Early Ice Walleye | Red Lake Minnesota

Early ice walleye on Upper Red Lake. Popular destination fishery that traditionally produces staggering numbers of walleye early in the winter.
Jason Mitchell and Dusty Minke share some productive tips and strategies for finding and catching early ice walleye. Finesse tricks and dead sticking tips for when fish won’t respond to aggressive presentations.
Red Lake lacks traditional structure so finding walleye is all about breaking down flats and contours while trying to get away from the noise of other anglers.
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[@farsideoutdoors2023]

I love when Jason breaks down what he does and why he does it. The jigs he shows on the side of these videos have probably given me more knowledge just by showing what it is and how it works in the water and show what fish will go for more than others. I’ve found myself constantly changing baits when in all reality it’s not needed- pick one that works in most any situation and just stick with it, I’ve probably caught more fish on a dead stick setup than any other method on the ice when jigging isn’t as effective as other days.

[@senorburnsy]

Great video. I really appreciate the tips on how you hook and modify minnows. I'll be taking them to the ice this season.

[@craigwavra3495]

Good techniques mentioned in this video. Will remember those for those tight lipped walleyes!

[@steveon12]

Yup gotta stay away from crowds. Great vid Jason

[@ayokmancing6801]

Lk59...amazing spot brother...

[@TrentWilliamsOutdoors1]

Jason, you sound exactly like I did last week!

[@TheEzrider403]

NICE !

[@jakedavid8187]

As usual a great video jason. Thanks for the content. Do you use side imaging or pan? I use a vexilar only but wonder if I should get one

[@scottrouwhorst881]

Nice

[@markderifield185]

With wind gusts to 30 mph...how is that tent sled held in place?? Is it staked down??

[@brianschaaf2337]

Have you heard of what the walleye cheaters got charged with? Can't find anything online.

[@HankAaronJoseph19]

Brutal the better

[@jamingoette9062]

I never understood why people grab fish by the gills, probably doesn't help the fish any.

[@JasonMitchellOutdoors]

Tell us you haven’t caught many big walleyes without telling us. Gripping the gill plate of a walleye keeps your fingers out of the gills and keeps them from flopping around or dropping them. You can’t immobilize a big walleye, pike or musky by gripping the tail like you can on a stream trout. What isn’t good for fish is dropping them.

[@johnjohnson1657]

Stud