When you come off the ice a little “SHAKEY”, You know you’ve experienced Rainy Lake Walleye fishing this year. Anglers eyes are flat out glued to their Marcums as they now realize they could be ambushed by Big Eyes from a foot off the bottom to a foot below the ice. We still haven’t been afforded the luxury of “Movin and Groovin” due to the cold temps. We’re Still soaking Lightning spoons, and their still producing Thundering results. We’re catching walleyes like Adrian Peterson runs the ball!! 13 inch, 14 inch, (BAM 29 incher!!) getting a mix of eaters and Super Freaks!!
As I’ve been afforded the luxury of not HAVING to relocate I have noticed reading each fish has become a bit more important than earlier in the season. Don’t get stuck in one particular jigging method/routine. Much the same as a veteran waterfowl hunter can read incoming geese. Getting a read on incoming fish to your electronics can and will make a big difference in hook up rates. This mornings big walleye was not a “Cat and mouse victim”. This fish wanted it popped and fluttered. As my 2nd hard snap had the spoon fluttering to the fish I noticed the Jig never made it back down!! LIGHTS OUT FOR YOU!! And…. If you wouldn’t mind hanging around for a second….. “Smile your gonna be on IDO!!” Now another thing to remember is to let the big walleyes know you work on a referral basis, so before letting her go explain that you are letting her go with the understanding that in doing so she hereby agrees to send more of her friends up to visit!!!
Everyday is a little bit different from the next, but overall we are experiencing a better morning bite that evening bite. From 8-10:30 I would suggest bringing your A game. For those planning trips up here soon you will likely have the benefit of a bit nicer temps that allow you to transition with the fish throughout the day. I’d still recommend soaking a Emerald Shinner about 4 feet off the bottom and working your jiggins spoon around heavily bouldered structure with deep water access. Oh if your not on the baitfish you won’t be on the big fish for very long. They are definately not far apart from each other.
In my opinion there are 3 basic ingrediants that have some anglers catching numerous Trophy Class fish. Number one is fishing trophy waters. If the fish aren’t there you WILL not catch them. Second is to fish for Trophies. Hey if you drop down a crappie minnow off the bottom you might hook a big girl, and certainly will land a few eyes, but soaking a minnow with the same size/characteristics of the bait big fish are feeding on will have you taking many more digital pics (Oh… And here is me with another big walleye). Lastly pre-drill your series of holes transitioning from the Big females bedroom to her dinnertable. I’d say half the big walleyes have been caught at the dinner table, and half have been caught in a resting area!! Doesn’t matter to me “I’m Flexible!!”
Good Fishing everyone!! OH WE HAVE A TON OF ICE FISHING TO DO THIS YEAR!! We’ve Just got started!!
All I’m going to say…
Chris you sure have those fish dialed in.
chris you are the man
but your forgot the fumble with the ap reference
RD (or uhhh CG)
great shots and report.
U rule
Saw some pics on “another site” of guys w like 50; 6,7,8 inch pannies, mostly perch. Ok. I guess if u were starving to death, but ??
Love 2 c the queen HoistinG a giant slab and just casually holding her bright pink Barbie outfit in the background, like, Yeah whatever.
Im 10-15 from securing a nice little spot in Cpt. Johns neighborhood.
Damn.
Word.
AJN
Yeah only the Queen can fish with that Pink Rod!! LOL!! Someone had a pretty good marketing staff. I don’t want to hear anything more about that pink line either!!
Good Luck Montucky!! Yeah I’m not really fired up about 6-8 inch pannies myself!! I personally would rather not catch anything looking for bigger ones!! LOL!!
BIG FISH HUNTER!!
Great looking fish Chris!
Why are you doing this to me?????
Thanks for another great report RD!
I’ve got a fix for ya!!
You’re doing a great job with the eyes up there Chris.
Can’t wait for the day I get to venture up your way. 
Hi Ben,
We feel pretty darn lucky to get to fish these waters day in and day out. I’ve got a huge group coming in soon, so will be doing some pre-fishing for house placements. Man a guy just can’t get any rest!!
Come on up Ben!! We really aren’t that far away!! 
Nice report Chris!! A couple IDO’ers and myself are heading up there in February. CAN’T WAIT!!! Nice eyes and the pink pole is pretty bad
!!!
I love the queens pink rod and reel combo. Is that custom? As always though nice fish.
Nice fish Chris. Where did you get the pink ice rod? Maybe if I get one for my girlfriend she’ll come out on the ice with me more often.
Alright….As much as it pains me. I took a look at the rod the Queen picked up at last years sportshow. It is called “Pink Ice” Trust me she totally digs it as do her friends!! The reel of course is pink also. If you REALLY want one maybe I can sell hers
Could be one of a kind, so surely it will be pretty spendy!! 
Hey Steve,
Good Luck Buddy!! The big fish are transitioning a bit off structure as of late where I’ve been fishing anyway. Get on some consistent baitfish markings and then keep your eyes peeled. Seems deep haunts with minor depth changes with current flow are getting good movements from big fish.
Yeah Ben let’s just head up there….. It is not that far and those are some dandy fish Chris!
Layne Monroe
You Nebraska boys might want to throw on a light Jacket!!
I was in central NE last week for work. 55 degrees out. I’m walking around in jeans and a long sleeve T. Thinking I’m in heaven. I head out to the plant, the mechanics are still working in their Carharts.
Don’t think I didn’t call them all a very inappropriate name. 
Awesome, just awesome
That speck is a brute
Where can I pick up a pink pole like that for my buddy Mike C
Nice fish!
Awsome catch Queen 