LAST ICE ‘EYES

from Ice Team Magazine February 2021 Issue

BASIN BASICS FOR PANFISH

To catch walleyes you need to think like a walleye By: Mark Martin

My grandfather and father were catching walleyes well before I was born. And while much has changed when it comes to the gear we have today compared to what they used back in the days before my youth (think Clam ice shelters, Deluxe Spoon Boxes and Tackle Pouches, just as examples), there’s one thing that still stands the test of time: understanding the behaviors of fish.

And last ice period is no exception.

Early on in the ice-fishing season, walleyes were basically right where they were just before ice up - shallow water along weed beds, especially along points, even more so points with weeds adjacent to deep water were key areas. Mid-winter, these same fish migrated to main-lake basins; sometimes bellied up to bottom, other times suspended high in the water column. By late winter, however, walleyes have procreation on their minds and are headed towards areas they will spawn.

Where to find these fickle fish at last ice will depend on where it is in the waterway the ‘eyes will go through their reproductive motions.

CONSIDER THIS

Weeds, wood, large rocks and gravel; sometimes along a lake’s shoreline, sometimes within the current of a river or stream… These are all places walleyes will spew eggs and milt. Proliferation won’t happen until the ice is off and the waters reach the low to mid-40’s, however.

In the meantime, by last ice, walleyes will slowly start migrating towards these areas. Concentrate your efforts near these places and you’ll find fish this time of year.

MATCH GAME

few aquatic insects are still the main forage. Lures that replicate these morsels are still the go-to.

Swimming minnows that dart horizontally, as well vertical jigging spoons and rattle jigs are still a staple. Don’t be afraid to change sizes or cadence every so often. The fish will let you know what they prefer.

Tipping jigs with a whole minnow, minnow half or one of the many scented soft baits will help you get bit. Using a medium-light-powered ice rod, matching reel and a main line of superline of 6-pound test is a great choice when jigging. A footlong leader of 4- to 6-pound-test fluorocarbon, connected with a tiny ball-bearing swivel, and then a small snap (not snap-swivel) for attaching your jig is best.

SET IT, BUT DON’T FORGET IT

anglers are allowed to use up to three rods and the like, so, while I’m jigging from within my Clam flip-over shanty, I will have two tip-ups out or one tip-up out and then a deadstick rod in a hole from within my shanty. Both my deadstick and tip-ups have similar rigging.

Small, thin-wire treble hooks in size 10 or 12, tied to 4- or 6-poundtest fluorocarbon is my preferred rig mutually. As for the latter, I’ll fill my reel’s entire spool with 6-poundtest fluorocarbon, but will only use a two-foot-long leader of fluorocarbon for the tip-ups. As for weight, I’ll add just enough split-shot to keep a lively minnow in the strike zone. Too much weight and fish have the tendency to drop a bait when they feel the tug of big sinkers as they fall after tripping a tip-up’s flag or pull the bobber of a deadstick down.

LITTLE DETAILS

One overlooked technique for walleyes is using small baits, like you would for panfish.

Petite jigs in 1/16 ounce, with a softbait emulating nymphs and minute crustaceans skewered to the hook will take more large preditor fish than most angler realize. And light-power rod with 4-pound-test fluorocarbon line is a good paring. It’s always good to nip a few spikes, waxworms or wigglers onto the hook, as well, for natural scent.

HEAD YONDER

Looking to catch more walleyes during late ice period? Search no further than areas close to where walleyes will be spawning once the ice leaves the lakes.

Weed bed edges, or very near wood or rocky areas are a must. Jigging, deadsticking and fishing with tip-ups are all great options, as well having a rod with ultralight offerings on the ready. Just follow the fish. Remember: to catch walleyes you need to think like a walleye.

Mark Martin is a touring walleye tournament pro and instructor with the Ice-Fishing Vacation/Schools throughout the Midwest, who lives in Michigan’s SW Lower Peninsula. For more information on equipment and schools, check out his website at markmartins.net.