Join John Hoyer on the frozen waters of Devils Lake, North Dakota, as he showcases power fishing techniques for catching shallow-water walleyes. With freezing conditions and the help of advanced tools like forward-facing sonar, Hoyer demonstrates how to locate and catch these sought-after fish in unconventionally shallow depths.
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WHY FISH DEVILS LAKE FOR WALLEYES?
Devils Lake offers unique opportunities for ice fishing walleyes in shallow water, even during the harshest winter months. Hoyer explains why walleyes often stay under 8 feet of water, rummaging through flooded structures like old roadbeds, rock piles, and even submerged farmsteads. This shallow water behavior is a treat for ice anglers.
BEST TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES FOR ICE FISHING WALLEYES
- Use Forward-Facing Sonar. Forward-facing sonar makes it easier to locate fish by surveying a wide area under the ice. Hoyer sets the sonar range to 60– to 80 feet when searching, then narrows it to 10 feet when he’s on fish.
- Use Aggressive Baits. Walleyes are often much more aggressive under the ice than anglers realize, especially in shallow water. The crew uses a combination of lipless crankbaits to help draw curious fish to their location, then triggers them with fast-darting glide baits like the proven Berkley Finisher.
- Light Rods for Shallow Water. A 30-inch light-action rod makes for an ideal skinny water ice stick. Hoyer prefers the bite detection afforded by a soft tip, while the flex improves hookup ratios with treble baits. The 6-pound FireLine and a fluorocarbon leader support fast lure fall rates, abrasion resistance, and high-percentage hookups.
PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS ON DEVILS LAKE
- Focus on Structure. Search for flooded roadbeds, rock piles, or other underwater structures. These areas attract walleyes year-round.
- Adjust to the Bite. Use a mix of aggressive and subtle jigging to match the fish’s mood.
- Stay Mobile. Drill new holes and scan large areas to locate active fish.
Devils Lake’s shallow-water walleye action makes for exciting ice fishing. Whether targeting walleyes for dinner or refining your ice fishing strategy, this video covers everything you need.
