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Winter Walleye Ice Fishing Patterns
First Ice (Late November - Early January)
Walleyes still active. Hit 14-22 ft mud-rock transitions. Tip-ups with shiners. Tungsten jigs + minnow head.
Mid-Winter (January - February)
Slowest period. Walleyes hold 28-35 ft on deepest basin edges. Small jigging spoon + minnow head. Bite at dusk for 30 minutes.
Late Ice (March)
Pre-spawn movement. Walleyes shallower again on the breaks. 18-25 ft. BEST bite of the ice season.
Gear: Tungsten Wins
Tungsten is 30% heavier than lead at same size. Faster drop, smaller silhouette. 1/16 to 1/8 oz with a fathead minnow head.
Top Ice Lakes
Lake of the Woods (massive ice industry), Mille Lacs (largest ice fishery in the world), Devils Lake, Leech Lake, Upper Red Lake. All with rental house networks.
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