Changing Light Conditions on the Ice

[robertyounghanz]

Do to a dramatic warm-up here in Colorado, the lake that I ice fish on here in Colorado went from having 3-4 inches of snow completely covering it, to no snow at all within 12 hours. The Walleye fishing had been fairly consistent, but right after the snow had melted off it
had totally shut down (not even a bite). I fished the evening of the melt off. So inotherwords, the lake went from being dark and snow covered to completly illuminated within one day. I was wondering if the dramatic change in light conditions may have sparked feeding in the Walleye, much the same as a full moon phase might do. I have of course already considered the change in barometric pressure as a factor but aside from this I am curios if anyone else as noticed a dramtic change in fishing conditons due to a quick snow melt on the ice. R

[Dutchman]

The change in light conditions may have affected the walleyes , but I would lean more towards the baitfish the walleyes where feeding on moved. Trying once again to seek shelter from predators. The walleyes would of course follow them, and continue to feed.....


" Fishing is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope "

[Don in Denver]

I know that light conditions dramatically affect a trout bite through the ice. I was fishing Lake John recently on a day with mostly clear skies but periods of clouds blocking the sun for an hour or so at a time. The ice there is very clear this year. The bite was hot during the cloudy periods and almost nonexistent during the bright sunny parts of the day. That has been my pretty consistent experience through the years with trout. It may be that the zooplankton that forms a large part of their diet goes deeper or moves into the weeds with brighter light. I haven't caught enough 'eyes through the ice to have an opinion on them, but I wouldn't be surprised if the same sort of thing occurs with them. If you don't mind saying, what lake are you referring to? I'd sure like to take some eyes through the ice. i'm real tired of catching only slimers.

[Andy K]

Are you new to Colorado? Or just new to walleye central? The colorado gang are planning a get together in August at Glendo. See the post for the Western WC get together. Feel free to join us, ( feel free to fill us in on where you've been catching walleye too) Hey, can't hurt to ask? I've never caught a walleye through the ice.

[Don in Denver]

Bump.