Ice Fishing Techniques for Walleye

There are various ice fishing techniques for walleye that you can try when going walleye ice fishing in Lake of the Woods. In fact, if you master at least one of the proven techniques for catching walleye through the ice, your results will be great.

However, to be successful out there you must also understand walleye behavior beneath the ice, their most common winter habitats, and even what’s on their cold‑water menu. And once you do, you’ll have high chances of taking one walleye out from the ice.

But what are these ice fishing techniques for walleye? Well, that’s the topic of this article. Just keep reading and find the answer!

Jigging spoons in the ice

Few lures are as iconic on the ice as the jigging spoon. And here at Totem Resorts, we use them to mimic a distressed baitfish, flashing and fluttering in the water. Of course, this attracts hungry walleye.

Now, the trick for this technique is cadence. For that, you need to start with sharp lifts to draw attention. After that, you need to pause to let the spoon flutter down.

Furthermore, silver, gold, and perch patterns are good to use. However, glow-painted spoons are better during low light. Moreover, early ice is prime time for spoons. That’s because during this time fish are aggressive and shallow.

Vertical jigging with soft plastics

Soft plastics can save the day when walleyes become hesitant in the cold waters of winter. Plastics such as flukes or paddle tails provide delicate motion that resembles baitfish without being overly aggressive.

Moreover, gentle shakes and moderate, careful lifts are crucial. At Totem Resorts, we often pair plastics with scent attractants to seal the deal. As a plus, using electronics can help you watch fish approach and adjust your presentation.

For sure, this technique shines in deeper water where walleyes are less responsive to flash but still hungry for a natural profile.

Deadsticking for good results

Deadsticking is another great technique when it comes to ice fishing for walleye.

Just imagine you are jigging close to a live minnow that is hardly moving on a rod that is set in a holder. When walleyes are brought in by your spoon, they tend to hesitate and turn to the simple food that is hanging there. Now, to find light bites, here at Totem Resorts we advise using a sensitive rod with a spring bobber.

During winter, when fish are wary and less inclined to pursue, this technique works quite well. As a matter of fact, many of our guests land their biggest walleyes with the "quiet" rod, proving that patience pays off.

Glow lures at night

Glow lures are the secret weapon for the unique experience of walleye fishing during night.

Of course, walleyes have excellent night vision, yet they are unable to avoid the beacon created by a glowing jig or spoon. For that, it’s crucial to use a flashlight to charge your lure before dropping it close to a structure.

Still, take into account that at night, the beat is slower, with patience, extended pauses, and soft lifts. But for sure, this experience will give you amazing memories.

Now you know the ice fishing techniques for walleye. With them, you can have good results when going ice fishing for walleye in Lake of the Woods!