Mid-Winter Ice-Fishing

Time goes by so fast. After a bit of a late start in ice-fishing, we’re already at the mid-winter point of the ice season. For some folks, for several reasons, the fishing slows down a bit this time of year.

It’s a little cold outside, so some anglers just stay home. However, with the warm clothing and warm shelters and heaters, cold is no reason not to go ice-fishing.

Travel on the lakes might be more difficult in some areas this year, but there are still plenty of places that are easily accessible, so that’s not a good excuse for staying home either.

And then there’s the idea that some folks have that the fish don’t bite as good during the mid-winter. Maybe it’s true that you need to look around a little more for the fish, but once you find them they certainly will eat your bait. When it comes right down to it, there is no good reason not to go ice-fishing right now. Here’s how you can take advantage of what the mid-winter offers ice-anglers.

This time of year it might take a little longer to find the fish. Fishing pressure can move the fish around a bit. If your favorite spot is a community hole, you’re going to need to get away from all the activity. The overhead activity can spook the fish. Go somewhere where there is less noise and commotion. There may be fewer fish on the secondary spots, but they will be more likely to bite.

The most successful ice-anglers this time of year will be those that are most mobile. A lightweight portable shelter will enable you to move easily in search of the biters. Frabill’s Commando is a great unit for searching for fish. It pulls easily across the snow and ice and is comfortable to fish from, and you can get all the gear you need into it.

Another tool that will help you determine if the area being fished merits much time is a good sonar unit. Humminbird’s ICE 55 unit does a great job revealing if there are fish down there, and if they’re interested in looking at your bait. If there are no fish below your hole, move to another hole. If you see fish, and they’re interested in your lure, stick around awhile.

The last part of the equation is your lure. If walleyes or perch are the quarry, you can’t beat a Buck-Shot Rattle Spoon. Go with the smaller sizes for perch, the mid-range sizes for walleyes. This spoon is preferred because it appeals to the fish is several ways.

First, its action will attract fish.

Second, it rattles, which will also attract fish. Fish will come in and look at this spoon when they won’t look at others. Usually they’ll eat it, but if they don’t, at least we know there are fish in the area and we can alter our presentation to one they like.

It can be hard to find something to do outside this time of year. Ice-fishing is something that is readily available, and it can be very productive. Keep these ideas in mind and you’ll increase your chances for finding out how productive it can be.

To see the new 2010 episodes of Fishing the Midwest television on-line, go to www.fishingthemidwest.com or visit www.MyOutdoorTv.com