Walleye Tackle Guide What To Take Ice Fishing

Winter walleye fishing can be just as exciting as spring, summer and fall walleye fishing. The only difference with winter fishing is that you will need some equipment that you otherwise would not need during the other seasons.

Ice fishing is done when the ice is thick so you will need some basic tools to help you break through the ice to reach the fish. Before you even attempt to break the ice, you want to use a fish locator to locate a school. Your list is going to include some things that you can make your self or buy from a sporting goods store.

Things You Will Need To Survive

Ice drill
Fish locator
Ice shanty (optional)
Portable heater (optional)
Ice pick
Warm clothing
Gloves and Hat
Stool to sit on

Things You Will Need To Fish

Tip ups
Ice fishing rods
Winter bait
Bobber (optional)

The first thing you are going to do is use the fish locator to find the fish. This might be a simple process or it could take a while depending on how well you know the water you will be fishing. Once you find the right location, set up the ice shanty if you are going to have protection from the elements. If you plan to be outside fishing all day or for many days in a roll, the ice shanty is ideal. The heater inside will also help keep you a little warmer so you do not need so many layers of clothing.


Set up the ice shanty and turn on the heater. Get the ice drill ready to make the hole. The hole should be at least six inches in diameter. You can drill more than one hole inside the ice shanty to run two lines if it is large enough with enough walking room. This is the reason that many anglers make their own ice shanties, so that they can make them as big as they will need them. Two holes inside makes it nicer to fish. If you can only get one hole inside, try one hole inside and one outside in view of a window in the shanty that you can view the tip up from easily.

The ice pick is going to be used to remove any jagged edges or make the hole a little bigger. Once the holes are drilled and ready to go, get the fishing gear ready. Set up your stool in front of the hole and set your rod. Use the bait that works the best for cold-water fishing in your area. If you are using artificial bait, you have to make sure that other anglers have had luck in the area with the same bait. Check with others on the ice. Drop the line into the water through the hole and add the tip up. Then do the next hole if you are going to have two rods.

Keep as quiet as possible while ice fishing. The ice is thick but the walleye can feel vibration. You want to attract the fish and not scare them away. There are some possible lures and baits that you might want to keep in your tackle box for ice fishing.