First off: What’s a greenback and how do they get that way?

A “greenback” is an emerald/iridescent green walleye people believe is unique to Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba. Here’s one I pulled outta the Red River (tributary to Lake Winnipeg) last fall:

Supposedly their b-e-a-utiful greenish coloration comes from the limestone-rich waters of the northern basin…or maybe it’s from all that Mountain Dew they chug before making the trek south? Lol either way they’re cool to look at and FUN to catch.

Case you need more convincing…here’s Winnipegonian Josh McFaddin showing why Manitoba greenbacks should be on every fish-head’s bucket list:

S’more emerald goodness, this time from Pierre Tessier (@canadianhunter88) with a couple o’ sour apples he plucked off the Lake Winnipeg tree:

This greenie had some bonus “protein” goin’ on:

That fish ^ was caught by @i_fishtomuch, who’s been having one heck of a season. Snatched himself this greenback blimp ripping a white tube jig (on purpose), which he says is “way too overlooked for walleyes.” Agreed:

The rumors are true: You don’t need live bait to catch walleyes…especially during early-ice while oxygen levels are high and fish are active. One of the “fake” options that really shines in shallow water is a #4 (3/16-oz) Rapala Ultra Light Rippin’ Rap.

Use big rips to call fish in, then slow down — but never stop moving the bait — when they show up on the graph. Great way to cover water and search out biters:

Diggin’ that white-on-white wheeler too, fellas (#ballin’)! Maybe next year you can add one of these to yer on-ice arsenal:

Always knew Brian “Bro” Brosdahl was a Grumpy Old Man. 😉

Multi-species addict JP DeRose whacked this merped-out buttah ball fishing a Jackall 2.8″ Rhythm Wave Swimbait on Lake Simcoe. Awesome shot:

Joel Nelson’s kiddo Isaac (left) may have caught the first fish…but Joel’s (right) was definitely more, um…unique?

Forgot to post this one from earlier this year, so will drop her in now….Alexandria, MN merp pike (somehow?!) caught by Mark Grussing. WTHeck:

That’s Troy “visor-game-strong” Lindner talking about a stupidly-good walleye bite outta Wilderness North, Ontari-yo. He pops a half dozen walters in a row using bacon [!] for bait. Can’t make this stuff up:

Ridiculous. It’s all fun and games until the rest of the camp realizes: