Rule Number 2: Think Structure

When you catch walleyes in the summer, you will usually be on structure of some sort, whether on a point, a sunken island, a rock pile or a deep weedline. Since fish relate to structure and the structure we're talking about isn't going to move, it's a good bet that some of the fish will stick around as well. Check the shallower structure in the early and late periods, and deeper structure during the mid-winter.

Rule Number 3: Follow the Shore

In winter, schools of walleyes will travel parallel to the shore in search for baitfish. You can cut a few holes at different depths within the Rule Number 1 guidelines to locate the exact depth and then drill some more in that vicinity to pull in additional fish. However, walleyes roam, so they may be somewhere else parallel to the shore.

Rule Number 4: Keep the Bait Down

The warmest water in the lake will be at the bottom. Therefore the most active walleye will be there as well. Make sure you keep your bait between 6" and 12" above the bottom. Since the fish are in a less active state than in summer, they will have a much smaller strike zone. You have to place the bait right in front of them in order to consistently catch fish.

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