Walleye Fishing on Lake of the Woods | The Best Practices

Step onto the ice with Jon Thelen in this informative and action-packed episode of Destination Fish, where he takes you to the legendary Lake of the Woods. Fishing from the comfort of hard houses, Jon dives into the tips, tricks, and techniques that make walleye fishing on this iconic lake so productive and enjoyable. Whether you’re new to ice fishing or looking to up your game, this episode is your guide to mastering walleye fishing on Lake of the Woods.
Section 1: The Allure of Hard House Fishing on Lake of the Woods Lake of the Woods is a renowned ice fishing destination, and its hard house setups make it a unique and accessible experience for anglers of all levels. Jon begins by introducing the hard house experience:
Comfort and Convenience: Heated shelters, pre-drilled holes, and ample space for gear make hard houses a great option for fishing in comfort.
Prime Locations: Resorts position these houses over productive fishing zones, allowing anglers to target walleyes without the hassle of drilling and moving holes.
"This is the ultimate way to fish in the cold without sacrificing comfort," Jon says as he prepares for a day on the ice.
Seasonal Patterns: Walleyes in Lake of the Woods transition between shallow and deeper waters depending on the time of day and light conditions. Early morning and evening bites are typically best in shallower areas, while midday sees fish moving deeper.
Forage Preferences: Knowing what walleyes are feeding on-whether it’s shiners, perch, or other baitfish-is key to selecting the right lures and presentations.
Gear and Tackle Tips for Hard House Success Jon highlights the essential gear and tackle for targeting walleyes on Lake of the Woods:
Rods and Reels: Medium-light rods with sensitive tips to detect subtle bites and reels with smooth drag systems for battling larger fish.
Line: Fluorocarbon or mono for clear water visibility, and braided mainlines for increased sensitivity in deeper waters.
Lures: Jon’s go-to baits include glow spoons, Rattlin’ Flyers, and jigging raps for active presentations. He also demonstrates using live bait rigs tipped with minnows for a slower, more enticing approach.
Section 4: Techniques for Hard House Walleye Fishing Jon walks viewers through his favorite techniques for fishing from hard houses:
Jigging: "It’s all about finding the right cadence," Jon says, demonstrating how to vary jigging speeds and motions to trigger bites. He explains how to watch for walleyes on your sonar and adapt your technique based on their reaction.
Deadsticking: Using a second line with a live bait rig can entice more cautious walleyes. Jon shows how to set up a deadstick rod and position it for maximum effectiveness.
Mixing Presentations: "Sometimes, the fish want subtle; other times, they’ll chase something more aggressive," Jon explains. Switching between jigging and deadsticking can help you find what works best.
Section 5: Electronics and Locating Fish Jon demonstrates how to use modern electronics to locate and target walleyes effectively:
Sonar: He shows how to read sonar to identify fish location, depth, and activity levels. "Watching how fish react to your bait is one of the biggest advantages of electronics," Jon says.
Cameras: For clear water conditions, underwater cameras can provide a visual edge in understanding fish behavior and fine-tuning presentations.
Section 6: Timing and Light Conditions Jon emphasizes the importance of timing when fishing for walleyes on Lake of the Woods. "Low-light periods-early morning and evening-are when walleyes are most active," Jon explains. He also shares tips for targeting midday fish by moving to deeper water or adjusting your presentation.
: Tips for Success in Hard Houses Jon offers practical tips to make the most of your hard house fishing experience:
Stay Mobile: Even though hard houses are stationary, resorts often provide the option to move houses if needed. "If the bite slows, don’t be afraid to relocate," Jon advises.
Be Quiet: Noise travels easily under the ice in clear water. Keep movements inside the house to a minimum to avoid spooking fish.
Work Together: If fishing with a group, vary lures and techniques to figure out what the fish prefer.
Section 8: Conservation and Best Practices As always, Jon stresses the importance of conservation and responsible fishing. He discusses:
Leaving the hard house area clean to preserve the environment.
Conclusion: Fishing for walleyes from hard houses on Lake of the Woods is an unforgettable experience, and with Jon Thelen’s expert tips and techniques, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of your trip. From understanding walleye behavior to mastering your presentations and using the right gear, this episode of Destination Fish is packed with everything you need to know for hard house success. Tune in and get ready to take your ice fishing skills to the next level!