Do you like to go fishing for walleye in the winter? These 10 tips will help you catch more walleye!
1. Know the Winter Behavior of Walleye
To succeed in winter walleye fishing, you need to understand the fish’s behavior in cold weather. Walleye will typically become more active in the fall when the water temperature starts to drop. As winter sets in, they slow down some but will still feed. Their metabolism reduces, and they become more selective about when and what they eat.
Understanding Walleye Habits in Cold Water
- Feeding Times: In winter, walleye are most active during early morning and late evening when light levels are lower. This period is often called the “golden hour” for walleye.
- Location: During the day, walleye tend to stay in deeper waters, around 20-40 feet. However, they may move into shallower areas in low-light conditions.
Time of Day for Winter Walleye Fishing
Walleye are known for being light-sensitive, and they’re more likely to be active during low-light conditions. In winter, this means early morning and late evening are often the best times to fish. The colder water also means they conserve energy by being less active in midday when light penetrates the ice more deeply.
2. Choose the Right Location
Finding the best spots to fish for walleye in winter requires understanding the fish’s preferred habitats. Walleye will be in areas of high current, drop-offs, and basins.
Top Spots for Winter Walleye Fishing
Look for structures that attract walleye in cold weather, such as:
- Drop-offs and ledges where walleye can move between depths
- Weed lines or rock piles for shelter and feeding opportunities
- River channels where water movement can create oxygen-rich environments. Fishing below dams is a great place to catch walleye in the winter.
Understanding Lake Maps and Depth Charts
Maps and depth charts are invaluable for winter walleye fishing. Here’s how to use them:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Drop-Offs | Walleye often gather here as they move vertically in response to conditions |
| Underwater Ledges | Ideal for colder months, providing walleye with deeper water access |
| Transition Zones | Where sand meets rock or mud meets gravel, attracting prey fish |
Using lake maps to locate these features can drastically improve your chances of finding active walleye.
3. Choose the Right Gear and Tackle for Winter Walleye
Using the proper gear is essential for walleye fishing in winter. Cold conditions can affect everything from line strength to reel performance, so having specialized gear will improve your experience.
Best Rod and Reel Setups for Cold Weather
- Rods and Reels: Medium-light to medium-heavy rods, 24-36 inches long. Quality spinning reels with smooth drag systems
Choosing the Right Line
Line: 6-10 lb test fluorocarbon for clear water, 8-12 lb test monofilament for stained water. Cold water can make some fishing lines brittle. Here’s a quick guide to winter line options:
| Line Type | Best Uses | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monofilament | Great for ice fishing and general use | Stretches and handles well in cold | May be too visible |
| Braided | Ideal for deeper fishing | Strong and sensitive | Freezes in extreme cold |
| Fluorocarbon | Use for clear water | Low visibility, good abrasion resistance | Can be stiffer in cold |
4. Winter Bait Selection for Walleye
Choosing the right bait can make all the difference when walleye fishing in winter. Walleye become more selective, so understanding bait choice is crucial.
Live Bait Options
- Minnows: Live minnows are highly effective. Hook them lightly to allow for natural movement, which can attract walleye in cold waters.
- Shiners: These larger baitfish can draw in bigger walleye, especially in murky or dark conditions.
Artificial Baits and Lures
- Lures: Jigging spoons (1/4 to 3/4 oz), Jigging Raps, Lipless crankbaits, Live bait rigs
- Blade Baits: Great for enticing bites with vibrations that mimic live bait movements.
- Soft Plastics: Use smaller, subtle colors that match the natural prey in winter.
5. Perfect Your Jigging Techniques
In cold water, walleye are often sluggish, so your jigging technique must be precise and gentle.
Winter Jigging Tactics for Walleye
- Slow and Steady: Slow jigging often works better than fast movements, as it mimics the natural motion of weakened baitfish in winter.
