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Ice Fishing Gear & Setup Guide

Lake of the Woods ice fishing gear and rig examples from Jeff's Ice-O-Miniums.

While fishing Lake of the Woods (LOW), you will have the chance to catch many species through the ice. While the most popular — and many will say the tastiest — and most commonly caught will be the walleye.

At the beginning of the season, most fish houses will be positioned closer to shore in shallower waters. As the season progresses, the fish begin to cycle out into deeper waters. Jeff's team moves the houses, keeping them — and you — in the center of the ice fishing action.

jig hanging over ice fishing bucket

Walleye Ice Fishing Rod & Tackle Setup

Walleye are likely the most popular fish species targeted at Jeff's Ice-O-Miniums. Of course there are no hard and fast rules for setups — this is just a common example.

Because a person can ice fish with two lines, one fishing pole is often set up with a slip bobber rig, and the other set up to fish "straight-line" style with a jig tipped with a minnow. Usually 4-6 lb test line is enough for walleye and sauger.

Spring Bobber Tip: Fishing rods with a "spring bobber" tip make monitoring light bites even easier. This lets you keep a smaller presentation on one line while actively jigging with the other. With a sensitive rod, you'll feel and see your rod tip move as the fish takes the jig — then set the hook!

Slip Bobber Rig - Step by Step

slip bobber rig med-light fishing rod and reel
  • 1

    Add a bobber stop, bead, and slip bobber to your line. In a heated shack like Jeff's, an all-season slip bobber works great with no icing issues. Fishing outside in the cold? Use an IceBuster bobber — the line stays underwater so it won't ice up.

  • 2

    Attach a barrel swivel. This minimizes bait rotation (which turns off fish) and lets you easily swap out a fluorocarbon leader.

  • 3

    Add a fluorocarbon leader, 2–3 feet long. Fluorocarbon is stronger than mono of the same diameter, nearly invisible, sinks, and is fray-resistant.

  • 4

    Add a small lead weight to help get your bait down quickly and prevent tangling with other lines.

  • 5

    Attach either your jig or plain hook.

NOTE: Lures or jigs are not required for walleye fishing success. Plain hook setups produce just as many fish as lures. Use whatever you're comfortable with!

Jigs, Lures & Minnow Baits

Common Jigs on Lake of the Woods

A wide variety of small jigs are commonly used and produce consistent results. Plain hook setups tied directly to your line are equally effective — don't overthink it.

  • Small tungsten or lead jigs in natural colors
  • Glow-in-the-dark options work well in dark water
  • Tip with a live minnow or just a minnow head
  • Plain hooks tied directly to line — very effective

Minnow-Shaped Lures

Lures like Jiggin' Raps, Salmo Minnows, and similar styles have produced very impressive catches on LOW. It's often the larger, more aggressive fish that hit these — and they'll rise 10 or more feet from below to strike!

  • Jigging Raps in natural shad or perch colors
  • Salmo Minnow jigging lures
  • Tip with a whole minnow or minnow head for scent
  • A rod holder keeps your rod secure while multitasking

Live Bait for Lake of the Woods Ice Fishing

Live bait is provided by Jeff with every rental!

You don't need to bring your own — it's waiting in your shack when you arrive.

Most visitors at Jeff's ice fishing for walleye use live bait. The most common walleye baits are fathead minnows or shiner minnows. Try different sizes and types until you find what's working best that day.

Fathead Minnows

The go-to walleye bait — hardy, available, and effective.

Shiner Minnows

A flashy option that often triggers reaction strikes from walleye.

Emerald Shiners

May be live or preserved. Highly effective on Lake of the Woods.

Tip: If fish are biting light or stealing bait, try using just the minnow head — it can entice reluctant fish to fully commit to the strike.

Fishing Flashers & Sonar

When it comes to knowing what's happening below the ice, a flasher or graph shows you exactly where fish are and how they're reacting to your presentation. You lower a transducer into the water and the circular display relays everything between you and the bottom of the lake — including any fish in between.

Bottom

Marked in red — shows lake depth.

Large Fish

Marked red — bigger return means bigger fish.

Smaller Fish

Yellow or green returns in the water column.

Your Bait

You can actually see your weight and bait on screen!

Walleye tend to stick toward the bottom, though they will often rise higher or feed through the water column. The flasher lets you adjust your presentation to match where the fish are holding. Seeing a fish rise toward your bait and then watching your rod tip load up is one of the most exciting parts of ice fishing!

Top Flasher Brands for LOW

Vexilar
Marcum
Humminbird

Jeff's Personal Touch

One of the great things about fishing with Jeff that cannot be overstated is his genuine interest in your success. He checks in on his guests. If you'd like, he can offer suggestions on what seems to be working at other shacks — or even move the sleeper if need be.

You're not just a reservation number at Jeff's. You're a guest, and he takes that seriously.

Don't Wait — Slots Fill Up Fast!

There are only so many slots in a season. Reserve your ice fishing trip with Jeff for an experience you won't forget.

Reserve Now