How to catch late season walleyes
By Randin Olson of Lock Jaw Guide Service
The walleye is often the most sought after fish for ice anglers. However, they can also be the most challenging. Here are some tips from Randin Olson of Lock Jaw Guide Service on how to catch late season walleyes.
It’s the end of January now and generally the walleye bite gets tough. If you’re still focused on getting old marble eye topside, it’s time to pay attention to the details. I like to try both ends of the spectrum. Here is my favorite one-two punch. I like a plain hook with a split shot and a medium rainbow minnow on a bobber rig on one rod. Then hit them hard with a large spoon or rattle bait on the other rod. The larger, more aggressive presentation can either trigger a bite. Or, it calls the fish in and they attack the set line. Pay particular attention to your flasher or electronics to see how the fish react to the different lures. Adjust accordingly. Weed lines and mid-lake humps are good places to start. One thing to remember, this time of year you’re probably only going to get one night from a spot so staying mobile is key.
When in doubt, target panfish
Bluegills and crappies are gorging themselves on a recent bug hatch and downsizing to small lead head jigs has been producing fish. The slowness of the lead versus Tungsten has been the key to getting bit. Euro larva or waxies are a great place to start, however if they still refuse to bite, try switching to plastics. Late winter is the time to run and gun for success. Staying mobile will put more fish topside.
Randin Olson โข Lock Jaw Guide Service โข 218-640-0158