I grew up ice fishing. Literally, my first experiences fishing were just as frequently spent walking on hard-water as they were floating on the liquid version. Ice’s technological revolution was at hand then, with open-water converted flashers and gas augers becoming somewhat more common on the ice-scape. I learned what I could, fishing wherever I could, from big waters of the North to small potholes throughout the Midwest. But no matter where I went or what I fished for, I was a sponge.
With no money to hire a guide, I read what I could, talked to anyone I could find, watched every video, and attended every seminar I could make time for. Years of walleye guidance, especially through the ice, eventually started to sort itself from a variety of slogans, sayings and sage advice, into meaningful applications that I brought out onto the hardscape with me.

Somewhere along the way, it became readily apparent to me that all anglers were not created equal, or if they were, each progressed at a different rate depending on their level of passion for the sport, free-time, work ethic and a whole list of other variables that make someone successful in ice fishing. That ruler for success is also a variable in and of itself, driving some to fervent levels, while others to just enjoy their surroundings and a meal for the table.
Still, there existed then, and now, certain traits that separate the good anglers from the great ones. After working throughout the ice-fishing industry with some of the best anglers, guides and fishing fanatics throughout the Ice Belt, I’m confident that the qualities I share here will make you a better angler.
The bad news is that unfortunately, I have not found a substitute for time on the water. The good news is that the best anglers in the country have many behaviors in common, and you can learn from them to hone your ice walleye game.
The Fish
The best ice anglers are lifelong students of their favorite species, typically knowing a great deal about each aspect of their biological needs, such as spawning, habitat, behavioral patterns and meaningful predator/prey relationships. They understand seasonal movements, cover and structure types that dictate their location throughout the year. They also know a great deal about the presentations that are most likely to bring them success given the previous conditions. They are up to date on the latest research on walleyes, and understand what makes them tick as a species.

Know thy adversary is something that these anglers take as a challenge, and also are proud to know what they do, specifically for the waters they fish and how that may differ in waters elsewhere.
Best Waters
The best walleye anglers fish the best destinations, plain and simple. Just as the infamous bank robber Willie Sutton held up banks because “That’s where the money is,” you should fish where the fish are. Not just the best places, but the best time of year, time of day, on the best structure, using the best methods. If your budget won’t allow an all-out Ice Belt tour, fish the best that’s within your local area. That could include shallow-water haunts for fish that frequently only eat under a tip-up or other stationary set, or in the big, windswept walleye factories of the North, where mobility can mean everything when hunting for the best bite over miles and miles of frozen ice. Too many times, anglers head to the same old, tired waterbodies where walleyes aren’t, wishing above all wishes that they were. Fish where the fish are, and you’ll always at least be in the game.
Mental Preparedness
Guides are often tasked with taking a difficult day and putting a positive spin on it. It’s not just a business tactic, however, it’s a way of life. The top guides and anglers that I’ve ever fished with have an extremely positive attitude. The next fish is just one hole away, and even when they swing and miss, they perpetually have a “get the next one” attitude. They’re able to focus more and longer, while removing distractions, and able to ready themselves for bite windows to open, exploiting sometimes short durations of intense fish activity while constantly studying and adjusting their approach. They can block out negative attitudes from other anglers, bad weather, or fish that aren’t cooperating. Then still find a way to get the best out of every hour on the ice, making even hard days the best ones they can possibly be.

Hard Work
North America’s best walleye anglers work hard. They’re mobile, but not just for mobility’s sake. Their goal is to fish efficiently, and can get to active fish by themselves or in a team atmosphere. They’re tenacious in that they “drill-out” spots, fishing inside or outside of a shelter depending on what is most effective. They’ll utilize approaches and presentations that can benefit surrounding anglers, driving fish into an area through the use of aggressive baits, even if they’re not the ones directly benefiting. They get their steps in, ranging across the ice and making sure that at the end of the day, they’re not sitting back at the lodge or at home wishing they would’ve drilled out that one last spot.
Quality Equipment
People that make a living fishing don’t always use the most expensive equipment, but they always use the most functional and durable equipment. This is across the board and in all categories, from their auger and shelter, to the electronics, rods, reels and baits. Moreover, they maintain it all in perfect working order so there’s no surprises during the next excursion. They can be gear junkies, but more in the sense that they’re always looking for a better system. They’re up on the latest lures and wrinkles in angling that are working elsewhere. They fish for walleyes all over their range, and are willing to use the best equipment that may not be locally popular to see if it applies in their own area.

Technology
For the advanced walleye angler, technology isn’t to be feared, it’s to be exploited. The best anglers in the world embrace the change, but also don’t get lost in it. They customize it, and apply key features of ice electronics — like adjustable zoom, open-water chart mode, and lightweight lithium batteries to directly benefit their style of fishing and species they’re pursuing.
They scout digitally, performing aerial reconnaissance and utilizing the best underwater mapping available. They stay up on the latest trends in tech, utilizing forward-facing sonar, 360-degree viewing, and are nimble with GPS mapping for the ultimate advantage out on the ice. In their quest to leave no boulder unfished, they seek out technology not for tech’s sake, but in the pursuit of the ultimate prize, which is more fish topside at the end of the day.

Organization
The “before, during, and after” approach to conquering chaos is a professional angler’s best friend. Top anglers actively plan what they need before they leave, putting each piece of equipment in its place to be prepared for multiple scenarios. When fishing, these anglers utilize multiple rods and patterns, putting away anything they can whenever they can to best take advantage of bite windows. They are organized in their approach on the ice, as well, both from a gear management perspective, and also in their travel and movements.
They’re efficient at finding new water, fishing it to understand what it may offer, and moving quickly and decisively if it does not produce. After fishing, they take care of bait, charge batteries, fuel up everything and dry out what’s wet, allowing them to be productive in the trips to come. Broken or lost items are noted, put on a list, and replaced as soon as possible to enjoy the smoothest experience the next trip out on the ice.
The Details
Elite ice anglers are constantly changing their recipes, observing and adjusting, executing, then repeating a great number of times. They remember the small stuff like fishing scissors, pliers/forceps and headlamps, and always have extra batteries, hitch pins, replacement blades, and gas and oil ready to go. They know their sonar extremely well, and know how fish “close” on a bait, understanding the subtle clues that electronics offer in realizing when a fish is ready to commit.

They are tinkerers by trade, constantly modifying lure size, weight, vibration or color, while going through various live-bait combinations, as well. They also understand what weather patterns are most likely to offer them success in a given scenario. They understand barometric pressure, light levels offered by various cloud conditions, and can present a bait while detecting strikes effectively in high winds or dead-calm conditions.
These walleye secrets, if you will, are all for naught if you can’t apply them to your own fishing situations. Identify your strengths and what you enjoy doing. Emulate those that are successful. Specialize to fish what and how you fish best. Evolve through your own experiences, continually modifying your approach.
Lastly, push the envelope. Be unapologetic and fearless to try it differently than all of the rest. You’ll be well on your way to mastering your craft, wherever you live and for whatever fish you pursue.
