LOCATING FISH:

There are a number of keys to remember when trying to locate fish.

First of all, most fish with the exceptions of panfish and pike will stay within a foot or two of the bottom. The water is warmest there, and activity therefore costs less energy. Pike, which have binocular vision and strike in an upward direction, requiring you to suspend your baits further off the bottom - up to 3 feet. And panfish and crappie, which are schooling fish, tend to suspend at different levels. A good sonar or flasher unit can give you clues as to what level they might be found.

Secondly, there are 2 parts to the ice-fishing season: early and late ice, and that in between. Fish will be both more active and in shallower water during the early and late ice periods.

Thirdly, different species of fish live at different depths. The warmer water species such as bass (if you're allowed to catch them), pike and walleye will not often venture deeper than 30-40 feet, whereas trout may go as deep as 50-60 feet or more. On some ocean tributaries, anglers can fish for cod and halibut that can be 100 feet deep or more.

Fourthly, look for structure. If the fish you're after relates to structure in the open water season and does not become relatively dormant over the winter, chances are that it will relate to similar type structure year 'round. A portable sonar or flasher can help you find the structure, even through the ice. Carry some sort of container that will hold water with you, and pour a small puddle of it on the ice you want to check. Place the transducer in the puddle and you should be able to read to the bottom.

And lastly, when in doubt, look for other anglers on the ice; not the stationary huts, but the anglers out in the open. Most of these folks will tend to be local die-hards who make a point of following the fish around in the winter.

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