When it comes to ice fishing, you can sure have some great days on the “hard water”. There are some things you can do and observe on the ice, which will help make your day of ice fishing a great one.

1) Clear Ice

Fish below the ice, looking upwards & feeding, can easily spot you through clear ice. So any movements you make, could potentially startle any fish below, or fish in the general area. Thus, you may fish all day with few to no bites, thinking that the “fish are not biting today”.

In fact, the fish may have been on the bite, big time. In cases like this, look for non-clear ice, or snow covered ice. Making your holes over a patch of snow will increase your chances of getting bites.

If there is no snow in the area you want to fish, it’s worth it to find some & bring it over. Otherwise, a simple tarp can be laid on the ice, giving you the same effect.

2) Ice Obstructions

Many times, ice moves, cracks and shifts. Sometimes you will see mounds of ice projecting on the surface. These areas present natural attractants for fish to gather below. Usually, if there is an irregularity above the ice, there usually is also some irregularity below the ice.

Take advantage of mother natures natural attractants and position yourself on either side of the obstruction. If you are fishing with a partner, you should each take a side to see which area is producing more hits – there can be a difference!

3) Noise?

Another important factor to consider is “noise”. Any noise you make above the ice, is magnified below the ice. This can also “spook” the fish below and keep them away from your hole and thus your bait.

Once you have drilled your hole through the ice – or chipped your hole – you would have caused quite a stir of noise below…especially if you used a power auger. Thus, you will want to give your spot some time to “settle down” and allow any fish which may have departed, to return.

The shallower the water, the more important it will be to keep your noise level above the ice, down and the longer it will take for any “spooked” fish to return.

Summary

In summary, look for any “ice obstructions” as well as snow covered ice. Then keep your noise level down and you should be in for a great day of ice fishing!

Until next time, good luck & good fishing!
Ivo