Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015 - 19
Uniform of the day
If you're well prepared, winter Walleye
fishing can be quite comfortable. Wear
layers of clothing that include a wicking
material next to the skin. Top off with a
wind/waterproof shell, and wear insulating
garment(s) in between. Be sure to wear
your life jacket. Carry multiple pairs
of gloves, as they will get wet and are
worthless in such condition.
Boat launches are rarely maintained. Be
self-reliant by carrying some sand and/or
kitty litter for traction material, a shovel to
clear snow and a spud to break any skim of
shoreline ice. Boaters are required by law
to wear a life jacket on boats less than 16
feet in length or any canoe or kayak during
the cold weather months from November 1
through April 30.
Tom Ference admires an Allegheny River Walleye taken on a jig and minnow.
Artificial minnows, especially ones packaged in a jar of liquid, often do as
well or better than live ones. If I can't secure live minnows for a trip, I don't
feel at all undergunned. Rig artificial minnows the same as natural minnows.
Bucktail jigs and grubs can be fished a bit more aggressively, because
there is no concern about rigging a minnow free. And on days when
the Walleyes are really on, you don't need minnows and can just fish the
undressed bucktail or grub.
On the other hand, when Walleyes show no interest in jigs of any
sort, they'll often hit a blade bait pumped vertically right in their faces.
The suspending jerkbait is a terrific option during the evening twilight
period when fish move shallow. Fish it ultra-slow with subtle jerks and
lengthy pauses.
During the day, drift fish over slack water pools, working a jig under the
boat in a vertical manner. Alternate between jig styles and dressings, and
don't be afraid to experiment with colors. Walleyes can be quite finicky.
As dusk approaches, plan on anchoring on a prime spot, often near a
creek mouth or gravel bar with intentions of targeting Walleyes that move
shallow. It may take some experimentation to discover these areas, but they
tend to remain productive year after year.
At this time, you can often drop down a size in jig weight, usually from
¼ to ⅛ ounce. I've found dark jigs to be most effective during the witching
hour. Be sure to have your boat well organized as darkness approaches and
have your running lights rigged and ready to go.
PFBC website: www.fishandboat.com
Soft plastic grubs, minnows and crayfish will
take river Walleye, particularly when the fish
are fairly aggressive.
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * January/February 2015
19
http://www.fishandboat.com
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015
Contents
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015 - Cover1
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015 - Cover2
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015 - 3
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015 - 4
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015 - Contents
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015 - 6
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015 - 7
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015 - 8
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015 - 9
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015 - 10
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015 - 11
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015 - 12
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015 - 13
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015 - 14
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015 - 15
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015 - 16
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015 - 17
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015 - 18
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015 - 19
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015 - 20
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015 - 21
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015 - Cover3
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015 - Cover4
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