Winnebago/ Mille Lacs walleye help

Hello everyone I am looking to plan a trip for walleye ice fishing this winter and looking for a little help. Since I live in WI i am looking more at Winnebago and I have fished poygan but Winnebago is a little big so I was hesitant. I am just looking for a couple tips to help me out. I planned on going off of merritt and driving a couple miles out and going north and south a little bit till I find find. I only have a 4 wheel drive trailblazer so i have to wait till safe ice. I was also thinking about maybe spending a couple days at mille lacs. I have never fished it before so any tips would be greatful. I was hoping to go out with some friends and family and see what happens and bounce around alot otherwise if people think it would be more beneficial to find a rental or sleeper shack please inform me of a good one to go out of. Any info would be great and feel free to PM me thanks.

Winnebago is a challenge ice fishing for eyes. The eyes don’t relate to structure in the winter, instead they are spread out over the mud and constantly on the move in search of food. That means you have to be on the move as well. I rarely stay in one spot more than 15 minutes if active fish aren’t present. Move, move, move until you pull the lucky lotto ticket and find some active fish. Jiggin raps (#3-#5) are generally the most productive but pimples & slender spoons have their days as well.

I hope we get drivable ice this year but, at this rate, it may be sled/ATV only again this year.

WinnebagoViking wrote:

I hope we get drivable ice this year but, at this rate, it may be sled/ATV only again this year.

Could be boat only this year if the weather stays like this.

John Schultz wrote:

Could be boat only this year if the weather stays like this.

no kidding. november 5th and water temp is still above 50.

Mille Lacs is a great destination if you are looking for big fish, or #’s of smaller fish. But not a great destination if eating walleye is high on your priority list. I would advise anyone coming to MN to drive a little further to Leech, Red, or LOW for the full experience.