There is still some ice, and I’m having a hard time figuring out how to ice fish for walleye. Any recommendations on getting started?

The best place to get started ice fishing for walleye is in a lake that you are already familiar with. It should be one that you have spent a significant amount of time fishing during the earlier seasons. This way, you are already familiar with the lay of the land. Try to pinpoint the locations where you may have been successful in snagging walleye during previous trips out on the water. While there is no guarantee that the walleye will still be hanging around, it gives you a viable starting point. As the winter season and ice moves in, walleye moves towards shallow waters in the early hours of the day to feed. This is still an aggressive time for them in spite of the cooler water temperatures. Drop the first couple holes in the ice as close to weed lines as possible. There is a good chance the walleye are hanging out down below in search of their next meal. It may take several holes dropped before placing one in the spot where the walleye are. A good rule of thumb to follow in ice fishing is that when a new hole is made, wait 15 minutes for action. If no action comes, move on to the next spot a few feet away and drop another hole. Several holes later, go back and check each hole for another 15 minutes each. Equally as important as drilling new holes in the ice is the technique used once a hole has been made. Start with a jigging technique in chartreuse, silver or black bait colors. Make every effort to keep jigging actions to a bare minimum. Try a “poofing” action that has the jig slamming up against the sandy bottom and stirring up a ‘poof’ in its wake. This will attract the walleye attention almost immediately. Whenever possible, match the jigging action with a vibration sound such as sending a Lindy Li’l Hummer the icy waters. This triggers more attention from the walleye as well. Break the ice and start reeling in those wintertime walleye!