Tip # 53 – Fishing for Walleye Through The Ice

Walleye (pickeral) fishing is considered to be most productive in the early evening, when these nocturnal predators come out of the depths and move into shallower waters to feed. Using lures that resemble minnows, or jigging just off the bottom of the lake or riverbed, over rock piles, along edges of weed beds and other structure. Walleye are thought to be one of the best tasting fresh water fish, and because of this, they are one of the most sought after fish through the ice.

Live Baits for Walleye Ice Fishing

Minnows - Alive or dead, minnows are by far one of the single best bets for baits when fishing for walleye through the ice.
Night Crawlers - These will still work through the ice. I’m not sure if its they’re creepy, crawly twisting action, or just that they are a tasty treat, but walleye will eat dew worms when fished through the ice, just like they will in the open water season.
Leeches - These are another favourite walleye food. Abundant in most lakes where you’ll find walleye, leeches are an excellent bait to use through the ice if you can get ahold of them.

Lures for Walleye Ice Fishing

Rapala - Rapala has a decent line of ice fishing lures that are perfect for walleye. Jigging Raps, and Rapala Balanced Jigging Raps are excellent choices for walleye ice fishing.
Williams Spoons – These spoons, and in particular the ice fishing versions of these spoons are perfect walleye tantalizers.
Swedish Pimples – These tiny spoons, tipped with a minnow or worm can prove to be one of the deadliest combos for getting finicky walleye to bit through the ice.
Berkley Gulp Alive – Available in countless colours and sizes, Gulp Alive can easily out perform live bait in some of the toughest conditions you’ll find when ice fishing for walleye.
Glow In The Dark – As night time feeders, it goes without saying that any of the above lures in glow in the dark models, as well as plain jigs that glow in the dark, tipped with a minnow are top producers as well.

As mentioned above, Walleye tend to feed mainly at night. The best time to begin targeting them is just before dusk. Make sure you have yourself set up, with a number of holes drilled before you expect the bite to start. Having to drill more holes as the bite begins could mean spooking the school, and losing your chance to get into some great walleye action through the ice.