ice fishing gear

My fondest memory of my grandfather is visiting his shop and looking at all his woodworking tools. He would show me what they were for and how to use them. Stanley and his wife, Martha, were from the old country, immigrants of Czechoslovakia. I credit my grandfather with my woodworking and tinkering skills. Anytime I use my hands to build something, I think of grandpa.
I can’t take credit for the following hack. I stumbled on it one evening surfing through ice-fishing videos on YouTube. I filed it in the back of my head last year as a project to work on before this year’s ice fishing adventures. As luck would have it, we’ve had a warm stretch here in Great Falls and, combined with a nice ten-day off stretch, I decided to get my act together and make the Ice Sled Ski Hack.

Those of you who ice fish are probably familiar with ice sleds. Piled high with our always-growing essential items, these sleds are designed for transporting your gear across the snow and ice of frozen lakes. Sleds are functional and a must for ice anglers. That said, as “essential” gear grows, anglers (especially we senior citizen anglers) get to deal with heavier sleds. Dragging a sled a few hundred yards can get to be a pain in the back, to be felt hours after the fishing day is done. The Ice Sled Ski Hack makes it easier to pull your sled across snow or ice. It’s an ingenious hack and works exactly like it looks, elevating the sled on two skis, allowing the sled to slide more easily, with less resistance. 

This hack is a breeze to build, requiring a minimal number of tools. A saw, a power drill, screws, and a screwdriver will get the job done. There are a variety of designs posted on YouTube, and it’s easy to come up with your own design once you see what others have made.
The most important part of the ice sled ski hack is (of course) the skis. Fortunately, the investment is minimal. There’s no need to go out and buy a new set of snow skis. Instead, pay a visit to your nearest Goodwill, St. Vincent DePaul, or Salvation Army store. There, you’ll find a variety of inexpensive used skis perfect for our purposes. You’ll want to buy downhill skis, not cross-country skis. The reason for this is that downhill skis are shorter, wider, and thicker. You don’t need a long, thin cross-country ski. If you have a smaller sled, find a pair of used kid skis; otherwise, adult skis for a full-size sled are perfect. 

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The first thing that needed to be done was the hardest part of this project, for me, removing the ski bindings. The bindings are screwed into the skis, and you’ll have to find what to remove to get access to those screws. Fortunately, between YouTube and an internet search, I was able to figure it out (and you will, too). 
With the bindings removed, the next step is to construct a platform on which your sled will rest. I spaced the width of the skis to the width of the sled. Onto each ski I screwed on a four-foot-long 2x3-inch board, which matched up perfectly with the width of my skis. The purpose of the wood is two-fold. First, it gave me a solid structure to build from, and second, it raised the sled up off the snow. The whole point of this hack is to ride the sled on the skis and not have the sled drag on the snow. You may have seen some sleds that come with runners installed already, and while those runners certainly help, the sled is still dragging along the ice. The beauty of the ski hack is that the sled is gliding on the skis. And for those of you who have ever skied, you understand the advantage of this system.

The frame structure that the sled will rest on can be made with a variety of materials and ways. For my project, I decided to use 1 ¼” PVC tubing, lining up three cross-frames, and securing them with plumbing straps, then a couple of screws through the tube into the wood. Be sure to square up the skis so they are parallel, otherwise your ski sled will not track straight. I added two cross beams made of 2x3 wood to strengthen the frame. 

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Wrapping up the project, I added 90-degree elbows on the PVC tubes and then 14” vertical tubes for side support and as rod holders. Finally, circular eye bolts on the front and sides of the frame serve as connection points for the tow rope and bungee cords that will hold the sled to the frame.
Project completed, I tested the ski-sled on carpet - December 24th, and we have no snow on the ground here in Great Falls (that won’t last!). The ski-sled slides effortlessly with just a fraction of the effort of pulling the sled without it. Success!

This was a fun and simple hack that will make my life much easier on the ice. If your sled is feeling a bit heavy with all your essential gear, give this setup a try!

Ice fishing, often described as a serene and rewarding experience, is more than drilling a hole in the ice and waiting for the fish. It's an adventure that combines the thrill of the outdoors with the patience of angling. But to truly enjoy your trip and ensure your safety, preparation is key. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, this guide will walk you through the essentials of planning and executing the perfect ice fishing outing.

