The early-season walleye bite is on fire, and these fish are hungry! If you’re looking to capitalize on this frenzy, here are some tactics to get you started:
Safety First
Before you head out, make sure you’ve got the essentials: a spud bar, safety hand spikes, rope, boot cleats, and a fishing buddy. 4 inches of good, clear ice is the minimum, but use extreme caution. Take a few extra minutes to review your safety gear and make sure you’re prepared for the conditions. For more tips on early-ice safety, check out the article “Staying on Top: Early Ice Fishing Safety and Tips”.
Prime Spots
Think shallow: weed flats, points, the first breakline, and areas of rock and gravel. First-ice walleyes can be found in 5-10 feet of water. Main-lake humps and mud flats are possibilities, but these spots get better later in the season. Look for areas with green vegetation still producing oxygen, as these spots tend to attract more fish.
Stealth Mode
Punch your holes before prime time, and keep foot travel to a minimum. Fish can spook easily in shallow water, so keep quiet and fish over snow patches to hide yourself. If you’re fishing with a partner, communicate quietly and avoid making sudden movements.
Jigging Techniques
Use a jigging spoon or Jigging Rapala with a fathead minnow head, and fish it within a foot of bottom. Jig aggressively to attract attention, but tone it down when a fish is coming in. If the fish starts to leave, try pulling the bait away from the walleye to look like an easy meal is getting away.
Tip-Up Tactics
Set up tip-ups with a lively fathead, shiner, or small sucker, and keep the presentation a foot off bottom. Use tip-up lights for low-light fishing, and jig near your tip-up holes to lure in fish. This will give you a chance to catch fish that might not be interested in your jigging bait.
Making the Most of First Ice
First-ice walleyes are aggressive and willing to feed, especially during the classic walleye times of dawn and dusk. Keep your approach simple, prioritize safety, and be prepared for some intense action. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different baits and techniques to see what works best for you.
Get Out There and Catch Some Fish!
Now that you’ve got the tips and techniques, it’s time to get out on the ice and start catching some walleyes! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience some of the best fishing of the season. Grab your gear, find some ice, and get ready to catch some aggressive early-winter walleyes. Tight lines and good luck!
Image/Source: SI