- Subtle Lifts and Drops: Use a gentle lift-drop motion with pauses in between, allowing walleye to strike.
Vertical Jigging Tips
Vertical jigging is one of the best methods for winter walleye fishing. Position yourself directly over the fish and maintain steady control over your jig.
6. Adapt Your Fishing Depth
Walleye can be found at various depths in winter, but they often prefer the mid-range, around 20-40 feet.
Finding the Right Depth for Winter Walleye
Experimenting with depths can help you locate active fish. Start at 15 feet and work deeper until you find them.
Using a Fish Finder to Pinpoint Depths
Using a fish finder can make depth adjustments easier. Here’s how it helps:
- Distinguish Between Fish Types: Walleye often appear as “arches” on the screen due to their movement.
- Pinpointing Schools: Winter walleye tend to move in schools, so once you locate a group, stay in that depth range.
7. Pay Attention to Weather Patterns
Weather can heavily impact walleye fishing, especially in winter when conditions can vary greatly.
Weather’s Impact on Winter Walleye Activity
- Barometric Pressure: Walleye tend to be more active during stable or slightly dropping barometric pressure.
- Temperature Drops: A sudden cold front can slow down walleye activity, so fishing may be more challenging on these days.
Cloud Cover and Light Conditions
Walleye are naturally light-sensitive. On cloudy days, they may be more active and less wary, providing better opportunities for anglers.
8. Ice Fishing and Safety
Walleye ice fishing is popular in the North. Ice fishing is by far the most popular way to catch walleye in the winter. As always, safety should be your number 1 when ice fishing.
Ice Safety Tips for Walleye Fishing in Winter
- Check Ice Thickness: The minimum safe ice thickness is 4 inches for foot traffic and 5-7 inches for snowmobiles.
- Avoid Weak Spots: Stay away from areas with visible cracks, dark spots, or open water.
What Baits to Use for Ice Fishing Walleye
- Verticle Jigs: These are by far the most used on the ice for walleye. Spoons and jigging raps work great. Tip them with live bait such as a shiner and you will catch fish.
- Live Bait: Live bait works well on Tip-Ups and static presentations. You can use golden shiners or emerald shiners on a live bait rig.
9. Use Electronics to Improve Your Success
Modern electronics can greatly increase your success rate in winter walleye fishing. With the introduction to forward facing sonar a few years ago, walleye fishing has changed.
Advantages of Using a Fish Finder in Winter
A fish finder is essential for winter walleye fishing as it helps locate fish under thick ice.
- Sonar Clarity: Use higher sensitivity settings to locate walleye in cold water.
- Real-Time Feedback: Seeing walleye approach your lure on the screen allows you to adjust your jigging technique.
Using GPS and Mapping Tools for Ice Fishing
GPS tools can help you save spots where you find schools of walleye, ensuring that you can return to productive areas.
10. Be Patient and Persistent
Walleye fishing in winter often requires patience, as the fish can be less active than in warmer months. They will hold in areas one day, but be gone the next. Staying mobile is the key to finding active fish.
Importance of Patience in Winter Walleye Fishing
Winter walleye are typically less aggressive, so it may take longer to get bites. However, when you do hook one, it’s often worth the wait.
Learning from Each Trip
Keep a fishing journal to record conditions, successful techniques, and locations. Over time, you’ll build valuable insights that can help improve future outings.
Additional Tips and Tricks for Walleye Fishing in Winter
- Handle Walleye Carefully: When temperatures are extremely low, fish can freeze quickly. Handle walleye with care, minimizing time out of the water.
- Troubleshoot Common Challenges: If fish aren’t biting, try changing lure colors, moving locations, or adjusting jigging techniques.
Walleye fishing in winter can be a highly rewarding experience, and with these top 10 tips, you’ll be well-prepared. Winter conditions add an extra layer of challenge, but with the right techniques and equipment, you can enjoy a productive season. Remember, patience and knowledge are your best tools.