Ice fishing for walleye

[Night goat]

I've never seen a walleye in person, and I've never ice fished but I saw some guys ice fishing out on leader lake on loup loup pass last winter, but I know next to nothing about it beyond the obvious. I had a bite of fried walleye once and it was incredible, and I'm thinking a winter fishing trip might be in order. I have no idea where to go, what to use, where to stay etc, looking for recommendations on a good spot to target walleye on the ice... if that's even a thing in this state.

I know I'll need different rods, in my research I see guys have these things called tip-ups or flags? Are those legal? How many holes can you fish? I'm sure I'll have more questions but thought this would be a good place to start!

Thanks!

[buglebuster]

I’m really not sure about ice fishing but if you’re willing to pay a guide you’ll have a great time! The walleye bite is on fire now on the Columbia around boardman. FCO or Flatout Fishing would be my choice. They slay! I saw an add FCO advertising $200 a seat.

[hookr88]

I’ve only done it once, so no help from me. A quick search found a Facebook club in Washington and these links.
https://getoutsideandplayusa.com/the-best-ice-fishing-lakes-in-washington-state

https://thebookongonefishing.com/fishing-tips-for-ice-fishing-in-washington/

Hope this helps

[Russ McDonald]

So a lake for walleye has to be fairly decent sized.  Stream fed.   Tips ups don't work as well with walleye. Jigging off the bottom.  I am talking from years of experience fishing in Northern MN though.  Not so much out here.  Most mountain lakes will be trout and stuff. 

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[Henrydog]

I cannot think of a true lake in Wa that holds walleye and would have ice fishing except Moses.  And I don't see Moses freezing over this year.  All the large walleye populations are in Columbia pools.

[Southpole]

The only lakes that I know of that have walleye is Moses lake, potholes and Banks. Banks will freeze on the north end on a good winter but it’s still sketchy, the other 2 don’t freeze. If you have your heart set on ice fishing for walleyes you might have to go to Minnesota or Wisconsin. My husband and I ice fish every year that is a good winter in the NE corner but we’ve been threatening to go back east and rent an ice castle, I think it would be super cool (no pun intended). I’ve always wanted to lay in bed, ice fish and watch football all at one time  .

[castnblast]

Plan a trip to Curlew Lake. You can take back as many perch, the smaller cousin to walleye, as you pretty much want. They taste as good or better IMO and catching them through the ice is a hoot!

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[Southpole]

Plan a trip to Curlew Lake. You can take back as many perch, the smaller cousin to walleye, as you pretty much want. They taste as good or better IMO and catching them through the ice is a hoot!

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[Fletch]

The only lakes that I know of that have walleye is Moses lake, potholes and Banks. Banks will freeze on the north end on a good winter but it’s still sketchy, the other 2 don’t freeze. If you have your heart set on ice fishing for walleyes you might have to go to Minnesota or Wisconsin. My husband and I ice fish every year that is a good winter in the NE corner but we’ve been threatening to go back east and rent an ice castle, I think it would be super cool (no pun intended). I’ve always wanted to lay in bed, ice fish and watch football all at one time  .

Moses doesnt freeze? HMMMM I have ice fished Moses many times .  I have never caught a walleye through the ice only perch and crappie but Moses can definitely freeze.

[Ridgeratt]

This might where you want to try!!!

https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/locations/lowland-lakes/evergreen-lake

[Southpole]

The only lakes that I know of that have walleye is Moses lake, potholes and Banks. Banks will freeze on the north end on a good winter but it’s still sketchy, the other 2 don’t freeze. If you have your heart set on ice fishing for walleyes you might have to go to Minnesota or Wisconsin. My husband and I ice fish every year that is a good winter in the NE corner but we’ve been threatening to go back east and rent an ice castle, I think it would be super cool (no pun intended). I’ve always wanted to lay in bed, ice fish and watch football all at one time  .

Moses doesnt freeze? HMMMM I have ice fished Moses many times .  I have never caught a walleye through the ice only perch and crappie but Moses can definitely freeze.

Moses lake will freeze from time to time but hasn’t been a reliable ice fishing lake for a long time. I wish it would it would be a blast to ice fish.

[castnblast]

Same thing with Scooteney. Rarely freezes. Have caught walleyes thru ice there too. But wouldn't count on that happening this year.

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[bearpaw]

I would plan a bank fishing trip to the Columbia, Moses, or Banks if you don't have access to a boat and don't want to hire a guide! You wont catch as many fish but you should catch some fish. 

[castnblast]

Night Goat. I live in the Tri-Cities. If you ever make it over this way... I got an extra seat in my boat and we can fish for walleye below McNary.