Early ice walleyes?

[Ely Lake Expert]

Lets hear if anyone has any tricks they want to reveal about early season walleyes on vermillion. I try something different every year and am still looking for that perfect lure. I plan on using small glow jigs and minnows.

Ryan

[Cliff Wagenbach]

I really like Angel Eye jigs in Gold, Red/Gold, and Perch colors for early eyes on Vermilion.

I have also had good luck with Rattle spoons, Sweedish Pimples, and Northland's new airplane jigs in red, green, and gold.

On most days I jig aggressively and use a whole rainbow minnow on them or a minnow head.

[upnorth]

I like Angel Jrs in gold and perch colors. I also have good luck with the whislter type jigs in Gold and I have had sucess with blue and yellow combo too.

[guideman]

When the walleyes are active under early ice I have done well with baits similar to what Cliff uses. I also like to drop a sonar on them when they are really going. It seems to attract some bigger fish, than a jig/minnow combo.

[MT Net]

I've always liked a pink colored jig and Sweedish Pimples.

And I like Guideman's method. When wally walleye isn't cooperating, just knock him over the head with the sonar.

[upnorth]

Some days you just need to get there attention. Just like a kid bonk in the head will sometime get the job done.

[Ely Lake Expert]

Thanks for the ideas guys. I am also wondering what is your preferences in minnows? Shiners, rainbows, chubs, or have anyone tried those crappie sized orange minnows? I don't even know where they sell the orange ones, but I have seen a guy use them on Ely lake before.

Ryan

[Ely Lake Expert]

Wow, I ask about lures and you guys gladly reply. Then I ask about minnows thats going to far, no response, I see how it is.

Ryan

[StillFishin']

Hey ElyLakeExpert, sorry I can't answer you question of which minnows are best but I can address the orange minnow quarry. I beleive the orange minnows you mentioned are red rosies(or rosie reds) and are a hybreed of the fathead minnow. They are usually sold in pet shops to feed aquarium fish. I know because I own a pet shop but wouldn't sell them for fishing.

Personally, since they are a man made creation, I don't think they should be allowed to be used on any lake(especially the Big V) as a bait fish. We've got enough envasive species already and don't need a bunch of orange minnows swimming around. Also don't be tempted to use goldfish as I'm sure those are definitly illegal to use.

Geez's the DNR wants us fisherman to dump the unused live minnows on the ground even if bought locally. If they are bought locally and you know your minnows, I think that's carrying things to far in the other direction. PETA would have a field day with this!

Did't mean to stir up a potential can of worms.

StillFishin'

[upnorth]

I didn't respond cuz I am not really an expert on the Big V, but in the winter I usually just use chubs and do pretty well with them. But I am cheap too so don't just take my word for it

[MT Net]

I guess I just buy the minnows that the attendent says is working at that time. And always with professional knowledge behind the advice.

[Ely Lake Expert]

Quote:

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I beleive the orange minnows you mentioned are red rosies(or rosie reds) and are a hybreed of the fathead minnow. They are usually sold in pet shops to feed aquarium fish. I know because I own a pet shop but wouldn't sell them for fishing.

Personally, since they are a man made creation, I don't think they should be allowed to be used on any lake(especially the Big V) as a bait fish. We've got enough envasive species already and don't need a bunch of orange minnows swimming around. Also don't be tempted to use goldfish as I'm sure those are definitly illegal to use.

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Still fishin,

Now that you say the name, I think it is what the guy told me they were called. He wasn't on big V either he was 50 feet away from my permanent shack on Ely lake, aaarrggghhh. So I just walked and said hi and noticed those goofy looking orange minnows. I asked him where he got them and he said he lived in the cities and he bought them before he came up this way. He made it sound like he bought them in a bait shop, who knows though. As far as goldfish are concerned, I know better, I have been fishing as long as I can remember. I was just curious is those gold minnows where legitimate bait or not. By the way it was 2 winters ago that I say them and haven't since.

Ryan

[2muchwork]

the rosies could be boght at crossroads in Iron last year,but were crappie minnow size.I saw them 2-years ago in grand rapids on my way to red lake. I did real good on big V last winter withthe buckshot jigging spoon tipped with a shiner head, Hookthe head where it was cut off. it seemed to make a difference.4.5 inches on mc kinley park today is the report I gotbut it was good ice

[Cliff Wagenbach]

I have had my best luck using small sucker minnows or their heads on jigs. Rainbows also have been working on my jigs.

I did not respond earlier because I was too busy...FISHING!!

I believe that the rosie minnows were popular around the Grand Rapids area a year or two back.

[MJR]

I like suckers but not necesarily small ones, of course I've ice fished on v over 2 weekends.

You can get the rosies at vados bait in Fridley, never tried them myself.

Is everyone driving 4 wheelers or snowmobiles out there yet?

[stick]

Quote:

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When the walleyes are active under early ice I have done well with baits similar to what Cliff uses. I also like to drop a sonar on them when they are really going. It seems to attract some bigger fish, than a jig/minnow combo.

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Hey guideman, a sonar is a favorite of mine. Took the laker in my picture with one. I have had some success for walleyes with them, but was wondering what sort of jigging technique you use. Aggressive...just a jiggle? I have had success doing different things, but have you patterned one method over another?