Larry Smith's Insight To Ice Fishing
The popularity of ice fishing continues to draw more fishermen to the hard water. The reason is simple. Fishing can be as good, if not better than during the open water period. Fish have a tendency to group up more during the winter months giving the angler a better chance of catching a mess of fish. The fish can be a little more predictable as to their location.
First ice can be a real bonanza because the fish are still holding in areas there were in the late fall. look for areas of shallower water adjacent to deep water. The presence of green living weed beds is a great place to start. These areas are better oxygenated and provide cover that holds baitfish and aquatic insects which draw the gamefish. Everything from panfish to walleye and pike will be present in these areas. Some of my best fishing is found in water only two to three feet in depth. This is especially true in river backwaters and sloughs. Fish the holes in the weeds or the edge of the weeds closest to deep water. Drop-offs with weed growth are primary areas to focus on.
On early ice, over shallow water be sure to use a quiet approach and a hand auger. Fish can spook easily under these conditions and a stealth approach is recommended. As the season progresses and the weeds begin to fold over and die, look for fish to inhabit areas on the deep side of drop-offs. They may be suspended over deep water or areas where there are underwater springs. Fish will seek a comfort level where there is food and oxygen.
The middle of winter can represent a challenge but the secret is staying mobile. Too many anglers make the mistake of drilling a hole and staying put. Don't wait for the fish to come to you. Move around and try as many areas as possible until you find active fish. Look for groups of other anglers. Generally a congregation means there are active fish in the area. If a spot gets really crowded and the fishing gets slow move away from the group and fish on the edges of the activity. many times the commotion above will cause the fish to move a short distance away. Fishing the edges can pay big dividends. later in the season when outside temperatures begin to moderate and the ice begins to erode, fish will begin moving back towards shallow water in anticipation of the spring thaw and spawning season. Look for areas where the fish are known to spawn in the spring.
Generally the first major drop-off in this vicinity will hold fish as they stack up waiting to move into the shallow. Some of the biggest fish are caught during this period.
Be careful on late season ice and use common sense. Check the ice to make sure its safe. Stay away from areas where there is current under the ice or run-off coming into the lake. These areas can be dangerous.
Here are some general rules that I find help catch more fish through the ice:
- Use the lightest line possible for more lifelike presentations. This is especially true in the clear water conditions.
- When fishing gets tough, downsize your bait
- Concentrate on your best spots during a steady to falling barometer.
- Concentrate on early and late low light conditions. Night fishing can also be very productive.
- Vary your depth. Fish aren't always just off the bottom. Many times they will be right below the ice.
- When jigging, vary your presentation. Some days the fish want more action, other days they want the bait almost motionless
- Experiment with lure color. Fish do change their preference and what may have worked in the morning won't draw hits in the afternoon.
- If you're going to fish live bait like minnows, make sure they are lively and rigged to where they appear natural
- Be mobile. Don't sit and wait. Go find the fish.
- In shallow water and thin ice use a hand auger to keep noise at a minimum. Don't bang equipment around on the ice. Tip toe if necessary.
- Pre-drill all the holes you need prior to fishing. Spread them out so you can run them like a trap line. Drilling holes is a no-no during prime fishing times.
- Always bring a friend or companion.
- Don't spit in your holes. It's bad luck!
- Share some information with others. You don't have to give them your exact spots, but depth and lure styles etc. This courtesy will be returned many times over.
Ice fishing Pro and Guide, Larry Smith of Walleye Guide .com guides on Wisconsin lakes and rivers 300+ days a year. Ice fishing and open water fishing for walleyes, crappies, perch, etc. He is Ice Fishing Pro Staff for many top ice fishing companies and lives on the waters surrounding Wisconsin's Lake Winnebago.