Big Walleye Ice Fishing: Techniques, Tips, and Gear

Ice fishing for big walleye is an exhilarating challenge, one that requires patience, skill, and the right gear. While walleye are often pursued in open water during the warmer months, ice fishing for these elusive fish can be incredibly rewarding. In this article, we’ll dive into techniques, tips, and the gear you need to catch big walleye on the ice.

Understanding Walleye Behavior in Winter

Before heading out on the ice, it’s crucial to understand the behavior of walleye in winter. Walleye are cold-water fish that tend to become less active during the colder months, but that doesn’t mean they’re impossible to catch. In fact, winter can be a great time to target big walleye.

During the winter, walleye typically retreat to deeper waters where temperatures are more consistent, but they also venture shallow during low-light conditions (dawn and dusk) to hunt for food. They tend to hang around drop-offs, humps, and structures like submerged rocks or weeds. Understanding these locations can greatly increase your chances of success.

Best Locations for Big Walleye

Drop-offs and Shelf Edges: Walleye often stay near the edges of drop-offs, where they can ambush prey that swims by. These areas are prime spots to target when ice fishing.
Deeper Waters: During the day, big walleye typically move to deeper, colder waters. If you’re fishing mid-afternoon, you may need to fish 20 feet or deeper.
Shallow Flats During Low Light: At dawn and dusk, walleye will move into shallower waters to hunt. If you’re after big walleye, be sure to fish these areas early and late in the day.
Structures and Cover: Look for structures like submerged rocks, brush piles, and old foundations, which provide shelter for fish. Walleye use these areas to stay out of the current and ambush prey.

Gear for Big Walleye Ice Fishing

Ice fishing gear for walleye is a little different than open-water fishing, and having the right setup is crucial. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ice Fishing Rod: Choose a medium to medium-light ice fishing rod, typically around 30 to 36 inches long. It should have enough backbone to handle larger walleye, but also provide sensitivity to feel subtle bites.
Reel: A good ice fishing reel is essential. Consider a high-quality spinning reel that can handle the cold and perform reliably. Smooth drag is important for big walleye, as they are powerful fighters.
Line: A braided line, such as 6-10 lb test, is a good choice for ice fishing for walleye. Braided line offers sensitivity and strength, but you may want to add a fluorocarbon leader to help with visibility in clear water.
Jigs and Lures: Walleye are known for their slow, methodical strikes, so using the right jigs and lures can make all the difference. Some of the best options include:
- Minnow-shaped jigs: These can be tipped with live minnows or soft plastic baits to mimic the walleye’s natural prey.
- Rattle jigs: These lures make noise when jigged, which can attract walleye to your hole.
- Spooning: Jigging a metal spoon in an up-and-down motion can mimic the movement of injured baitfish and entice walleye to strike.
Fish Finder or Sonar: A portable fish finder or sonar unit is invaluable when ice fishing for big walleye. It allows you to locate fish and determine their depth, which is crucial for targeting walleye in deep, dark water under the ice.
Ice Auger: A high-quality auger is essential for drilling holes in the ice. A powered auger is generally preferred for walleye fishing, as it can quickly and efficiently drill through thick ice.
Tip-Ups: If you prefer to set up multiple lines, tip-ups are an excellent tool for ice fishing. They allow you to spread out and cover more ground without having to continuously jig your line.

Techniques for Catching Big Walleye

Jigging: One of the most effective techniques for ice fishing big walleye is vertical jigging. Using a minnow or rattle jig, drop it down to the desired depth and work it with short, sharp jigging motions. Walleye are often attracted to the movement of the jig, especially if it mimics the behavior of an injured fish. When you feel a bite, be sure to wait a moment before setting the hook, as walleye often nibble before committing.
Dead Sticking: Another effective method is dead sticking. This involves placing a baited hook or jig near the bottom and allowing it to sit motionless. You can leave it in place while you fish other holes or simply wait for a walleye to come along and grab it.
Using Rattle Baits: If you’re fishing in murky water or need to attract fish from a greater distance, rattle baits are an excellent choice. These lures make noise when jigged, which can draw the attention of walleye from far away.
Slow and Steady: Big walleye tend to strike slowly and methodically. Unlike smaller fish that might hit aggressively, big walleye are more cautious. Be prepared for a light bite or a subtle nibble. If you’re using a sensitive rod and line, you may feel the bite before you see it.
Vary Your Depth: If you’re not getting bites, try varying the depth at which you’re fishing. Walleye may be deeper or shallower depending on the time of day and conditions. A fish finder is great for this, as it allows you to quickly identify where the fish are.

Safety Tips for Ice Fishing

Ice fishing can be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. Always check ice thickness before venturing onto the lake, and remember the general rule of thumb: 4 inches of clear ice is the minimum for safe fishing. If the ice is less than 4 inches, avoid it completely.

Additionally, dress in layers and wear warm, waterproof boots, gloves, and hats. Always have safety equipment such as a throw rope, a first aid kit, and a way to contact help in case of an emergency.

Conclusion

Big walleye Ice fishing is an exciting and rewarding pursuit, but it requires the right techniques, gear, and patience. By understanding walleye behavior during winter, choosing the right locations, and using the appropriate gear, you can improve your chances of landing a trophy-sized fish. Remember to stay safe on the ice and enjoy the peaceful, solitary experience of ice fishing.