Minnesota Outdoorsman
Fishing Forums => Species Specific Boards => Walleye/Sauger/Perch => Topic started by: HD on February 02/16/17, 05:41:51 PM
-
(http://www.northernontario.travel/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/Late-Season-Ice-Fishing-In-Ontario-walleye.jpg?itok=EPzuFJkT)
Wicked Walleye Fishing
Much like pike, walleye spawn shortly after the ice melts in the spring, so they tend to show up in predictable locations late in the ice season as well. Walleyes in NW Ontario will spawn in creeks and rivers if they are available, but in some waters where moving water is not an option; they’ll simply choose shallow bays and sandy areas to do their thing.
When it comes to selecting good locations, they are fairly obvious on the larger bodies of water. I like to fish on the first drop off coming out of the shallow bays, focusing my efforts in 15-20 feet of water. On Lake of the Woods where I live, this is the prime depth in many of my favourite late winter spots.
On a lot of the smaller inland lakes across the Sunset Country Region, the late ice time frame is when the fishing action really picks up. Many of these waters may be fly-in only during the summer, but can be accessed easily with ATV or snowmobile this time of year. Many of these waters are shallow in general, and it is common to pull walleyes out of four or five feet of water in March. For some reason, the fishing in these shallower lakes is usually mediocre or poor early in the winter, but they really heat up late in the season. The evening bite is usually when walleyes get extra fired up and aggressive.
(http://www.northernontario.travel/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/Late-Season-Ice-Fishing-In-Ontario-evening-walleye.jpg?itok=RSzmBwIN)
When it comes to tackle, I’m a big fan of jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head, but the local tradition of using a jig and minnow always produces as well. Walleyes are aggressive in general this time of year, so it’s much more important to be around fish than worry about your lure.
Walleyes are big and heavy right now as well because they are about to spawn and because they are eating heavily in preparation for the spawning process so you can expect to catch some big fish, more than any other time of the year.
(http://www.northernontario.travel/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/Late-Season-Ice-Fishing-In-Ontario-Jeff-Gustafson-walleye.jpg?itok=moE1CSXl)
I’m counting down the days until those last two weeks in March, when I’ll be on the ice chasing all of these big fish, enjoying the longer days and the warmer weather. There are several resorts and camps across the region that remain open through the winter to cater to ice anglers. The people at these places can absolutely lead you in the right direction as far as where to fish and keep you updated on the ice conditions.
If you like to ice fish, pack your bags and head to Sunset Country in March to have some fun and catch the biggest fish of your life!