Hot Ice Fishing Tips
What a change in the weather here in upper Michigan. From a really nice fall- almost instantly to cold and snow. Oh well I guess it is time. Thanks Giving and Christmas are right around the corner. By Christmas we should be doing some ice fishing on the inland lakes.Early ice fishing is hot. But you must be careful. Know the lake you are fishing. Deeper water- thinner ice. Do not go it alone. Test the ice with your ice bar close to shore and work your way out. Don’t take any unnecessary risks its not worth it. If you don’t feel comfortable with the thickness of the ice don’t go out on it. Watch for wet spots. Even when the ice is thick a wet area can indicate a spring or current creating weak ice in that area. Approach it with caution or better yet not at all. Ok enough preaching!So the ice is safe. Are you ready?Now is a good time to check your equipment. Replace last years line. Check your ice fishing tent.Start your power auger if you have one. Maybe replace the plug and do a little fine tuning. Nothing is more discouraging then when all of a sudden you find out the ice is safe and nothing is ready.
If you are fishing for pan fish keep the line light-2 or 4 lb test. Fish the edges of the weed beds in about 10 or 12 feet of water. Later in the winter when it gets colder you may have to move to deeper water.
Carry a good assortment of ice fishing jigs. The color or style they are hitting on today may not be the same tomorrow. Believe me this can make a huge difference.
Here in our area it can be a real challenge to get ice fishing grubs early in the season. What I do is go searching for golden rod balls. If you don’t know what these are, an insect lays an egg in the stem of the golden rod and the plant forms a ball around it that protects the larva. If you cut these balls in half you will find the grub on the inside. They are small but make an excellent grub for early ice fishing. Use them like you would use a wax worm or a mousse.
If you have a good lake for brook trout-Night crawlers seem to work real well with early ice.
Fish High- Try different depths from the bottom. With early ice don’t be surprised if you find the fish just below the bottom of the ice. If you are set deep and they are not hitting-move it up.
So get ready. Ice fishing is just around the corner.
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Thanks for the tips. I am really looking forward to the ice fishing season. Here in norway the season has not started yet. Guess we have to wait a few more weeks.
I’ve always wanted to do ice fishing but I guess I was to afraid of going with my brother
Still don’t like the idea because I can’t swim..not that would help me very much in case the ice is too thin right?
Thanks for the tips ! I’ll try it.
I love ice fishing during winter season but I always do it with at least 2 companions and I do not have any plan to do it without anybody coming with me because I am quite scared to what might happen when I am alone in inland lakes.
Ice Fishing is a new thing to me as I normally do Lake Fishing but I sure will give it a try someday!I guess I have to learn Swimming before that day arrives.
Thanks for recommending Ice fishing to me.I will give it a shot after I learn about Swimming first
For me, ice fishing is more exciting than typical fishing by a lake. The thrill in finding the right spot in the frozen lake is simply awesome especially when you do it with somebody who best buddy. But of course, ice fishing requires you to be more cautious.
Thanks for the article, theres is no chance i am going to try ice fishing down here in Australia, i usually go peir fishing, but really wish i can try ice fishing one day.
I have never been ice fishing before, and so I am trying to soak up all the knowledge I can about it, and I can honestly say, this has been one of the better guides that I have yet to read about it!
In a few days, I am expecting a visit to my brother in Italy just for the same reason. A few months ago he sent me cool picture of previous season so I’ll be there this season with him.
I just love ice fishing. Have you guys tried the ice fishing shanties? My only problem with ice fishing is freezing my axx off:) With ice fishing shanty i can feel comfortable and ice fish, it really brings the best out of it.
thanks for tips, sounds easy
I’ll certainly try…
Helpful tips! My brother in law is an avid fisherman — I’ll be sure to pass this along to him! : D
Really nice tips. My friend is a fisherman and I always love to check him by. Good work!
I love fishing as a child. When we moved from our old house beside the river, I missed fishing. During vacations, I fish for leisure. But I’ve never tried ice fishing. Maybe on my next vacation. I’ve bookmarked your tips. Thanks!
Thanks for the really nice tips man !
Those are good ice fishing tips. We have some amazing ice fishing out here in Montana and I’ll give them a try.
I just love to read everything that has to do with fishing. It really seems a everyone has their own methods for catching fish. I think that if I can take the best form other people I will be a better fisherman.
Helpful tips! My brother in law is an avid fisherman — I’ll be sure to pass this along to him! : D
Great tips I will have to try them next year, everything has melted here.
Wow I have never tried ice fishing - I’ll need to try it sometime. I have one question though - how do you make the hole in the ice?
Crankbaits are definitly my favorite bait. Nice article