ICE FISHING SPECIES
Catch Your Game Fish
Ice fishing is a winter tradition in most parts of Canada and the Northern United States. Whether you are just starting up or heading out for the ice season, increase your ice fishing efficiency with our expert tips on ice species.
Ice Fish Walleyes Like a Pro
Walleye Through the Ice
Some of the best walleye lakes are in the northern U.S. and Canada, where the ice is thick and safe to walk on. When the temperature drops, like most fish, walleyes migrate to deeper sections of lakes below the thermocline. While you can primarily find walleyes in 10–25 feet of water on most lakes, they can be as deep as 50 feet in some deeper lakes.
Where to find walleye on lakes?
- Vegetation: Walleyes are predatory species which feed on smaller baitfish like minnows, yellow perch, and other forage. You can find them outside edges of weed lines and vegetation as they provide excellent habitat for walleye prey. Ideally, 10 to 16 feet is a great place to start the search. Drilling several holes and dunking baits into openings is one way to catch walleye.
Tip: Drill holes regularly to check ice thickness and use a chisel to test ice while walking. - Points and Humps: Walleyes like boulders, rock piles and vegetation on these structures. They hold around breaks along the ledges. The structure’s base is a great spot. Walleyes are found on the deeper portions of the structure during the day and move to shallower parts at night.
Tip: The preferred depth could be 18 to 22 feet in a small, fertile lake and 25 to 35 feet in a large, deep lake. - Flats: While perch inhabits sand and mud flats consuming invertebrates, walleye prey on perch. Depending on the waterbody, you can find perch at 16 to 20 feet or sometimes pushing into 35+ feet.
Tip: Use a perch pattern jig to match the prey in applicable lakes.
Gear, Equipment and Tackle for Walleye Ice Fishing
Gear
Reel: A 2000-3000 size spinning reel is enough to bring larger species through the ice. When you fish on a river with heavy structure and current, get a 3000-4000 size reel for more holding power.
Rod: A light to medium action ice fishing pole of 26-30 inches in length is ideal for walleyes ice fishing. Like other species, walleye become less aggressive and more lethargic during the colder months, and you are unlikely to be outmatched utilizing this setup.
Line: Use a fluorocarbon line since walleye have a brilliant vision. Size up to 8 lb. and test when you know the bite is on.
Equipment
- Gloves: They will help you keep your hands warm without sacrificing dexterity.
- Gasoline or Electric Auger: Save your time and energy with an auger while drilling ice holes.
- Underwater Camera: Helps the anglers with a real-time view of happenings underneath the ice.
- Layers: Withstand the harsh winters by outfitting yourself in layers.
- Sleds: This will be handy while you haul your ice fishing gear.
- Ice Fishing Shelter: For your comfort and convenience on your ice fishing adventure.
Let’s Settle the Great Debate!
What do you call it? Pickerel or Walleye?
Fun Fact:
Did you know that pickerel, a small fish in the pike family, and walleye, the largest member of the perch family, have a cultural divide? In English-speaking parts of Canada, walleye is often called pickerel whereas the same species in the U.S. is called a walleye. It's not a matter of right or wrong, but simply different cultural preferences.
How to Ice Fish for Trout: Tips and Strategies
It’s no surprise that ice fishing for trout is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences.
Trout, including Cutthroat, Rainbow, Browns and Brookies need cool and highly oxygenated water, making them predictable in the winter months.
Where to Find Trout in Early Winter
Early Winter Trout by Liam Whetter
- As the lake gets blanketed in snow, trout migrate to colder and shallower water. This move helps the ice angler locate trout in areas where the water depth transitions from deep to shallow between 4- to 8-feet.
During early ice season, you can catch trout at the shoreline or a short walk from it.
- Trout cruise drop-off areas as they look for food along the weed lines.
- Trout are easily spooked in shallow water, so try and walk quietly on the ice and try not to drill more holes in an area then what is needed.
- Drill your holes close to the shore in 3- to 6-feet of water and move into deeper waters every 5- to 10-feet until you see weeds. Once you find the weed lines, drill holes in deeper water in a grid pattern to cover more water.
- Drill your holes close to the shore in 3- to 6-feet of water and move into deeper waters every 5- to 10-feet until you see weeds. Once you find the weed lines, drill holes in deeper water in a grid pattern to cover more water.
Pro Tip:
Trout will generally prefer shallow flats and shoals close to a food source. Using an ice electronic or camera look for muddy bottoms and weed beds in depths of five to ten feet. Starting shallow and working your way out can help you find the edge of a weed line that trout will often cruise up and down on looking for their next meal. As a rule, trout will be shallower in the morning and move deeper as the day progresses. If you stop seeing any signs of fish on your electronics later in the day, don’t be afraid to move a little deeper.
Best Tackle for Trout Through the Ice
Trout are predatory and are aggressively looking for food. Be versatile and have a mix of natural baits & colourful small spoons and jigs. If they are not biting, don’t be afraid to mix up your tackle selection a little.
Tips and Techniques for Ice Fishing Trout
While many anglers stick to jigging, these are a few effective ice fishing techniques you can add to the list and try them this hard water season.
- Tip-ups: A device with attached line used to suspend natural bait off the bottom. Commonly used as a second line in the water. When a fish strikes, a flag will raise to indicate there was a bite. A great tool for ice fishing trout as tip-ups allow you to target multiple areas at once. You can set-up the tip-ups easily in 8 steps and achieve success with the tackle.
- Dead-sticking: The do-nothing technique for ice fishing. Suspend natural bait just off bottom and place the rod in the rod holder. Often best used with a rod that has a light tip so that the fish can bite and move the rod tip as a visible notification for the angler that a bite is occurring. The light rod tip will also help prevent a fish from noticing any additional pressure giving the angler a chance to pick up the rod and set the hook.
- Jigging: This technique is most popular as it attracts aggressive fish. Jigging is moving your bait or lure up and down in a jerking motion that mimics wounded or fleeing bait. Varying the speed and intensity will give you an understanding of what cadence will trigger a bite.
Pro Tip:
It’s always recommended to bring along several types of jigs, lures and baits when you are ice fishing for trout. Different trout species prefer different lures and being prepared will increase the chances of your success.
Try different presentations – Jigging spoons, flutter spoons, panfish jigs, and rattle baits are all great options for targeting trout.
Gear for Ice Fishing Trout
The following is a list of necessities for trout fishing on ice.
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