Explore top ice fishing spots for walleye with insights from expert David Vadnais. Key locations include elevated areas and submerged islands, rocky points, small islands, overlooked holes, and tributary mouths. These spots are rich in food sources, particularly during early morning and late afternoon when walleye are most active. Adjust your approach based on depth and conditions for successful catches in these prime habitats. Happy fishing!
Discover the Best Ice Fishing Spots for Walleye
When you head to a lake or river, the last thing you want is to spend unnecessary time chasing walleye. Instead, your goal is to dive straight into the action.
In a recent conversation with the renowned ice fishing expert from Quebec, David Vadnais of Saint-Hyacinthe, we brainstormed the top five must-visit locations for anglers eager to reel in this delectable fish. Here are the key insights from this passionate fisherman who hits the ice around thirty times every year:
Top Five Walleye Fishing Locations
Location 1: The Elevated Areas and Submerged Islands are among David’s top recommendations. Walleye are naturally drawn to these structures where food sources abound. These elevated spots in shallow waters typically attract various small fish. You can adjust your lure to different depths along the escarpments. During sunny days, aim for depths of 20-25 feet along the drop-off, while at night, focus on depths of 10 feet or less. In the twilight hours, walleye can be caught in less than 3 feet of water, right beneath the ice.
Location 2: The Rocky Points that extend into the water are fantastic for walleye fishing. Setting up tip-ups allows you to explore various depths on the structure and its sides. Similar to elevated areas, don’t forget to drill some holes in shallow waters to target perch during twilight.
Location 3: The Small Islands and Their Surroundings can serve as excellent fishing grounds for walleye. If the substrate consists of rocky formations, these areas are likely to be frequented by walleye on the hunt for food. Often, these islands feature shallow banks that drop off into deeper waters. Our expert recommends presenting your lure at varying heights along the escarpments surrounding the islands, as that’s where the action tends to happen!
Location 4: The Holes are often overlooked by tip-up enthusiasts during the winter months, yet they can yield impressive results. You can drop your bait at various depths around the basin. If there’s a current in the watercourse, focus your efforts on the drop-off upstream of the hole, as walleye are likely to gather there to hunt.
Location 5: The Mouths of Tributaries, such as rivers and streams, provide excellent fishing opportunities. This is particularly true towards the end of the season when walleye migrate for spawning. The warming waters from melting snow draw in zooplankton and small minnows, making it an attractive spot for walleye! However, exercise caution while approaching these areas. To maximize your chances of success in walleye fishing, target them in their preferred habitats during their peak activity times, which are early morning and late afternoon. Happy fishing!