Ice fishing is one of the few sports that offers the relaxation of angling, the mental challenge of a good chess game and the adventure of the great outdoors in cooler months.
While the surface may be solidly frozen, the water beneath continues to teem with walleye, perch, trout or other fish native to your area. Getting these fish takes different tools and techniques from the standard angling rulebook. However, those are easily learned.
The first rule is to be certain the ice is solid. Four inches of solid ice in mid-season is about the best it gets. Late-season ice can be deceptively weak as air currents, underwater currents, fish schools, melting and re-freezing and other factors can weaken the ice invisibly. Early ice may not yet be fully frozen.
Next always test the area to be drilled. Look for clear ice with minimal air bubbles. Test it frequently with a spud, or small rocks. Keep your eyes open and never abandon common sense because you rarely get second chances on the ice.
You will need an ice-cutting tool: a spud, a long, heavy chisel, or an auger for thicker ice. Power augers are available and save a lot of time and effort. A five-gallon bucket to carry gear is helpful and will double as a seat while you are fishing.
Thin, supple line works best for ice fishing. A standard summer spool simply won’t do. For small trout or panfish use one to four pound-test. When fishing for walleye or bass use a six to ten pound test.
Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times for fish in the winter, so pick the time that suits your interest and schedule. Crappies and walleyes are most active at these times, but patience will still be needed before that first bite comes. If you haven’t gotten a bite after a half hour cut another hole elsewhere and try again.
Variations in pole movement will help determine whether you are at a dry hole, or whether you are just using an improper technique. Fish are cold-blooded creatures and are less active in cold months. You may feel only a slight tug that could be a random underwater current. To increase sensitivity use a short, thin, flexible rod.
Try being still for a time, then use gentle, random jerks. Change lures occasionally. Ice fishing requires the mind of a chess master; you must outwit your opponent.
Waxworms are more popular bait for trout, panfish, bass and other species likely to be found under the lake’s frozen surface. They serve well for bluegill and yellow perch in particular.
Ice fishing is popular in many areas of the globe from Utah and Alaska to Finland and Norway. Try to go with an experienced ice fisherman on your first outing. At a minimum, do your homework before venturing out. Don’t miss out on cold-weather angling though. It is a winter adventure!
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