ICE FISHING TIPS

Late winter into early spring can be a great time to catch fish on the ice. The water is starting to warm up and get re oxygenated, especially in the shallows. The same spots that were like the dead sea a few weeks ago are now coming to life and can be plentiful.

In mid-winter the fish can become lethargic and not seem very interested in eating, but by late winter they become very hungry as they prepare like everything else for ice out and spawning.

Late winter brings more sunshine to the shallows, if not too snow covered yet, melting brings in fresh water, and there are more zooplankton in the water attracting bait fish.

So if you are one of the ice fisherman that puts the gear away early and wait for ice out to come, head to the shallows and have some fun! In the middle of winter, ice fishing can be hit or miss. After a flurry of activity just as the ice forms, fish settle into a more dormant state as the water temperatures stay just above 32 degrees. That’s when a little more strategy sometimes pays off.

There really isn’t a bad time to fish, even in the dog days of winter, But the most productive times during midwinter are the first light and then last light of the day. Fish will bite all day, but you’re going to catch the most fish in those ‘low light’ hours.

Another midwinter tip is to find deeper water with some structure nearby. Look for water depths of about two-thirds, maybe three-fourths of the maximum depth of the lake as a starting point. This deeper water during the midwinter is usually holding fish. Once you’re out there, look around to see where other anglers are going, then make any changes in strategy depending on your results.

As for structure, you take what you can get. It might be the outside of a creek channel; where the contour drops a couple feet. Deep brush, pallets or stake beds are also spots that will hold fish; looking for water that is a degree or two warmer than the stuff closer to the ice…and where smaller baitfish or other snacks will be seeking cover.

To catch fish in the middle of winter, there are no surprises. No wonder-bait. Just plugging away, keeping the bait, hooks and line small.

Smaller is always better. Use the smallest hooks, lightest lines; then wax worms, maggots, that sort of thing, Use the smallest you can find, to get the job done. Below are the basic ice fishing techniques for any beginning ice angler. Starting on the ice is not expensive. 1. The basic ice fishing equipment tools are a rod / reel combination, an ice auger, jigs and bait. I also suggests adding portable ice fishing shelters to your gear, especially after the first few times if the decision has been made to stay in the sport.

2. a spinning combination with 24″ light action rod. I recommend the Frabill 24” Ultra light panfish popper Plus Ice Combo for its ease of use and spring bobber. If budget allows, purchase two combinations. The reels are ultra lights, which can also be used during open water times of the year.
3. Next, comes an auger. This tool is essential, and a hand model may be preferred at the beginning, mainly because of cost. If you think you’ll stick the the sport, I suggest a power auger. They cut through the ice quicker than manual models, but they do cost more.
4. Another essential of the sport is a stool to sit on while you’re out on the ice. Frabill has a combination of bucket and seat called a Sit-N-Fish, which also has an area for bait and tackle. This multi-functional product has a padded foam snap – on seat lid and beverage holders on inner bucket lid.
5. When it comes to ice fishing lures, I recommend sticking to the basics. It’s good to have an assortment of sizes, which you can switch up when the action gets slow.
6. Wax worms are a good all around bait, but make sure to have some jars of Berkeley Power Bait as well.
7. A portable ice fishing shelter is a great piece of equipment for any ice angler, no matter what level of experience. For a few more dollars, two- to three-man ice shelters can be purchased which will give room for a buddy, as well as extra equipment.
8. Ice fishing safety is very important, so be sure to have the proper warm clothes and a good pair of gloves. Frostbite and hypothermia can be a serious problem for ice anglers. Wear thick gear like an ice fishing Parka and flannel lined jeans.
9. Another product for safety on the lake is a set of ice picks that are worn around the neck on a cord. Hopefully a person will never have to use this device, but if they fall through the ice, it is the easiest way, other than having a rope thrown out by another person, to pull out of the hole.
10. As with everything, remember, safety first. Make sure the ice is thick enough (at least 3 to 4 inches). Check the ice fishing reports in your area. If possible, go with a buddy or near a group of other ice fishers. Even experienced ice fishermen can find themselves in some tricky situations if they let their guard down.