Catch panfish, walleye, and pike through the ice — a completely different and rewarding dimension of fishing.
Best For
Frozen lakes and ponds in winter, targeting crappie and bluegill in 10-25 feet, walleye at dawn and dusk, pike over shallow flats
SAFETY FIRST: Always check ice thickness. Minimum 4 inches for one person on foot, 8-12 inches for a snowmobile, 12+ for a vehicle. Never trust ice near inlets, outlets, or springs
Drill holes using a hand or power auger — 6 to 8 inch diameter is standard. Drill multiple holes (5-10) in a scouting grid over a flat, then fish them
Lower your electronics transducer (flasher or fish finder) into the first hole to locate fish and bottom depth before setting up
Set up a rod with 4-6 lb monofilament and a small tungsten jig (1/32 to 1/8 oz) tipped with a wax worm, spike, or small minnow
Lower the jig to just above where fish are showing on your electronics. Jig with small 1-2 inch lifts and pauses, watching for fish to rise
Set up a second dead stick rod with a bobber and live minnow — one rod jigging, one still — doubles your chances
When you mark fish but they will not bite, go smaller. Try a micro jig, one wax worm, and longer pauses until they commit
🎣 Pro Tip
Fish mark on your electronics but refuse to bite? Jig aggressively to attract them, then stop completely. The sudden pause after frantic jigging triggers reaction strikes in reluctant fish.