Where do I fish for walleye in the middle of winter?

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

Ah, the elusive mid-winter **walleye**—a true test of a fisherman's patience and skill. During these chilly months, walleyes tend to be lethargic, often retreating to deeper waters or lurking around specific structures. Let’s dive into a few strategic spots and techniques to help you reel in these finicky fish.

### Key Locations for Winter Walleye

1. **Deep Water Basins**: As the temperature plummets, walleyes often move to deeper waters where the temperature is more stable. Look for basins that are 20-40 feet deep. These areas can often become walleye "highways" as they migrate between feeding and resting areas.

2. **Mid-Lake Humps**: These underwater structures can be walleye magnets during the winter. They provide an ideal spot for walleyes to ambush prey. Look for humps that rise to within 10-15 feet of the surface.

3. **Points and Breaklines**: Focus on points that extend into the main lake basin and have quick access to deep water. Breaklines, where the depth changes abruptly, are also hot spots as walleyes use these areas to transition between depths.

4. **Rivers and Tributaries**: If the lake you’re fishing connects to a river, the current can create ideal conditions for walleye. They often gather in these areas to take advantage of the oxygenated water and ample food supply.

5. **Weedlines and Drop-offs**: Even in winter, weedlines can hold baitfish, which in turn attract walleye. Drop-offs provide a quick escape to deeper water, making them perfect ambush sites.

### Practical Tips

- **Use Electronics**: Consider using a fish finder or sonar to locate these structures and the fish themselves. This can save you a lot of time and help pinpoint the best locations.

- **Jigging Techniques**: Vertical jigging with ice fishing jigs and **soft plastics** can be highly effective. Experiment with different jigging cadences to see what triggers bites.

- **Lure Selection**: Luminous jigs and lures can be particularly effective in low-light conditions, which are common during winter months.

Here's a helpful [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMoX4tPmP1A) on how to find and catch walleye on midwinter structures. For gear, consider this [Ice Fishing Jigs Lures Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NVX492T?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) for a wide selection of glowing jigs suitable for winter fishing.

**Remember**, patience and persistence are key. Every day on the ice is a learning experience, and with these tips, you're well on your way to walleye success. Tight lines and warm hands, my friend!

Where do I fish for walleye in the middle of winter?

Related Videos

Product Recommendations

Ice Fishing Rod, 23" Ultralight Ice Spinning Rods Sensitive Ice Fishing Pole Winter Ice Fishing Gear for Walleye Perch Panfish Bluegill

Ice Fishing Jigs Lures kit,48pcs Luminous Ice Fishing Gear Crappie Panfish Jigs Head Fishing Hooks Set for Winter Ice Jigging Walleye Perch Bluegill

Ice Fishing Rod Portable Lightweight Spinning Rod Ice Fishing Pole Winter Ice Fishing Gear for Trout Walleye Perch Panfish Crappie

VMSIXVM Ice Fishing Jigs Ice Fishing Lures Ice Fishing Soft Plastic Worm Baits Kit, Glow Winter Ice Jig Heads Hooks for Walleye Crappie Panfish Trout, Ice Fishing Gear Equipment Tackle Accessories

KJEIM Ice Fishing Jigs Kit, 30pcs Glow Ice Fishing Lures Luminous Ice Fishing Gear Winter Fishing Jigging for Crappie Pike Panfish Walleye Perch Bluegill

CWSDXM Glow Ice Fishing Jigs Winter ice Fishing Lures Ice Fishing Gear for Ice Jigging Panfish, Pike, Walleye, Perch and Crappies 25pcs…

FishTrip Ice Fishing Jigs Kit, 60Pcs Glow Ice Fishing Lure Set for Winter Ice Jigging Crappie Sunfish Perch Panfish Walleye Pike Jigs, Ice Fishing Gear with Storage Box

Dovesun Ice Fishing Jigs Kit 87pcs, Ice Fishing Lures Glow in The Dark Ice Jigs with Adjustable Ice Fishing Gear for Panfish Crappie Walleye Jigs Set

Community

Walleye Questions

walleye fishing on buffalo lake mn tonight

walleye fishing on buffalo lake tonight

I’m wanting to fish on the Thames river London Ontario and need to figure out my best bet at catching something

why did last night I have a livescope the walleye would come up and look at my bait but not eat it,I tried buckshots,jigs and live minnow but nothing worked , I was on lake Washington by mankato mn in 23 feet of water

More Questions

How can you make good smoked salmon without a smoker?

What bait can I use to catch bass in Myrtle Beach Lake if they feed the fish and the fish aren't hungry?

How can I successfully fish for bass during the heat of the day?

what are the 360 rigs used for carp fishing

What kind of lures should I use in clear water where I can see 3.5 feet down with polarized glasses?

Should I use a square bill today?

Where is the deepest part of the Shenandoah River?

Is the Lew's Crappie Thunder 4-Foot-6-Inch rod good for bass fishing?

walleye fishing on buffalo lake mn tonight

walleye fishing on buffalo lake tonight

I’m wanting to fish on the Thames river London Ontario and need to figure out my best bet at catching something

why did last night I have a livescope the walleye would come up and look at my bait but not eat it,I tried buckshots,jigs and live minnow but nothing worked , I was on lake Washington by mankato mn in 23 feet of water

How can you make good smoked salmon without a smoker?

What bait can I use to catch bass in Myrtle Beach Lake if they feed the fish and the fish aren't hungry?

How can I successfully fish for bass during the heat of the day?

what are the 360 rigs used for carp fishing

What kind of lures should I use in clear water where I can see 3.5 feet down with polarized glasses?

Should I use a square bill today?

Where is the deepest part of the Shenandoah River?

Is the Lew's Crappie Thunder 4-Foot-6-Inch rod good for bass fishing?