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Winter Walleye Fishing Tips

Summary: Nature slows its pace in winter, and walleye become sedentary. Digestive processes have slowed to the lowest point of the year, the fish do not feed as often, thus lengthening the time between foraging activity. Location of the fish changes very little from autumn; they remain in the deepest water. When feeding activity occurs, it is usually in low light period — dawn and dusk.
 
Fishing methods in the winter period differ little from those in the fall, except in the Great Border Rivers. Lake fishing is the best while fishing with a minnow or chub and by vertical jigging a spoon or similar lure. The gear is simple; ice auger, short rod, ice strainer and bait or lures. Both live bait and jigging lures should be fished within 18 inches of the bottom. With minnows resist the temptation to set the hook immediately when the bobber disappears, for walleye often move a short distance before swallowing the bait. It is always the best idea to use the lightest line and weight and the smallest bobber practical to reduce resistance. Jigging lures should be dropped straight to the bottom and then jerked upward in a quick motion with the wrist allowing the lure to flutter to the bottom. Be alert at all times because most strikes come when the lure is sinking. If fishing is slow, tip the hook with a fish eyeball, a small piece of white belly meat, or a small minnow. Some walleye fishermen prefer tip-ups to the conventional type of fishing gear in winter, especially when fishing is slow.

Fishing for walleye and sauger fish in the Great Border Rivers in winter is nearly identical to fall fishing. Only during extreme cold periods, when the river freezes completely, do many fishermen use conventional through-the-ice fishing methods. Even then the techniques with three-way rigs and jigging with sonars are the most popular methods. Other times anglers simply continue to fish from boats immediately below dams and channel structures in the open water. Fishing methods and equipment are identical with that in the spring and fall, except there is a need for heavier clothing, a bucket of charcoal for warmth, and an occasional stop along the shoreline to walk around and restore circulation — and perhaps spin a fishing tale or two.

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