In so many cases, the fall sets up the early ice bite. At the very least, what happens as the lake freezes sets the course for the beginning of winter. There are variables each winter that influence the location of where we find walleyes at early ice. Some of the outcomes of some of these variables can be predicted ahead while other outcomes are figured out after the fact. If there is a lesson I have learned over and over, that lesson would be that we cannot predict every outcome ahead. Just like there are upsets in World Series and Super Bowls that prove pundits wrong, there are situations in fishing that are difficult to always prove correctly. At the end of the day, we still have to keep an open mind and fish through locations and patterns with a process of elimination strategy. With that disclaimer, there are still some guidelines that serve us well when trying to figure out walleye at first ice.
Learn How to Fish Shallow Walleye
If there is a lesson that has been a hard lesson at times, that lesson would be simply not looking shallow enough at early ice. Can’t tell you how many times we found aggressive fish in less than six feet of water. Shallow is a relative term but in my mind, shallow is anything less than ten feet.
There is an art however to really dialing in shallow bites. If there is one mistake many anglers make, it is underestimating the impact our presence has on shallow fish. We wouldn’t expect to catch fish in four feet of water after driving a boat over the spot during the spring yet many anglers make the mistake in the winter of simply having too much commotion over the spot when ice fishing. You can get away with much more commotion when you get thicker ice and snow cover but plan on fishing being spooky at early ice when you are dealing with little ice or in some cases, no snow cover. Don’t drive your quad right over your fishing spot. Keep your walking to a minimum.
Denne historien er fra November 2019-utgaven av Montana Hunting & Fishing News.
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Denne historien er fra November 2019-utgaven av Montana Hunting & Fishing News.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Do You Really Need A New Bow?
I don’t think I am alone when I say that buying a bow is an exciting time.
NWTF Exceeds 1.5 Million Hunters Goal Three Years Early
More than 1.5 million new or formerly lapsed hunters are hitting the woods thanks to the National Wild Turkey Federation and its partners.
Making The Switch From Rifle To Archery
“More time in the field.” That is something I read years ago over and over again in our local game and fish regulations.
Public Access Expanded In Southwest Montana
The largest wildlife management area in Montana is now 160 acres larger thanks to a joint effort by a conservation-minded landowner, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP), and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Land Navigation Vs. Electronics
Each year that goes by, I find myself trying to figure out ways to get farther and farther from the truck come hunting season.
A Beginner's Guide To Processing Your Own Wild Game Meat
Originally published at goHUNT.com
Madison River Fly Fishing: 5 Tips For The Fall
Madison river fly fishing is possibly at its best in October.
3 Tips For Overcoming Fear In The Backcountry
Late to the game outdoors
Montana Fishing In November
Many anglers flat out forget about Montana fly fishing in November.
Hunting, Mother Nature's Show
Since before our first hunting license, we have been told over and over that detailed planning, lots of scouting, and practice and more practice with your favorite gun or bow would lead to better hunts.
