trying different techniques until you find something that works.
One of the most important things to remember when fishing for walleye is that they are bottom-dwelling fish. This means they are often found near the bottom of lakes and rivers. As a result, it is essential to use bait or lures that will sink to the bottom where the walleye are.
8. Keep your line tight.
Once you've hooked a walleye, keep your line tight. This will help prevent the fish from throwing the hook and increase your chances of landing it. If the fish is running, point your rod tip down to keep tension on the line and prevent the fish from getting away. If the fish is swimming towards you, reel in the slack so you can land it more easily.
When ready to land the fish, carefully net it or bring it into the boat. Avoid touching the fish with your bare hands, as this can remove the slime that protects it from infection. If you're going to release the fish, do so quickly and carefully to minimize stress on the fish.
9. Use a net.
A landing net can help land walleye, significantly larger fish. Be sure to get one that's big enough to safely handle the size of fish you're targeting, and keep your fingers away from the mouth and sharp teeth.
If you're serious about landing walleye, you may want to invest in a set of wire cutters. Those big teeth can do some damage to your net, and if you're not careful, they can also do some damage to you. Cutting the wire is safer and will help you avoid painful accidents.
Once you've got your walleye in the net, it's time to start thinking about getting it out of the water. If you're using a live well, open the lid and let the fish swim in. If you're not using a live well, you'll need to take a few extra steps to ensure your walleye stays healthy.
10. Have fun!
Ice fishing can be a great way to enjoy time outdoors with family and friends while also getting some good exercise. However, before heading out on your next ice fishing trip, it is essential to be aware of the potential dangers associated with the sport.
To help you stay safe while ice fishing, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Check the thickness of the ice regularly. This can be done by using an ice chisel or a drill. The general rule is that the ice should be at least 4 inches thick to support a person's weight.
- Dress for the weather conditions. It is essential to wear warm, layered clothing to prevent hypothermia. Wear gloves and a hat to protect your extremities from the cold.
- Use caution when walking on ice. Ice can be slippery, so it is essential to take your time and be careful when walking around on it. Wear ice cleats or other traction devices on your boots to help prevent falls.
- Be prepared for emergencies. It is always a good idea to carry a cell phone and a flare gun with you if you get stranded on the ice. You should also tell someone where you will go and when you expect to return home.
- Know your limits. Ice fishing can be physically demanding, so you must know your limits and take necessary breaks. If you feel fatigued, it is best to call it a day and head back to shore.
Conclusion
Following these tips, you can be sure to have a fun and successful ice-fishing trip for walleye. Remember to dress warmly, bring the right gear, and be patient. With a bit of luck, you'll be able to reel in a big one!
Now that you know how to ice fish for walleye, what are you waiting for? Get out there and give it a try! Who knows, you might just end up hooked on this winter pastime.