Winter Behavior
Walleye are lethargic and feed infrequently during the winter. You should hunt for winter walleye in deep water, with your greatest chances of success coming between sundown and sunrise. The fish's large eyes allow it to forage in low light conditions and walleye will usually be found hiding in holes, pools and brushy shelter at the bottom of lakes, rivers and reservoirs.
Equipment and Bait
A short rod, ice auger, and ice strainer are mandatory equipment if you will be fishing through the ice. Your tackle box should also hold an assortment of hooks, sinkers, bobbers, and light, monofilament fishing line. Live bait such as minnows will be far more effective weapons than traditional lures. Use a larger fishing rod if fishing a river, but stay with the light monofilament and live bait.
Winter Fishing Techniques
Fish on or near the bottom of a lake or river and allow your bait to either lie in place or move slowly with the current. Walleye do not strike hard during the winter and will likely sniff and inspect the bait before deciding to finally take it. When a walleye does swim off, indicated by a moving line or a few dips of the bobber, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Winter walleye generally swim a few feet before swallowing the bait, and may even drop your hook once or twice before deciding it is safe.
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