Understanding The Environment and Weather

Before embarking on an ice trip, it is crucial to understand the unique challenges posed by the frozen landscape. Understand the environment you're heading into, and how the weather has been, and will be for the day. You want the area to have sustained a decent string of cold temperature days to put a solid 4 inches of ice before venturing out.

Safety First

The first rule to ice fishing is ensuring the ice is safe, as a minimum of 4” in is recommended for safe walking. Carrying a spud bar early, and late season is non-negotiable, as you can check the thickness while walking out. Local fishing reports, weather conditions, advice from seasoned anglers, and even tackle shops provide valuable insight into ice conditions and safety. Additionally, investing in safety gear like ice cleats for walking, flotation devices, flotation suits, ice picks, and some rope won’t only enhance your mobility on the ice, but also offer crucial protection if the unthinkable happens and you fall through. Extra clothing and a blanket with you are good as well.

Gear Checklist

Ice Rods and Reels

Ice fishing rods are shorter than traditional rods, offering better control in a confined space of a shelter, or standing directly over the hole. Paired with a compact and durable reel, these rods and reels are typically designed for cold weather and built for conditions and the fight of winter fish. (Don't forget the use of Tip Up’s!)

Bait And Tackle

Top lures and prolites for most ice anglers are a spoon, such as a Swedish pimple, or a small 3mm/6mm tungsten jig tipped with a couple of maggots, waxxies, or your favorite plastic. Colors in shiny metallic, or glow are the most proven.

Ice Augers and Drills

You can’t fish without a hole, and creating that hole is impossible without an auger if it's manual, or even powered. Hand augers are plenty for most ice we get, and they're affordable and lightweight. I tend to stray away from the weight of gas and the mess, and instead, run a composite auger on a 20v drill. Please never use chainsaws, and in Washington state keep the hole no bigger than 10 inches.

Ice Shelter

Having a portable pop-up shelter on the ice offers protection from the biting winds and keeps you warm and dry. Some are equipped with insulated materials to hold heat from the heater and sun lights can be installed; they are a nice, cozy add-on when on the ice. 

Warm Clothing

Layering is essential for ice fishing. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, adding insulating layers like fleece, and top it off with wind/waterproof wear. Don't forget thermal socks and good insulated boots, gloves, beanies, and a face covering to retain body heat. I always recommend overdressing, because you can always take it off, but you can't if you don't have it.

Planning Your Trip

Once your gear is ready, it's time to plan the trip. Here are a few tips to ensure a seamless experience. 

Research your destination: Selecting the right body of water may determine the bite, its thickness, and species. Maps will be your best resort or just common knowledge of the lake over time. Other options include checking local reports from tackle shops, Facebook pages, state websites, etc. And always make sure to check the regulations for rules and limits!

Monitor The Weather

Harsh winter conditions can change rapidly, so keeping an eye on the forecast is critical to avoid venturing out into the storm, high winds, and extreme cold. Having a blanket in your car and safety gear at all times is a must, and always let family and friends know where you plan on fishing when you leave, and when to expect your return. 

Plan Your Route on The Ice

Venturing out on this ice, may it be by foot, snowmobile, or ATV, make sure to know if there are springs on the body of water, stay away from streams and inlets as the moving water makes for weak ice. 

Watch for crossing wet or dark patches if possible, and never if you can avoid it, access ice from the docks, as the sun can warm the docks and weaken the ice surrounding it. Always try to access from a shoreline. Don't forget to try and follow the same path back, since you know it was safe prior. 

Before we go, just remember fish are active early morning and late afternoon hours so be prepared for long days. With schools of fish always on the move, fish near structures, weed beds, and drop-offs, and drill as many holes as you can to cover more water. This is where a fish finder comes in handy to find these spots quickly. Be as quiet as possible while moving from hole to hole, fish do spook easily as we’ve witnessed on cameras. 

