Please Explain?

[Neal/CO]

We have safe ice here in eastern Colorado for the first time since I really got into walleye fishing. I have been reading anything I can get my hands on about ice fishing for walleyes. Everthing I read says that most action takes place during sunset and sunup. Most of the posts I read here on WC talk about those same low light periods as the time to be on the ice. My question is why? Nobody has ever given a reason for this pattern. I understand about their sight advantages in the dark and have spent my fair share of time fishing in the dark. But why is this so importent during the ice season? I catch plenty of fish in the spring and fall during the middle of day. Why is it so hard to catch them thru the ice in the afternoon. Is it because their metab is slowed during the winter and they only feed once or twice a day? I would like this nice collection of ice raps and Nils Masters to do more than look good in my ice box. Is it possible to catch these fish during the daylight hours thru the ice? If so, please tell me how!!!

[Mattman]

Of course you can catch them during the day. Twilight periods are just better. You have to look a little harder during the day. Usually a little deeper, although I've been watching down the hole on a bright sunny day in 7 feet of water while Sunnie fishing and seen 3 to 5 pound Walleyes cruise through. If you can catch 'em on soft water you can catch 'em on hard. Just adjust you techniques according to depth, mobility and fish attitude.

[MN-Hook Setter]

Its all about finding fish that are in the mood. You can be right on top of school of walleyes and not entice a bite. Staying mobile is essential just as it is in soft water months. Ive found that you can find fish that are feeding during high sun hours but it takes alot more drilling and moving than locating a good school and camping on them until they feel like feeding. If you do find fish relating to structure and have a aqua view or other underwater cam. to confirm that they are walleye but arent cooperating at that time of day, I mark my position on my GPS and return an hour or two before peak bite times and give them another chance to flop on the ice.

[Frank from TBay]

We ice fish actively for the entire winter and have done so for years. The one thing that we have learned is that if you are fishing you will catch fish. Sounds simple but it works. We catch the bulk of our fish juring the day because I have a policy of not travelling in the dark. Pick some likely spots and have at her. Fish when you can get the time. You will be pleasantly surprised at what you get in the middle of the day.
Frank

[Doug Burns]

Under the ice water clarity increases significantly. No waves or boat wakes to stir up sediment or break up light penetration. Weeds also die off leaving little cover for prey fish to hide in. All this adds up to increased visibility for bait fish, in other words they can see mister walleye as well as mister walleye can see them. The walleye therefore has no advantage and has to expend to much energy to feed. It is much easier and effecient to wait until low light periods when they have an advantage. As the above post stated use the daylight hours to find as many fish as possible and then be on top of them when prime-time comes. You might get lucky and pop a couple while you are looking.

Doug Burns

[Neal/CO]

Thanks these are all very helpful posts. Sounds like I need to get a GPS. Our group has been fishing a 1000 acre resevoir 5 miles from my home. It is heavily stocked with both walleyes and trout. Unfortunately it closes at sunset. It is an extremely clear body of water that holds Aurora's drinking water. Mark has been catching alot of nice trout on minnows fished off a deadstick, but no eye's. We will hit it again this weekend and see if our luck changes. Sounds like we should probably spread out more and punch alot of holes!

[Neal/CO]

Thanks these are all very helpful posts. Sounds like I need to get a GPS. Our group has been fishing a 1000 acre resevoir 5 miles from my home. It is heavily stocked with both walleyes and trout. Unfortunately it closes at sunset. It is an extremely clear body of water that holds Aurora's drinking water. Mark has been catching alot of nice trout on minnows fished off a deadstick, but no eye's. We will hit it again this weekend and see if our luck changes. Sounds like we should probably spread out more and punch alot of holes!

[Ishpeming]

Ishpeming try to give some info to Neal on how Ishpeming go about ice fish. Ishpeming start look for fish near inlets of lake. Me think eyes start to get horny and think of spawn run up river soon. Ishpeming hunt bait fish under ice not walleye. if Ishpeming find bait fish he start fish there for walleye. sometimes Ishpeming not find bait fish then what? Me then send out invites to bait fish. If Neal had party he know uninvited guests always show. Ishpeming invite bait fish with handful dog chow taken from Tripod Ishpemings 3 legged dog. He then put chow in in onion sack and lower under ice. Chow fall into very small pieces and bait fish like. then Ishpeming fish for walleye that come for invited guest. Ishpeming hope Neal catch some good fish soon.
Ishpeming out

[EricCO]

Quit taking that Eric guy.

He could cause Ron Seelhoff to skunk on Erie in the fall.

[BD]

Look up the best times in the "Solunar Tables" When the tables match low light conditions (daun, dusk, heavy overcast) you will have your best action.