How to Get Out and Go Ice Fishing

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By georgelarson
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Ice fishing for walleye.

There is a draw between a lake and a fisherman, even if the water has turned to ice. Fishing, when the snow has put an icy blanket over the lake, continues it's frosty invitation. Just because the weather is cold and you can't 'throw in a line' does not mean that the sport of fishing is put on hold. Oh contrar! Eskimos do it. So do polar bears and seals. People in Colorado, Norway, Michigan, Sweden, New York and Minnesota do it, too. They brave the elements, thumb their nose at Mother Nature, and go fishing.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Frozen lake to ice fish on.
Warm clothes to go fishing in the winter.
Fishing tackle for ice fishing.

Step 1

Although the concept of the sport seems simple, it is not as easy as it sounds. People often think that ice fishing only involves digging a hole in a lake and sinking your line into it. The fact is that there is more to it than just trying to stay warm (although that is often a big part of the experience). After all, it is called ice fishing. If you are not able to catch any fish, then you can hardly call your outing a success. You will find that there is more than your share of hard work involved in catching a fish during the winter. From making the hole in the ice to landing the walleye, crappie, bass, trout or other prize fish, there are a lot of little things involved in the process that you never really think about. But if these little things are not done correctly, it may very well result in lost fish.
Step 2

--Fishing hole patterns--
Begin drilling through the ice, with your ice auger, to make a pattern of holes. Start your first hole about 10 feet from the shore and four to eight subsequent holes in a line. You may want to drill several lines of holes to create a fan shape of holes. This helps to thoroughly cover the area you intend to fish. Do all of your drilling when you first arrive because fish are frightened by the noisy drill. Drill once and then the fish will return to your fishing area quickly.
Step 3

--Ice fishing techniques.--
There are two basic approaches to ice fishing you can practice while ice fishing. The active approach is jigging (done by hand or with a wind-operated tip-up), while the passive approach, the most commonly used, you use a set line. A set line is a fishing line sitting still with a minnow on the end waiting for a bite. If you use this method, you will be able to fish all the holes you drilled at the same time, as well as do other things, such as a football in the snow, cook, or make a fire. Make sure you bring the proper fishing gear and warm clothes (okay, and the football.)
Step 4

--A set line for ice fishing.-- A set line is rigged with a small wire hook, tied to the end and a split shot, attached six to eighteen inches up the line the fishing line. A minnow is hooked and the line is immersed into the icy water to within inches of the bottom otherwise called the strike zone. You may also use bear paws to add dropper lines to your main line. This lets you fish at multiple depths. Once you have put all of your lines down the hole you wait for a hit to set off a flag.
Step 5

--Ice fishing tips.-- Do not fish by yourself or at least let someone know where you will be. Let others know exactly where you and your fishing partners are going and when you plan to return. When drilling your line of fishing holes, with an ice auger, keep the diameter under 8 inches. larger diameter holes are not necessary to land fish and can create a safety hazard for others.
Step 6

-Landing the big catch of the day.--
When your flag tips you know that you have a fish. Bringing in a fishing line by hand can be a real challenge so be careful not to get lost in the excitement or you may lose the fish. Keep the line taut as you are retrieving the fish. Raise the line by one hand as far as you can go and then grasp the line with the other hand and keep pulling. By now you will have determined how active the fish is before you attempt to bring it through the hole. Ensure that the hold is as wide as possible, clearing away any re- frozen ice. Be patient as you get the head through the hole. Lift your catch and show it off to whom ever is around. This is the part that makes ice fishing so much fun.

Comments

bmerritt said

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on 11/19/2008 This is really cool. I live on a lake and I have seen a lot of people out there ice-fishing, but I have never tried it. I am going to try it this winter.