Like most fishermen/women, I am always looking for a new challenge; something that will enhance the already exhilarating and thrilling experience of catching a spirited and aggressive walleye. I have risen well before the sun, trekked out through a thick blanket of fog, surrounded by the mournful howling of coyotes in the distance, just to stake out the prime fishing holes before anyone else. I have hiked through the dense forests of Northern Ontario just to reach the perfect rock outcropping where I will stand for hours to catch the first tasty fish of the day.
One thing I have never had the chance to do is set up a small, wooden shanty on the middle of a frozen lake in the dead of night. So, I decided that this was my next adventure. But, being one to always prepare myself ahead of time, I set out to learn the best techniques and tips so that I wouldn't have to return home, head hanging low, and mumble to everyone that I got skunked. Following are the three top tips that I learned in order to have a successful - and toasty night on the lake:
Location is the key - Now, you may think that because the entire lake is frozen over that there is a virtual paradise of spots to choose from. This isn't entirely true. You need to think about where you are going to set up and drill your hole. Otherwise, you will find yourself trudging all over the ice making hole after hole and wondering why you haven't had a single bite.
If you are familiar with the lake, set up near known sunken islands, channel edges and in bays. If you know where the weed beds are, this is a good place to set up as well. Areas near the mouth of flowing rivers are also good spots because the current underneath carries an abundance of plankton that the walleye will follow. If you are fishing in an area that you are not familiar with, you may want to bring a GPS or fish finder so that you can see the underwater areas.
Many reservoirs are man made and so they do not possess many of these underwater structures. Seek out areas where there are other fishermen - they are obviously there for a reason, so use this information to your advantage.
Light the Way (in moderation) - Walleye are very sensitive to the light because of the way their eyes are structured. Their eyes are located on the top of their heads and so, light from the surface can irritate them and cause them to seek darker areas in the water.
Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best walleye fishing information possible. Go to http://www.askwalle yefishing. com/editorials/ tips-for- ice-fishing- for-walleye- at-night- .html for more information on walleye night fishing.
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