How to Chum Ice Fishing Holes

Sitting in the ice cold weather and wind in front of an ice fishing hole isn't worth the bother if you don't catch anything. Native Americans long have used chum to attract catches to their icy fishing holes. You can replicate the practice.

Instructions

1. Put rock salt in the bottom of a chum bag. If you don't have a chum bag, use a coffee can. Wash and dry the coffee can thoroughly to prevent the oils from spreading.

2. Fill the chum bag or coffee can half full with mashed up fish parts. Minnows or mollusks work best due to their strong odor. Use wet dog or cat food if you don't have access to live bait.

3. Cover the top of the fish parts or dog food with more rock salt. Shake it well so that it's evenly distributed.

4. Store the chum bag or coffee can for 3 weeks to allow the fish parts to become smelly. It should be in an area, such as a shed or garage, where you can't smell it. Shake it every couple of days.

5. Tie a string to the coffee can or chum bag. Drop the chum bag through the ice fishing hole and allow it to sink deeply. It will distribute fish oil as it sinks attracting game fish to your ice hole.

6. Wait for the fish to locate the chum slick. Enjoy an active day of ice fishing. Retrieve your chum bag when you're done and dispose of the bait.