6 Best Walleye Ice Fishing Rods (Top Picks for 2024)

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Don’t let the cold and the winter season limit you to exploring and expanding your angling skills. With a walleye ice fishing rod, you will enjoy fishing, and you will probably be boasting the largest walleye in the season.

The hardest part here comes in choosing a walleye ice fishing rod. You are not going to cast this time, so you do not need a casting rod. The rods will vary from other rods due to this factor. This article will help you identify some of the best ice fishing rods for walleye.

Here are the comparison table of 6 Best Ice Fishing Rods for Walleye :

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Best Premium Choice Rod
13 FISHING - Tickle Stick - Ice Fishing Rods

13 FISHING - Tickle Stick - Ice Fishing Rods

  • Length : 27"
  • Power : Medium Light
  • Lure Weight : 1/8 - 1/4 oz
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Best Budget Friendly Rod
KastKing Konvert Twin Tip Ice Fishing Rod

KastKing Konvert Twin Tip Ice Fishing Rod

  • Length : 27"
  • Power : Medium, Medium Light
  • Material : IM6 Graphite 
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St. Croix Rods Legend Black Ice Fishing Rod

St. Croix Rods Legend Black Ice Fishing Rod

  • Length : 30"
  • Power : Light
  • Action : Ice
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Berkley Cherrywood HD Ice Fishing Spinning Rod

Berkley Cherrywood HD Ice Fishing Spinning Rod

  • Length : 24", 26"
  • Power : Ultra Light, Medium Light
  • Action : Moderate Fast Action
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Best Overall Rod
Fenwick HMG Ice Fishing Spinning Rod

Fenwick HMG Ice Fishing Spinning Rod

  • Length : 27"
  • Power : Medium
  • Action : Fast
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St. Croix Rods Mojo Ice Fishing Rod

St. Croix Rods Mojo Ice Fishing Rod

  • Length : 28"
  • Power : Medium
  • Action : Ice
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1. 13 Fishing – Tickle Stick – Ice Fishing Rod

Ice fishing never felt easier like with the 13 fishing-Tickle Stick. It features a parallel composite construction that creates a flat tip. The flat tip increases the rod’s sensitivity, giving the angler the ability to feel every ascending and descending strike and extreme rigidity to the blank that prevents the rod from rolling over.

Additionally, it has a custom evolved reel seat with a 3A Portuguese cork handle that will not leave you exhausted even after long hours of fishing. The ALPS thin wire guide brings out sensitivity and performance previously unheard of in ice fishing rods. Given the different lengths to choose from, you can enjoy different power specifications, and you get to choose a rod that works best for you.

Key Features

  • PC2 Flat-Tip Blank Construction
  • Hi-Vis Tip
  • Custom Evolved Reel seat with hand-selected 3A Portuguese cork
  • ALPS thin wire guides
  • Application Hard water

2. KastKing Konvert Twin Tip Ice Fishing Rod

Experience sensitivity and lightness at its best with the convertible KasKing convert Ice Fishing Rod. The performance of this rod does not compare to the ice fishing rods used earlier. The two tips design with different actions has rendered it a convertible rod. The two tips come with two handles and two-piece graphite reel seats, so you will be feeling like you are walking with two rods.

The graphite blank construction will ensure you experience the lightest feel and sensitivity at its best. Also, you do not have to worry about compromised performance in the dark ice shelters or while ice fishing under the bright sun due to the highly visible Chartreuse strike tips. These strike tips make visibility as the bites are transmitted visually with contrasting colors. Storage and transportation also is not an issue with these rods as they come with a carry case rod, and they can be collapsed to under 17″.

Key Features

  • Highly Visible Chartreuse Strike Tips
  • 100% Graphite blank construction
  • Guides 4+1
  • Collapsed length 17.”
  • Material Graphite
  • Two Tips with 2-piece graphite reel seats and handle
  • Collapsible or packed down for easier storage

3. St Croix Rods Legend Black Ice Fishing Rod

This rod is built to set the bar higher for ice fishing anglers. The tension stainless steel strike indicator lets you fish from anywhere without worrying about reduced visibility. Anglers can see the most subtle bumps before you feel them. Additionally, the interchangeable spring indicator system improves the performance and versatility of the ice fishing rod.