Fish behavior will change throughout the day with temps and lighting, so vary the depths of your presentation until you find the most active fish. Again, it's easy to solely focus on fishing and forget about your comfort. Stay warm and appropriately dressed, bring a thermos of something hot, and always carry water and snacks to enjoy a day on the ice all while respecting the environment by disposing of trash and packing out what was packed in. Respect nature, wildlife, and other anglers.

Ice fishing can be more than a hobby, but also a way to connect with nature, test your patience, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow anglers. Every outing can be a learning experience with unique challenges and rewards. As you sit on the ice, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the frozen landscape, the cold becomes a distant memory. As I always say, “The tug is the drug!” and the joy of reeling in a fish are moments that make the preparation worthwhile. 

With this overview, you're ready to tackle the ice, create memories, and perhaps catch the fish of a lifetime. Bundle up, grab your gear, and embrace the chilling adventure that awaits you!

Ice fishing is a unique and rewarding outdoor activity that requires specialized equipment to make the experience enjoyable. One crucial piece of gear that can significantly enhance your ice-fishing adventure is a shelter. Two popular options on the market are hub shelters and flip-style shelters. In this article, we will go over the reasons why anglers might prefer one over the other, exploring the benefits and considerations that come with each choice.

Hub Shelters: The Central Hub Of Comfort And Versatility.

-Spacious Interior: One of the primary advantages of hub shelters lies in their spacious interior. These shelters typically feature a hub on each side, and top, that serves as the support point for multiple poles, creating a roomy and open fishing space. Anglers can enjoy ample room for movement, accommodating multiple people comfortably.

-Quick set up: Hub shelters are known for their quick and super easy setup. With a simple pop-up mechanism, anglers can have their shelter ready in minutes, allowing more time for fishing. This convenience is valuable in extreme and inclement weather conditions when the swift assembly is crucial for staying warm and focused on the catch. The design of hub shelters, with multiple support arms radiating from a center hub, contributes to their stability, especially in windy conditions. With proper support, the stability ensures that the shelter remains firmly anchored to the ice, providing a secure environment for all anglers.

Hub shelters often come with customizable features, allowing the angler to adapt their set-up based on personal preferences and weather conditions or using an overnight setup. From adjustable ventilation options to detachable flooring, these shelters offer a level of customization that enhances the overall ice-fishing experience.

Flip-Style Shacks: Mobility And Quick Strikes.

Flip-style shacks are favored for their portability and ease of transport. These shacks typically come in a compact, sled-like design that can be easily towed across the ice. This portability is especially advantageous for anglers who prefer running and gunning from one fishing spot to another quickly.

The flip-styles are equipped with sleds, enhancing their mobility on the ice. This feature allows anglers to tow their shelter to different locations without the need for additional equipment. For ice anglers, the defining feature is the quick setup and take-down process. Anglers can simply flip open the shelter, allowing immediate access to gear and the fishing area. This rapid deployment is ideal for anglers who like to stay on the move, running and gunning to explore various spots, making the flip-style shelter a valuable companion.

Ultimately, the decision between a hub shelter, and a flip-style shelter depends on individual preferences, fishing style, specific conditions, number of people, etc. Both options offer unique advantages, providing anglers with the flexibility to tailor their ice fishing experience and set up to suit their needs. Whether you choose the central hub for a spacious shelter or the quick mobility of a flip-style, investing in the right ice fishing shelter is a key step towards enhancing your winter fishing and adventures!

While frigid temperatures and dustings of snow mark the end of the open water fishing season for some, it signals the beginning of another exciting ice fishing season for others.

Previously a sport dominated by anglers in the Midwest and Canada, ice fishing in the inland Pacific Northwest has boomed in recent years thanks to its reputation as a fun winter activity for the entire family, as well as the vast number of accessible lakes in the region.

Northwest lakes offer plenty of hard water game fish opportunities, including yellow perch, walleye, and other schooling fish, but there’s also plenty of trout species ripe for the catching — and these salmonids should be at the top of any ice anglers’ target list. Ice fishing for trout, however, is different than other species, but it can be just as plentiful.

Using the correct gear when ice fishing for trout

While not impossible to use when ice fishing, a typical 6- to 8-foot trout rod is likely to be a nuisance relatively quickly on the ice, as you’ll be sitting on a bucket most of the day. Instead, an affordable, 30- to 36-inch ice fishing rod with light- to medium-action is plenty sufficient for nearly any type of ice fishing adventure.

