Ice fishing is obviously a bit different from other variations of the sport. In ice fishing, you don’t need waders or a boat. Instead, the necessary tools are things such as an auger, a sensitive rod, and patience. Ice fishing is a unique experience that can be a lot of fun for the family. However, for people who are tired of panfish, pike, and walleyes, the allure can start to wear off from the sport. Regardless, there are plenty of other, lesser-known, cold-water fish making their way under the ice this time of year. Experienced ice fishers can try a variety of techniques and locations to catch them.
The first unique ice fishing catch is the lake whitefish. They’re known for tasting great, especially when smoked, and they famously put up a lot of fights under the ice. These fish are normally found in lakes throughout the northern United States and southern Canada. Whitefish like jigging bait filled with bait like spikes or waxworms. They’re found in places like the Isle Royale area of Lake Superior. There are also great spots for whitefish in Lake Michigan and Rainy Lake in Minnesota.
The largemouth bass is another type of fish that can be caught while ice fishing. These fish hang out in weedy areas which makes river channels a great place to find them during the winter months. They’re larger than the more common panfish and can put up more of a fight when they’re caught. Minnows are a great bait to use when fishing for largemouth bass. Use a jigging spoon or a tip-up. Bass hangs together in larger groups during the winter. This is because the supply of weeds gets smaller due to seasonal die-off. Furthermore, te large groups make the Largemouth bass much easier to catch than most people realize.
Catfish are typically associated with the summer months. However, it’s also very possible to catch channel catfish during the winter months while ice fishing. During the winter months, channel catfish travel in larger groups, and they’re located close to the surface. Since they move quite a bit, a key strategy is drilling several holes. Use jigging spoons or teardrop jigs baited with minnow or chicken liver when fishing for catfish. These fish are delicious when they’re cooked.
This blog was originally published on Mark Smith's website.