Walleye Fishing in December
First Ice — water temp 33-38°F. First ice peak bite, shallow basins, narrow window.
Where the walleye are this month
First ice peak bite, shallow basins, narrow window. The biggest mistake anglers make in December is fishing the same depths they fished last month. Walleye move with water temperature, oxygen, baitfish, and light — and December's pattern is its own.
Tactics that work in December
- First-ice bite is best of year — be safe!
- Fish 8-18 ft basin edges and humps
- Sunrise/sunset prime
- Drill multiple holes, move often
Lure picks for December
Jigging Rapalas, glow spoons, jig + minnow head, dead-stick tip-ups with shiners
Best lakes to fish this month
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Try It Free — 3 Strategies, No Account →December walleye FAQ
When is first ice safe?
When ice is at least 4 inches of clear, solid ice. Always check thickness yourself with a spud bar — never trust general reports.
Why is first ice so good?
Walleye haven't been pressured for weeks, oxygen is high, and they're aggressive after open-water feeding patterns. First 2 weeks of ice are often the year's best bite.
Best first-ice depths?
8–18 ft basin edges, humps, and saddles. Move every 30–45 minutes if not marking fish.