Where are the Walleyes in the First Week After Ice-Out?

[TroutYammer]

Since Northern Minnesota lakes will just barely be open by opening fishing...What are the best places to look for walleye in the first week just after ice out? Are them comming up shallow at that time or does it take a couple of weeks before they move into the shallows?

[Stick in Mud]

Shallow, at least for the males. Fish the windblown side of the lake! It may be less relaxing, but you'll be catching more fish.

[Team Otter]

In northern MN, the fish will likely be scattered across wind-blown shorelines adjacent to gravel and/or rock. Or, there is a good chance they will be congregated in areas with current or any form of moving water, especially during low light. Don't limit yourself to just shallow water though. I would start shallow (i.e. 5 - 15') but be prepared to do some searching in 15+' of water too.

[hhguide]

You guys said it look for rock and gravel if there spawning and some current that comes into the lake and then also look or shallow shorelines with rocks and wind like said b4 good luck!

[Turk]

I like the first breakline near in coming streams, creeks, small rivers. Especially breaklines with weeds or rock. Lindy rig with livebait, light line, sensative rod, and move slow.

Keep catchin'

Turk

[Stick in Mud]

Are these fish relating to current because of food or spawning? What is it about the moving water that they like so much?

[Team Otter]

Changes in water clarity attracts food and water clarity changes are created through moving water.