A reader reports that the ice is mostly off Deer Creek, though Jordanelle remains ice-bound. Strawberry still has an incredibly thick sheet of ice, but the afternoon slush is acting like glue to most four-wheelers and even snow machines. Maybe it's time to shift gears from battling spring ice conditions on your favorite haunts and look to ice-free Utah Lake for some walleye action.

Walleyes spawn at a prime temperature of 48 degrees. They have no problem pulling in and out of spawning areas depending on weather conditions. They stage within several hundred yards of their future nests but may travel up to a mile or two in one evening, if the urge hits them.

Anglers report that fishing for walleyes on Utah Lake is still slow in comparison to years past. However, with warmer weather forecast and the full moon on its way this week, it just might be the time to hook into some great "eyes."

Remember that walleyes can stage for up to a month before they spawn. The females find sand bars in and among the rocky, gravely areas they will ultimately use to lay their eggs and they will remain almost lifeless on the sand, waiting and preparing for the big event. Then, when it's "their time," they move to the shoreline and with several males surrounding them, they deposit their eggs. Generally four males accompany each female but I've seen up to seven or eight with a particularly large female.

I fish with 1/4-ounce red marabou jigs, and I do so early in the morning or late in the evening. Sometimes I'll put two jigs on at a time with a split swivel but that is not necessary. I reel in, noting the rocks, sand and structure my jigs encounter on each cast. Though I lose my share of jigs with this method, I quickly discover the lanes I can use with relatively few snags.

Patience is the key to successful walleye angling. Fish early morning or late evening, but sometimes the noon bite is the best of the day. I calculate the time the moon is directly underfoot and try to fish at that time as well. I use a three-turn-and-jerk retrieve. The walleye react to the "jerk" and grab the jig. I was accused one time years ago by a particularly cantankerous DWR officer of "snagging" fish. But when he checked my net he realized each fish had the jig neatly in the corner of its mouth.

Trust the retrieve, explore the harbors and jetties and send me your stories.

• Don Allphin can be reached at remaxdoa@gmail.com.