Walleye fishing can provide year-round recreation, but ice fishing for walleye on rivers requires specialized gear and tactics. Combining the sedentary habits of the walleye with cold weather can make lure selection difficult. The best walleye lures for ice fishing rivers, however, can entice the predatory game fish to strike the bait attempting to get an easy meal.
Jigging Spoons
Jigging spoons are characterized by painted metal or lead molded with a single hook. The jigging spoon is designed to flutter as it sinks to the bottom and can attract surrounding river walleye. Professional angler Bob Jensen recommends using jigging spoons while ice fishing for river walleye because they can attract walleyes from a distance. One jigging spoon is the Buck-Shot Rattle Spoon that has a built-in rattle chamber and can help attract walleye in stained water.
Airplane Jigs
Another lure that Jensen recommends for river walleye in rivers is the airplane jig. The airplane jig has wings that cause the lure to swim half-circles as it sinks. This swimming motion may attract a nearby walleye to strike the lure. Jensen suggests tipping the airplane jig with another attractant, such as a live minnow or artificial minnow.
Rapala
Rapala is one of the world's largest supplier of fishing lures and products. The jigging Rapalas are among the best lures for ice fishing river walleye, according to the Freshwater Fishing Canada website. During the winter, walleye will slow their feeding patterns, so it's important to choose a lure that can attract and entice the walleye to bite the bait. The vibration and flash supplied by the Rapala has the capability to attract walleye from a distance.
Large Chubs
John Pitlo Jr., Iowa DNR Fisheries Research Biologist, has experience with walleye fishing strategies during different seasons. Pitlo recommends using tactics on river ice fishing for walleye similar to those used during the fall. Choose a large, dark-colored chub on a slip sinker or leadhead jig. Locate a concentration of walleye using a sonar and drop the chub at the corresponding depth.
Member Comments