The rod features a solid carbon blank construction that does not give away its sensitivity. Also, enjoy the best alignment with the Pay Bay Minima stainless-steel guides with black anodized frames and rings. Moreover, the split-grip technology on the handles ensures you experience comfort, sensitivity, and balance even in cold weather.

Key Features

  • Fully Adjustable Spring Indicator system
  • High-tension stainless steel strike indicator
  • Pac Bay Minima Stainless Steel guides
  • Split Grip EVA handle
  • Grip type Split grip

4. Berkley Cherrywood HD Ice Fishing Spinning Rod

Experience all-day comfort on the ice owing to the premium cork handle. The solid glass blank construction ensures maximum strength and durability. Available in four different sizes, you get the chance to choose the rod that works best for you.

Additionally, the different lengths let you enjoy different rod powers so that you can handle species like walleye. The stainless steel guides and inserts also help ensure superior performance and alignment of the rod and keep it from freezing even when fishing in the coldest days. With this ice fishing rod, you can forget about missed walleye when ice fishing.

Key Features

  • Solid glass blank construction
  • Premium full cork handle
  • Lightweight stainless steel guides
  • Pieces 1

5. Fenwick HMG Ice Fishing Spinning Rod

Enjoy the best performance at an affordable price with the Fenwick HMG Ice fishing rod. Available in five sizes, you have a wide range of rods to choose from. Featuring a graphite construction, you can be assured of the rod’s durability and lightness. Additionally, the fast tip ensures your success when targeting species like walleye.

The reel seats, on the other hand, come with an ergonomic design and the guides are lightweight with aluminum oxide inserts, so you will not be freezing excessively even when fishing in winter. Moreover, you can be assured of all-day comfort due to the premium cork handle with TAC.

Key Features

  • Solid carbon blanks
  • Ergonomic reel seats
  • Lightweight stainless steel guides
  • Number of guides 4

6. St Croix Rods Mojo Ice Fishing Rod

With the St Croix Mojo ice fishing rod, you can gather confidence and set out for walleye fishing. Available in different sizes, every angler is assured that they will get a product that matches their needs. Additionally, the split grip technology on these rods ensures you enjoy long hours of fishing without experiencing fatigue. The rod feels light, and it features an exposed design that enhances the rod’s sensitivity letting you feel every movement in the rod.

Soon enough, you will be boasting a walleye or other species like trout. You do not have to worry about the rod’s performance, featuring a carbon dust blank, flat finish reel seats, and sea guide stainless steel guides. These stainless steel guides will help reduce freezing when on the ice. The reel seats feature a twist-lock design enhancing a positive locking design.

Key Features

  • Precision taper Solid carbon construction
  • Premium Split-grip cork.
  • High-quality reel seats
  • Stainless Steel guides
  • Grip type Split

Best Walleye Ice Fishing Combo

When getting a rod and reel for walleye ice fishing, you need to be extra careful. The technique used in ice fishing for walleye closely relates to vertical jigging that’s why beginners will not have a hard time learning. The ice fishing combo should ensure maximum sensitivity and superior performance. The Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Rod and Reel.

The size 20 spinning reel is perfect for walleye ice fishing. It comes with one ball bearing plus an aluminum construction, so you are assured of impeccable strength and high performance. The aluminum spool is ported for reduced weight and increased durability. Additionally, the one bearing offers the smoothness required for walleye ice fishing.

On the other hand, the rod features a clear tip design that ensures its sensitivity is top-notch. Also, it comes with one-piece stainless steel guides and twist-lock reel seats that ensure maximum performance even on the coldest winter days. The EVA handles also provide the comfort of this combo, so you can fish all day without suffering exhaustion.

What is a Walleye Ice Fishing Rod?

 Walleye ice fishing rods are generally lighter rods that would typically be used for vertical jigging. However, they are required to be strong as walleye can go up to ten pounds. Some anglers also refer to them as jigging poles. They are not very long, with 28 inches to 34inches; you are good to go, and they offer medium power and fast action.

