LURING WALLEYES THROUGH THE ICE
By Bob Jensen

Ice fishing for walleyes is similar to fishing for walleyes in open water in one way. There are a lot of different lures that can be used for fooling walleyes through the ice, just as there are a lot of lures for fooling walleyes in open water. Some of the lures are the same, but some lures that are productive in the open water aren’t an option for ice fishing. And, some lures that ice anglers use aren’t real popular with open water anglers. Here are some ideas for selecting lures for catching walleyes through the ice.

Some ice-fishing lures are designed to have lots of action; some are built to provide minimal action. Both have their place, as there are times when lots of action is good, and there are times when you don’t want much action at all. We need to be aware that fish have different moods, and if we’re going to be successful, we need to show them a lure that matches that mood.

Most anglers who go ice fishing employ a sonar unit. The sonar will help determine the activity level of the fish.

Many of the most successful ice-anglers start with an aggressive lure and lure presentation unless they have a reason to believe that the fish will be more passive. When they start fishing a hole, they might start with a jigging spoon and work it quickly. It might be worked up and down several feet off the bottom, and aggressive fish will move up several feet to take a bait. Buck-Shot Rattle Spoons are an example of a bait that really triggers aggressive walleyes. 

However, if fish are seen on the sonar and they don’t respond to the quick movements of the spoon, it would be a good idea to slow the action down. It works well to pound the spoon on the bottom a couple of times, then let it sit perfectly still on or just above the bottom. This will often trigger timid walleyes.

If that doesn’t work, try a different type of spoon or just a plain hook or jig. Hook a minnow through the back and lower it to the level where you are seeing the fish on the sonar. The wiggling of the minnow should be the only action. If the fish don’t respond to this presentation, move to a different hole. A Forage Minnow Jig is a great lure to use when the walleyes want a slow presentation.

Another lure type that is productive is a swimming jig such as a Mini Airplane Jig. Most jigs fall straight up and down, but this jig falls in a semi-circle and kind of goes out and looks for fish. At times, this is the presentation that the fish will respond to best.

We are almost always tipping the jigs and spoons with some sort of bait. There are other considerations, such as color and size. But if you keep in mind that lure action can be very important, you will catch more walleyes through the ice in the following weeks and months.