A true Canadian doesn't say let's wait for a warmer day, a true Canadian say's grab your sled and meet me at the hut. Growing up in South Eastern Ontario, on one of the greatest Walleye fisheries in this great country, I have found my second home on the ice. Over the years I have learned different techniques, tips and tricks to land the lunker, that I want to share with you.

AREA

 Let's start with the area. Although I have caught big fish, in the weirdest places, the best area I have found for those big walleye, are right in the migration path into or out of a river, or creek. Those walleye are going to head up river for the spawn, if you are right there in the mouth of that river, you aren't going to have to wait long for the bite to start. I know some people have said that if the perch are biting, the walleye aren't there. This I feel is not always the case. Walleye are predatory fish, and use what I like to call the "attack Zone" effect, where they will hide out in the weeds and in structure, waiting for the right time to attack. If a walleye see's a perch moving vigorously in the water ( because it is hooked) it will cause that walleye to want to attack. I can't count how many times I have been reeling up a perch, and had a walleye hit.

LURES

One of the most successful lures I have used is a 5/8 ounce Green and Yellow buck shot. This lure with a stinger hook and a minnow head is a deadly combination. Now saying that, I have also had great success with a Swedish Pimple, and on occasion a Williams Wabbler, blue with a hammered finish. Now these lures have been really successful with jumbo Perch, crappie, walleye, and on occasion Northern Pike, but I found if your on the hunt for big pike, a large shiner, on a hook, with a medium split shot to help sink, will bring those pike in. I was able to try a new technique a friend introduced me to, which was jigging the hole with a top lined crank bait such as a rattlin rap. Jigging the hole with this worked far better than I had thought. A lot of big pike were caught on this, and I suggest you try this if you haven't yet.

SAFETY ON THE ICE

The biggest issue I have seen time and Time again, is people leaving the ice because they are too cold, especially if the bite is off. If your going to fish the Hard Waters, dress for the occasion. If you aren't able to afford a quality floating survival suit, as they can be quite pricey, there are other options. First, dress in layers, making sure your base layer is not cotton, as cotton will absorb moisture, that could freeze, and make you cold. I suggest something like under armor. After layering with 2 or 3 layers, I suggest a wind breaker. The wind will make it feel much colder than it is. If you can block the wind, it will make your day last longer. Water proof, warm boots are key. Your appendages are always the first to get cold, which will progressively make the rest of your body cold. I also recommend a balaclava, This will protect you from the cold, the wind, and the sun. An extra pair of gloves can also come in handy, especially on those days where it is a little warmer, and the ice/snow is melting. If you are wearing other types of boots on your feet such as work boots, do not wear layers of socks. Bring socks with you that you can change, but do not layer your feet. Your feet need the ability to breathe. If your feet are constricted, and aren't able to breath, any of the cold air that enters the boot with stay there. The warmth of your body needs to escape, the inability to escape will cause your feet to sweat and stay cold, and increase the chances of frostbite.

Ice Safety for Vehicles
4-6 inches- A person
6-9 inches- A Snowmobile
10-15 inches- A Small car/ truck
16 + inches- A full size pick up truck

I hope these tips will help you out the next time you hit the hard waters.

Keep Fish'n