How to Pick the Perfect Walleye Ice Fishing Rod

Length

The length of a fishing rod is essential in every fishing application. Firstly, for a walleye ice fishing rod, you need to know that you are not required to make any casts, so extremely long rods are unnecessary. Additionally, you will be using lures like jigs or bobbers that do not require casting far. You will be fishing through a hole so,  a 28 inch to 30-inch rod will perform excellently.

Power

The rod power will be determined by the depth and the weight of the lure. Going for lighter power can make your fishing unsuccessful since the rod will feel incredibly lightweight as its light already. However, medium to medium-light power ensures you enjoy success and makes your catch more easily.

Weight

Walleye ice fishing rods should be light. Getting a heavy rod will limit your chances of catching a walleye and leave you exhausted. Therefore, make sure that the rod you choose falls in a weight range that allows for the use of lures like jig and one that will not limit you when fishing from a hole.

Rods components

The reel seats, inserts, and guides ensure your success when angling, improving the rod’s durability and performance. It’s essential to check these components, especially when choosing a walleye ice fishing rod. These components also help reduce freezing when you are fishing on the ice.

Material

The material of your walleye ice fishing rods will determine your performance. Some materials will ensure the rod’s lightweight and sensitivity, while others will provide the rod’s strength. For walleye ice fishing, sensitivity and lightness are crucial; therefore, rods made from graphite will excel as they are more sensitive and lighter. However, you can also go for other materials like aluminum or fiberglass if they do not compromise the sensitivity and lightness.

What is the best Size Ice Fishing Rod for Walleye?

Your fishing location will determine the size. If you are fishing inside a shelter, smaller rods can be used. However, if you are in the open, you can go for longer rods. Solid carbon rods within the range of 28 inches and 34 inches will work perfectly in walleye ice fishing applications.

Should you Use Medium or Medium Light Rods for Walleye?

Walleye fishing rods work best if the power is either medium or medium light. This is because they are already light, so you don’t need to make them lighter than they already are. Medium and medium-light rods are perfect. However, a medium rod will excel more compared to medium light rods since they will maintain the rod’s strength.

Walleye Ice Fishing Tips for Beginners

Walleye are the ideal beginners species for ice fishing because they maintain the same location in every season. You will always find them swimming at the bottom of the ocean. The following are the walleye ice fishing tips for beginners.

  • Firstly, make sure you have the correct ice fishing equipment.
  • Secondly, it’s important to understand where you will be fishing from. Understand the lake you are fishing perfectly and the points where you will find fish.
  • Present the bait close to the bottom and slowly move it higher. This is because walleye may be sitting two feet off the bottom depending on the conditions.
  • Lastly, vary time between the movements until you make a catch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Depth Should I Ice Fish For Walleye?

The depth for ice fishing for walleye depends on the season and the time of the day. Fish are at different levels in early, late, and mid-winter. At mid-winter, fish are usually at 30 to 40 feet depth. In early winter, walleye will be found in shallow waters at a depth of 4 to 8 feet. At the end of the winter season, the walleye move back to shallow waters so that you will find them at 10 to 20 feet of water. When considering the time of the day, walleye will be at a depth of 30 to 40 feet at noon on a bright sunlight winter day. As the sun starts to set, they move to shallow waters to hunt their prey.

What Is The Best Power Rod For Walleye Ice Fishing?

When walleye ice fishing, you need to ensure that you achieve maximum sensitivity. Walleye ice fishing rods are already light, so medium and medium-light power rods. Light power rods can be less effective as the rod will feel super light, making it challenging to catch walleye.

What Weight Rod Is Perfect For Walleye Ice Fishing?

When ice fishing for walleye, you need to ensure your rod is lightweight. Heavier rods are less effective in walleye ice fishing. However, when choosing your light rod, ensure it does not compromise on its strength since walleye can grow up to 10 pounds.

Final Verdict

Walleye ice fishing is a technique that requires a bit of expertise. Getting the right equipment too can be challenging, especially for a beginner. The weight, length, power, and action will determine your success in walleye ice fishing. Worst case scenario, you might end up losing your catch or not getting any fish at all. However, with the correct information, you will be boasting the best rod and a few catches.

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