When winter takes hold of Canada, and the lakes freeze into glass, the real anglers come out. There’s nothing that compares to the silence over a frozen lake, the crunch of snow under your boots, and that sharp bend in a rod when a walleye hits.
Walleye ice fishing requires patience, precision, and knowing what’s going on beneath the ice when you can’t see a darn thing. But it’s one of the most rewarding types of freshwater fishing you’ll find across Ontario and beyond.
If the snap of cold air and the thrill of a walleye at the end of your line call to you, this guide will show you how to get started. Keep reading to learn the best tips, gear, and setups to make your winter walleye season one to remember.
Understanding Walleye Under Ice
Walleye behave differently when the surface hardens. They move more slowly, feed less aggressively, and follow the light, often cruising along drop-offs and weed lines during low-light hours. On most lakes, that means sunrise and sunset are your prime times to fish, though mid-afternoon bites can surprise you on overcast days.
Walleye also love structure. Look for rocky points, submerged bars or mounds, and transitions between sand and gravel. These are their hunting zones, where baitfish gather. Mapping tools and sonar, like the Garmin LiveScope™ Plus Ice Fishing Bundle and electric ice augers like the Strike Master Lithium 24V Lite FL, help you find these zones faster, especially when the ice is thick and holes are harder to drill.
In the early part of the season, walleye are more aggressive, feeding heavily after freeze-up. As winter takes over, their metabolism slows, so smaller presentations and subtle jigging movements become more effective.
Essential Ice Fishing Gear for 2025
Having the right gear means having the right control. Walleye can be finicky in winter, and your setup determines whether you feel that gentle inhale or miss it entirely.
Rod and Reel
For most situations, a medium-light to medium-power rod paired with an inline ice reel gives you the sensitivity for light bites. Ice fishing rods from Abu Garcia for example, provide the backbone for jigging spoons and soft baits while maintaining enough flex for finesse tactics.
Line and Leader
Monofilament or fluorocarbon lines in the 6–8 lb range work great for clarity and stealth. If you’re fishing near a structure, a short fluorocarbon leader helps resist abrasion while keeping your presentation invisible under the ice.
Baits and Lures
You’ll want soft plastic baits and hard baits fishing options in your kit. On calm days, subtle plastics in natural tones often outperform flashier lures. But when visibility drops or fish are aggressive, rattling spoons or bright minnow patterns call them in from a distance.
Lighting and Shelter
Even seasoned anglers can lose focus when they’re freezing. A compact portable heater like the Clam CH-4200 Propane Heater keeps your shelter comfortable during long waits, helping you stay sharp for that strike.
And don’t underestimate the value of a good pair of pliers. The Angling Sports 3-Piece Pliers Set keeps you ready for quick hook removal, line trimming, and split-ring adjustments.
Best Ice Baits for Walleye Success
When the temperature drops, lure action becomes your voice under the ice. Walleye respond differently to vibration, flash, and movement depending on temperature, depth, and clarity. Having a few proven options makes all the difference:
- Northland Buck-Shot Rattle Spoon: This one’s a classic. Its internal rattle mimics fleeing baitfish, and the flash from its chrome finish draws attention from a distance. Best for low-light or murky water conditions.
- Rapala Jigging Rap: This is a walleye killer on the ice because its sharp, gliding action calls fish in and triggers reaction strikes even when they’re tight to bottom. Its realistic profile and wide-swinging cadence make it perfect for turning lookers into biters during prime feeding windows.
- Compac Platinum Clacker Spoons: The Clacker Spoon brings flash and sound, just what you want for aggressive jigging in deeper water. Tip it with a minnow head or soft plastic tail for added scent and movement.
For days when walleye are more tentative, soft plastic baits shine. Brands like Crush City offer lifelike movement and scent retention that help fish commit when hard baits aren’t producing. Try paddle tails like Rapala Crush City The Suspect or minnow-style plastics like the Rapala Crush City The Jerk in silver, white, or gold to match local forage.
Pro tip: Jigging too hard can spook fish in clear water. Instead, lift slowly, hold still for a few seconds, and let your lure flutter down naturally. Many strikes happen on that drop.
