Late Ice Out Walleye Tactics

Last year, ice out seemed to be about the same time. We found a few spots where the big females were stacked up, but not feeding aggressively. We caught a 26″ and 27″er (post spawn) in a few hours of fishing, but with the numbers in there, it could have been lights out.

What do you think the best way to get these big, freshly spawned, females to strike would be?

If you are wondering, Lake Vermilion (still iced up pretty good right now), 4-8′ of water in shallow bay, suspended half way up the water column. Surface water temps mid 40s to maybe 50.

If you know where they’re stacked up but they just don’t have the feedbag on yet I’d defintily try casting crankbaits and Rippin’ Raps looking for reaction strikes. If you want an example of what I’m talking about checkout what James and Paul were doing on Green Bay for last Sunday’s show.

^^ Ditto, also medium size swimbaits hopped along with some quick uplifts will get a reaction strike out of these big females.- QB

If you get some good wave action,strong wind, try casting husky jerks, right up against the shore. Work it back with a couple foot jerk, than pause on a tight line,repeat.

Awesome tactic early in the year, in the right place, with strong winds. The type of wind where you fight to get your anchor to hold. You will have the area to your self and the fish will be smacking.

If the above technique doesn’t work I would try a slip bobbed and a larger lively fathead or chub if they are available. A leech would be ideal but water temps like that are too cold. A light jig with a plastic that makes it fall slowly might get that reaction strike as well.

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If the above technique doesn’t work I would try a slip bobbed and a larger lively fathead or chub if they are available. A leech would be ideal but water temps like that are too cold. A light jig with a plastic that makes it fall slowly might get that reaction strike as well.

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A trick that I use for fishing leeches early season is to put a few ice cubes in with the leeches to keep their water colder than the lake water. This way when they hit the lake it actually feels warm and they don’t just curl into a ball

The ones we caught last year came on rainbows. I was wondering if a rattling crank might get their attention. The reason I doubt myself a little is that we have never (in +30 years) caught a walleye on a crank up there before June when the water hits 50-55 degrees. We have caught fish early in the year on old school Rapala stick baits, but not cranks.

Keep trying?????