11 Ice Fishing Tips

Color Still Makes A Difference - Even under the ice color still makes huge difference, especialy when crappie fishing. Be sure to have several colors of your favorite jigs on the ice with you and make sure to give them a try.

Dont Setup Yet - If your fishing new water don't set up you ice fishing house and get settled in until you find some fish using your flasher or camera. I've drilled up to 30 holes and watched below with my flasher for a minute to determine if fish are present or not.

Fish Only Feed Up - Whether it's panfish, walleye, or northern, fish will strike a jig or bait above them, but never below. If your fishing without a flasher start 2-3' of the bottom and work down. I've caught crappies over deep water (26 feet) that were only 15 feet below the ice. This is why flashers are so important when fishing deeper water.

Light Line Catches More Fish - Use the lightest line you can when ice fishing. 1 or 2 lb. test is all it take for bluegills and crappies. 4 or 6 lb test is plenty for walleyes. By using lighter line your jig will have more action and you will be able to detect lighter strikes.

Check Before You Drill - By spilling some water or windshield washer fluid on the ice your flasher will display the depth of the water without you even having drill a hole. Just set the transducer in the puddle and walah! This can save alot time when fishing new water or exploring existing water.

Keep Your Waxworms Healthy - Keep your waxworms lively and plump by storing them in a cool place. For food sprinkle some plain oatmeal in the container.

Try Jigging Down - By lowering your rod slowly while jigging you can catch those fish that simply hold the jig versus striking it. Just watch your line for a slight bow while lowering and jigging, and then set the hook.

Fish The Peak Hours - Dawn and dusk are the best times to be on the ice, especially during the winter months. This includes all species except northern pike which are most active at dawn and mid morning. When targeting crappie fishing mid day is most often a waste of time.

Stay Mobile - Success on the ice can oten mean staying on top of active fish. I've been fishing backwaters of the Mississpi river before and had to move about every 10 minutes to keep catching nice big bluegills. Basicly we kept moving between about 20 holes.

Fish Minnows For Big Perch - Perch will take both waxies and minnows but most often the bigger perch perfer will want minnows or part of a minnow versus waxies.

Keep Your Bait Moving - Fish will rarely take a bait or lure that's sitting still in the water. Keeping your bait moving to attract and trigger more fish.