Ice Fishing Tactics for Walleye
Every lake has its rhythm, and learning to read it separates those who catch from those who just wait:
- Start by drilling multiple holes in a pattern, about 10–15 feet apart, to cover different depths and bottom transitions.
- Drop a sonar transducer into each hole to find where baitfish are holding. If fish are suspended, lift your presentation a few feet off the bottom. Walleye often strike upward; positioning your bait just above eye level increases visibility and reaction time.
- Deadsticking is when you leave one rod stationary with a live minnow. It can complement an active jigging setup. The still bait frequently triggers cautious fish that aren’t ready to chase. Use your second rod for jigging to draw attention, then watch your deadstick line closely.
- When using hard bait fishing setups, alternate between rattling spoons and flutter spoons until you find what the fish respond to. Sometimes switching from sound to silence makes the difference.
- If you’re fishing pressured lakes near towns or resorts, finesse presentations become essential. Downsizing to smaller spoons or switching to soft plastic baits on light lines can turn lookers into biters.
Top Walleye Ice Fishing Destinations in Ontario
Each lake has its own personality, from the depth of its drop-offs to the clarity of its water. Understanding those details and matching them with the right gear often separates a good outing from a great one:
Bay of Quinte
Known to many as the walleye capital of Ontario, the Bay of Quinte consistently produces trophy fish through the ice. Focus between Deseronto and Big Island, where structure and depth changes attract roaming schools. Early morning and late evening bites here can be fierce.
Lake Simcoe
A favourite for many southern Ontario anglers. While most think of perch, Simcoe’s walleye fishing has quietly improved over the years. Drill near rocky shoals and steep breaks for the best action.
Lake Nipissing
Big, shallow, and full of life, Lake Nipissing’s walleye remain active throughout winter. Try glow spoons and rattlers around Callander Bay and off the shores of North Bay for consistent results.
Lac Seul
Northwestern Ontario, Lac Seul delivers in numbers and size. The clear water makes stealth important, so use lighter fluorocarbon and smaller spoons for finicky fish.
Rainy Lake
Straddling the Ontario-Minnesota border, Rainy Lake’s deep basins and current-fed areas keep walleye feeding through winter. Fish the edges of drop-offs using bright, noisy baits to attract attention.
Tips from an Expert
I’ve spent decades chasing walleye across frozen lakes, and a few lessons always hold true:
- Move often until you find them. Don’t sit over an empty hole for an hour. Drill, check, and keep exploring.
- Keep your bait just above the fish’s line of sight. Walleye look up when feeding, especially in clear water.
- Light lines and quiet movements make a difference. Fish hear and feel vibration through the ice.
- If you’re missing bites, try downsizing your spoon or switching to a soft bait with subtle motion.
- Warm hands catch more fish. Make sure your gloves let you feel your line.
- And don’t underestimate timing. Some of the best bites happen when most folks are packing up. Stay until the last light fades. That’s when the big ones cruise in.
Comfort, Safety, and Smart Setup
Walleye ice fishing is serious business on frozen water. Here are a few safety tips:
- Check ice thickness before venturing out: four inches minimum for walking, more for gear sleds or ATVs, and at least a foot for a medium-sized truck. Carry safety spikes, and fish with a buddy whenever possible.
- Layer up with moisture-wicking base layers, thermal pants, and a waterproof shell. Warm boots are non-negotiable. Frostbite sneaks up fast when you’re focused on your rod tip.
- Inside your shelter, keep gear organized and within reach, but not too close to the hole. I’ve knocked my share of gear in only to watch it drift away into the dark.
Why We Keep Coming Back to the Ice
Every angler remembers their first ice-caught walleye, the jolt in the line, your heart skipping a beat as you set the hook, the shimmer of gold through a round hole, and the quiet grin that follows.
Walleye are clever, unpredictable, and sometimes downright stubborn. But when you put the pieces together, the right rod, the right bait, and the right spot, you’ll understand why this species defines so many Canadian winters.
It’s what keeps us coming back year after year. Ice fishing in Canada is a tradition of camaraderie on frozen lakes and stories that get retold over steaming hot coffee (and booze).
Ready to fish like a pro? Luck won’t catch your limit, but preparation will. Get your reels tuned, your tackle tight, and your ice gear stocked from Angling Sports before the season hits.
