Ice Fishing

With the onset of winter and lakes in a state of roll-over, lake trout will disperse to roam freely. Recently replenished oxygen supplies will support the fish now and in the ice-over months to follow. Lightly schooled and unrestrained, lake trout become increasingly harder to locate and catch. That is not to suggest that lake trout are totally inactive but fantastic fishing is not as common as fishing the other seasons. If you don't want to go to the expense of winter equipment, seek out commercial hut operators. However, there are limitless waters to fish in many areas without the need of touching the more commercialized bodies.

The successful anglers will move often, sometimes only a few feet, to check out different depths, but more often greater distances need to be covered in order to follow or cut off foraging fish as they make their way around shoals and shorelines. Snowmobiles, cross-country skis, or snowshoes will help you to save your time and energy for cutting new holes. You'll need a sharp auger or chisel for this job and these are available in almost all tackle shops. A word of caution here—eliminate sprained and broken ankles (yours and others) by placing some form of warning sign such as a tree branch at a recently cut hole.

On days when activity is slow you may try rigging your minnow so it is placed upside down. When it attempts to right itself it will create unusual amounts of activity and attract attention. When fishing is good you can set two separate lines, relax, and warm your hands around a hot cup of coffee while watching for the slightest movement from either line.

On days when extra attraction is required, the angler may set only one line and jig spoons from the other. Tipping jigs with dead or live bait adds even more appeal. I have, on numerous occasions, experienced very good action at one location using a jig and dead minnow while not ten feet from this location I had three lively minnows at the same depth attached to another rig. If you have to work hard to entice the fish into striking, a hydrographic map is an invaluable aid in locating shoals and deep shoreline structure, locations that are most productive throughout the winter months.

Remember, however, that winter angling offers few daylight hours. You should be mindful of your location on strange lakes and the time required to get off them safely.

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