Night Winter Walleye's

[mudpuppy]

I've never really done any night time walleye ice fishing. I'm assuming it's shallower water fishing just like in open water? Same areas, too?
I've got a couple lighted tip/ups. Should I set them just like I would in daylight? How about jigging? If so, same lures I'd use during the day?
Any tricks or tips would be greatly appreciated.

There's a couple very clear lakes not far from me that I've been avoiding in winter because the day bite is really tough. They're great panfish lakes too, with above average size for just about everything. I GPS'd some spots this fall. Would sure like to crack a couple of those big walleye's! Thanks

[skeeter]

I have not ever fished much after dark out on Saginaw Bay. We usually pack up within a half hr after dark. Problaby only because no one wants to be the last one left out there several miles from shore. Gets kinda spooky out there with the crack and all. Dangerous as well. Bottom line I am chicken. skeeter

Use the WALLEYE CENTRAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY "Skeeters Stuff" under marine supplies (boat cleaning supplies), it really does work.

http://www.walleyecentral.com/wcdirectory/yellowresult.php?goal=Detail&ckey=29&primaryField=description&category=Boat%2FMari

[JJ Mac]

We usually pack up shortly after dark as well. On nights we have stayed later, I have definately noticed that the jig bite usually dies off and more fish can be had by either tip-ups or deadstick rigs.

[JeffCe]

I night fished walleye 3 years ago and it was the last ice stage on saginaw bay when the fish were stacked up in 4 fow right at the sag river mouth. I did very well at that time however not so well during first ice or anywhere in between.

[mudpuppy]

Thanks for the input. Guess I'll keep the jigging to a minimum. Maybe a minnow on a slip bobber or jig/minnow if I feel the need & tip-ups. Great idea on the rivermouth on late ice. I'll keep that in mind.

skeeter, you ain't chicken, you smart!

[Slugchucker]

I have fished eyes until midnight or a little later. Usually a flurry of action at dusk, especially on the jig rod. Usually slow down an hour after dusk and will have another run around 9-11 or so. After an hour past dusk, jigging tapers off, I'll get plenty of lookers on the vexilar but not as many eaters. My biggest fish the last three winter have come between 9-11pm.

[CurtisP]

The winter Wally can be a bit elusive. Especially for myself. I do know for a fact that those that do catch big winter walleye have a little more commitment than I do.

As your holes have to be drilled, and you have to be ready to fish before the sun comes up. Keeping in mind that you already have structure picked out and know big wally hang in the area. Those that catch the big wally in my area use the big bait. Such as a large 5 of diamonds,a buzz bomb or similar presentation.

Night fishing has never been great for me. In fact I have been less than succesfull. Although the fishing can be good right after the sun goes down. Again you should have all Your holes in place.

CurtisP