Spool your spinning reel with 4-pound fluorocarbon line and you’ll be in good shape for anything that bites, but especially trout. If you’re concerned about your line, there’s many fluorocarbon options that are designed for ice fishing that will handle the conditions better, but that’s simply personal preference.

In addition to your rod, reel, and line, you’ll want all the ice fishing staples, including an ice auger, as well as a bucket, a rope, ice scoop, warm, layered clothing, and a sled to tow it all onto the ice with you — or, even better, a snow machine.

Locating trout through the ice in early winter

To catch the fish, you first need to find the fish. On ice, that can be tricky, but trout, including rainbow, cutthroat, and browns, all cold-water species, are predictable in the winter months.

Trout crave cool, highly oxygenated water. Thus, as the lake turns over, they move into cold, shallow water, while panfish, including yellow perch, evacuate the shallows and head into deeper drop-offs. The trout’s migration into shallow water is ideal for ice anglers, as you can target them in flats as shallow as 4- to 8-feet. This is ideal for early season ice fishing, as it’s just short walk from the shoreline, an area that typically features the safest ice on the lake.

Experienced ice anglers will troll during the open water season to scout areas on the lake that will inhabit trout in the winter months. To locate these trout-rich areas, use electronic depth finders to look for areas with large, shallow flats, between 4- and 20-feet, and drop-offs adjacent to weed lines. It’s common for trout to cruise these drop-off edges and seek forage along the weed lines.

Once you’ve settled on a spot to fish for the day, it’s time to start drilling. Trout, though, are easily spooked, therefore moving around and drilling holes throughout the day can be counterproductive. Instead, pre-drill your holes early in the morning. Using your ice auger, begin drilling holes close to shore in 3- to 6-feet of water, drilling into deeper water every 5- to 10-feet until you see weeds. Once you’ve found the weed line, begin pre-drilling holes from the weed line into deeper water in a Z-pattern to cover more ice.

If the lake you’re fishing doesn’t feature many weeds, you’ll instead look for large, flat regions with muddy lake floors. Use the same technique, drilling in a Z-pattern, into deeper water, as later in the day, the trout will become less active and move into these areas, suspending themselves in the middle of the water column chasing small prey.

Selecting the best tackle for targeting trout through the ice

Trout, being the apex predator in most lakes, will cruise the weed lines looking to aggressively find any snack available to them, thus it’s imperative that you have reactionary type baits that emulate a dying baitfish to entice them to bite.

Small spoons, such as the Mack’s Lure Sonic BaitFish (1/16 oz. to 1/6 oz.) and the Mack’s Lure Hum Dinger (1/8 oz.), tipped with artificial pink maggots, meal worms, or corn will do the trick — and don’t be afraid to add scent to the lures and bait as well. When aggressively jigged, these spoons will create flutter and vibration, attracting trout from further distances.

If you’re not having luck with spoons, it likely means the trout aren’t as aggressive. Instead, use the smallest bait possible to reach your target depth. Try a Mack’s Lure Glo Hook (#6), tipped with maggots, corn, or meal worms, and a little split shot to get your presentation to the bottom.

Don’t be afraid to mix up your colors often. Begin with natural colors, including silvers and whites, but be quick to shift to brighter colors, including chartreuses, reds, and oranges if they’re not taking your offering. The trout will tell you what they want, so be versatile in your tackle selection and change often if they’re simply not biting.

Effective jigging techniques for targeting trout through the ice

When fishing closest to the weed line, make sure your presentation is hugging the bottom, typically 8- to 12-inches from the lake floor. Drop to the bottom, then a couple cranks up and you’re in the strike zone.

There’s no jigging cadence that’s tried and true. Really, it’s whatever you feel comfortable with. One thing that is for certain, however, is that your jigging cadence needs to be consistent and in rhythm. If you’re erratic, the trout will have a tough time attacking your presentation — and we’re in the business of making it easier for trout to bite your lure, not harder.

