| | As winter ice fishing progresses some tactics have to be changed. Early in the season the action is fast and as the ice gets thicker and the days colder the fish have a tendency to slow down and move. In fact, in most bodies of water mobility is crucial if you want to stay on fish.
When looking for a productive perch lake, I usually look for a lake that is large. It seems that in order to grow the Jumbo perch you need a lot of water. For example, Mille Lacs Lake in Central Minnesota is perfect for these dandy Jumbo perch. Also lakes like Devils Lake in North Dakota are great because the large lakes are not subject to fishing pressure and anglers will not really hurt this prolific fish. These fish are so prolific that on a normal large lake anglers probably won't make a dent in their population.
 Crappie minnows fished near the bottom provide some of the finest mid-winter perch fishing to be found anywhere. On good days, fish from 11 to 13 inches can be caught two at a time, as fast as the angler can get rebaited and back to the bottom.
The typical "perch rig" two #6 snelled hooks attached to the line 8 and 16 inches above a 1/2 ounce bell sinker, works well. Some anglers use tiny spinner blades and beads on their hooks to serve as additional attractors. Hooking a crappie minnow either through the lips or behind the dorsal fin works equally as well. The perch aren't fussy sometimes striking bare hooks. Light spinning tackle and 8# test Tournament Strength line completes the tackle required to catch these delicious denizens.
Your lure selection might also have to change. Right now on many lakes glow/blue Fire-Eye minnows are hot. If that color isn't productive move on to other colors. The style and shape of the Fire-Eye minnow allows it to flutter as it falls. This will simulate a wounded minnow and turn those inactive fish into active ones.
Another type of lure that suspends the rate of fall is the Airplane jig and the Jigging Rapala. These types of jigs have a swimming action and they dart as they fall. This will give the fish an impression that minnows are darting and swimming towards them and escaping from them and it will trigger a response from those finicky walleyes.
Another rule of thumb is to be conscience of the size of your bait. The old adage that the "larger the bait, the larger the fish," will hold true, but if the fish turn off, try a smaller size and you might be surprised.
Of course at this time of year it is hard to troll to find active fish, but in a sense you can apply the methods that you use in the summertime. Drill holes from the shallowest portion of the structure you are fishing and then continue to drill holes and at various depths as the structure drops off to deeper water. Then instead of "trolling" along the structure you can use tip-ups to cover from the deepest to the shallowest point. Tip-ups enable you to cover more water than you could with a minnow and float. A flag can bee seen from several hundred feet away. Most states allow you to use two lines and if you have a number of fishing buddies with you all can cover the structure at various depths and in effect troll the edge of the structure.
Late season ice fishing for walleyes can be tough, but with a little practice and mobility you will find fish and success if you keep these tips in mind. |
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