Based on the latest ice fishing reports and events for the 2024-2025 season, here are the top walleye ice fishing tactics, locations, and events:

### 🎣 **Prime Locations & Current Conditions**
1. **Lake of the Woods (MN):**
– **Technique:** “One-two punch” of aggressive jigging (rattling spoons, lipless crankbaits) paired with deadsticks tipped with live minnows .
– **Depth:** 15–30 ft near ice roads extending 20+ miles offshore.
– **Catches:** Limits of walleye/sauger, jumbo perch, and trophy pike (tip-ups recommended) .
– **Season:** Ice houses allowed through March 31; walleye season open until April 14 .

2. **Tamarack Lake (Grand Rapids, MI):**
– Host of the **2025 Ice Fishing World Championship** (Feb 11–16).
– Depth: Max 18 ft; species include walleye, pike, and perch .
– Tactics: Focus on drop-offs and natural shorelines with live minnows or blade baits.

3. **Lake Erie (OH/PA):**
– **Lures:** Swedish Pimples tipped with emerald shiners for suspended walleye .
– **Timing:** Midday deep bites (40–50 ft) vs. evening shallows (15–25 ft) .

4. **Great Sacandaga Lake (NY):**
– **Event:** Walleye Challenge (Feb 15, 2025) with $2,149/hour prizes .
– **Rules:** 7 lines/person (tip-ups + jig poles); fish must be weighed same day .

### ⚙️ **Proven Techniques & Gear**
– **Deadstick Dominance:** Stationary minnows 12″ off bottom catch neutral walleye, especially paired with active jigging .
– **River Tactics:** “Pulse drifting” – pause jigs every 10–15 ft in currents to mimic injured prey .
– **Low-Light Strategy:** UV-charged glow jigs during full moons for shallow (3–8 ft) night bites .
– **Essential Gear:**
– **Rods:** Medium-light power for sensitivity.
– **Line:** 6–10 lb fluorocarbon leaders.
– **Augers:** Extensions required for 40″+ ice .

### ❄️ **Major 2025 Events & Trips**
| **Event** | **Dates** | **Location** | **Details** |
|————————–|———————|————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Ice Fishing World Championship | Feb 11–16 | Tamarack Lake, MI | Teams from 20+ nations; volunteers needed . |
| Winter Walleye Connection | Feb 5–7 | Ballard’s Resort, MN | $650/person: 2 days guided fishing, lodging, meals . |
| Walleye Challenge | Feb 15 | Great Sacandaga Lake, NY| $60 entry; 1,500 angler cap; hourly cash prizes . |

### ⚠️ **Critical Safety & Regulations**
– **Ice Checks:** Resorts monitor daily; river ice unstable due to currents .
– **Rules:** NY allows 7 lines/person; MN requires tags for contests .
– **Gear:** Heated shelters (Bombardier transports) and GPS spot-locking for repeated success .

For real-time updates:
– Lake of the Woods: [lakeofthewoodsmn.com](https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/fishing-report-3-4-2025/)
– Walleye Challenge: [44lakes.com](https://www.44lakes.com/37992-2/)

Tight lines and stay warm! 🧊🎣