The only exception to rhythmic jigging is, occasionally, dropping your presentation to the bottom to drum up some silt and create a disturbance. Trout, in shallower water, are constantly feeding on prey that burrow in the sand, thus anything out of the ordinary is sure to catch their eye, especially from further distances. Alternatively, on really slow days, you can try dead sticking, just a few inches off the bottom, meaning you’re doing nothing with your presentation (tipped with a worm or bait) except holding it still. 

Later in the day, when the trout move deeper, you’re going to follow them, as you’ve already pre-drilled holes in this deeper water. Fish to these suspended trout, at least six feet from the top of the water column, using the same, rhythmic jigging cadence as before.

Practice safety at all times when ice fishing

While ice fishing is a perfect activity for the entire family, it can quickly go badly if you’re not prepared. Use common sense, dress warm and, especially early in the season, always check the ice conditions before venturing out. To do so, drill your first hole, then measure its thickness. Ice 4-inches and thicker is safe for small groups, but be sure to spread out.

At the end of the day, just being out on the ice with friends and family is a blast. Hooking into some trout on super light gear, however, is the prize. Hopefully, by using the tips here, you’ll be well on your way to a successful ice fishing season targeting trout.

Ice fishing is a unique and exhilarating activity that requires a combination of skill, patience, and the right equipment.  While many anglers are accustomed to traditional techniques, incorporating modern technology like fish finders and electronics can significantly enhance your success on the ice.

In this article, we’ll delve into how and why you should utilize fish finders, and electronics while ice fishing.

MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCY

Ice fishing often involves drilling many holes in the ice and patiently waiting for a bite.  However, with a fish finder, you locate fish faster and more accurately.  These devices use sonar technology to send out sound waves, which bounce off objects in the water and return to the transducer, providing a visual representation of the underwater terrain and fish.  This allows you to identify the most promising spots quickly, saving you time and energy.

UNDERSTANDING UNDERWATER TOPOGRAPHY

Fish finders not only reveal the presence of fish but also help you understand the underwater topography.  They can detect depth changes, underwater structures, and vegetation, which are crucial factors in determining where fish are likely to congregate.  Armed with this information, you can strategically position yourself for a successful ice fishing season.

ACCURATE DEPTH READINGS

One of the most significant advantages of using fish finders is their ability to provide accurate depth readings.  This is crucial for ice fishing, as different species prefer different depths.  By knowing the exact depth of water, you can adjust your bait and technique accordingly, increasing your chances of more catches.

LOCATING SCHOOLS OF FISH

Fish finders excel at finding schools of fish and of course that lonely straggler.  Instead of relying on guesswork or trial and error, you can pinpoint where the fish are congregating.  This allows you to make precise adjustments to your bait and presentation to entice more bites.

MONITORING FISH ACTIVITY

Most fish finders are equipped to allow you to monitor fish activity in real-time.  Real-time means there's no delay in the transfer from the transducer to the screen, so when the fish or lure moves you can see it move accurately. These devices can display fish movements, indicating whether they are actively feeding or just passing through.  This invaluable information helps you adapt your strategy on the fly, ensuring a more productive outing. 

STAYING SAFE ON THE ICE

Apart from enhancing your fishing success, fish finders also contribute to safety on the ice.  Not only do they read and provide accurate depth information, but some units with GPS can also have up-to-date warnings for hazard areas, thin ice, closed boat launches, etc. while using lake map cards.  This knowledge is especially crucial during early and late seasons when ice conditions can be unpredictable.

IMPROVING YOUR OVERALL FISHING EXPERIENCE

Incorporating electronics like a GPS unit, or an underwater camera alongside a fish finder flasher can further amplify your ice fishing experience. GPS is a nice option in some units, allowing you to mark productive spots for future reference, or a unit that is usable from the boat to the ice.  Underwater cameras offer a fascinating glimpse into the underwater world, helping you understand fish behavior and habitat. This can also help you fine-tune your approach each time you chase fish under the ice.

Embracing fish finders and electronics in your ice fishing endeavors is a game changer.  By providing valuable insights into the underwater terrain, fish behavior, and safety conditions, these tools significantly increase your chances of a successful and enjoyable ice fishing experience.  So, equip yourself with the right gear and technology, venture out to the frozen lakes, and let the fish finding begin!