Why You Should Try Ice Fishing This Winter

I’ve been ice fishing for as long as I can remember, and let me tell you—there’s nothing quite like it. While some people spend winter wishing for summer, I’m out on the ice, line in the water, waiting for that first bite of the day.

A lot of folks think ice fishing is just sitting around doing nothing, but that’s because they don’t understand the strategy involved. It’s a game of patience, knowledge, and just a little bit of luck. So, if you’ve ever wondered what ice fishing is really like—or why it’s worth trying—let me break it down for you.

Ice Fishing is More Than Just Dropping a Line in a Hole

Some people assume you just drill a hole, drop your line in, and wait. While that can work, it’s like assuming you can just throw a lure in any lake and instantly catch a trophy fish. There’s a strategy to it.

For starters, you have to know where the fish are.

In summer, you can see structure, weed beds, or even use a fish finder in a boat.

In winter, you’re drilling blind unless you’ve done your homework.

That means studying lake maps, underwater contours, and oxygen levels under the ice. If you just drill a hole in the wrong spot, you’ll be staring at an empty line all day while the fish are off having a party 50 feet away.

You Need the Right Bait (And It Changes Throughout the Season)

You can’t just throw any old bait down there and expect fish to bite.

Early in the ice fishing season, fish are still fairly active, meaning minnows and live bait work well. As winter drags on and oxygen levels drop under the ice, fish get sluggish, meaning smaller, slower-moving bait is better.

Some of my go-to options:

Live minnows – Great for walleye, pike, and perch.

Jigs tipped with soft plastics – Mimics slow-moving baitfish.

Waxworms & maggots – Ideal for panfish like bluegill and crappie.

Dead bait – Northern pike love an easy meal, especially in mid-winter.

The best ice anglers don’t just sit there hoping for the best. They experiment. Change baits, adjust depths, try different hole placements—the fish will tell you what works.

Jigging vs. Tip-Ups: Two Totally Different Strategies

Ice fishing has two main approaches:

Jigging – Active fishing, where you move the bait up and down to attract fish.

Tip-Ups – Set-and-forget traps that signal when a fish bites.

Jigging:

Jigging is hands-on and interactive. You’re constantly moving the rod to mimic a wounded baitfish or a struggling insect. A good jigging motion can mean the difference between a boring day and a full limit of fish.

Slow lifts & pauses work well in cold conditions.

Aggressive rips can trigger reaction strikes, especially from walleye.

Mix it up – fish get bored with the same movement all day.

Tip-Ups:

If jigging is like playing an arcade game, tip-ups are like setting a trapline.

You drill multiple holes, set up tip-ups with baited lines, and then wait for the flag to pop up—a surefire sign that a fish has taken the bait.

Best for pike and walleye, since they tend to cruise under the ice.

Requires patience, but it lets you fish multiple spots at once.

Adrenaline rush when you see that flag snap up and have to race over to land the fish.

The best ice anglers use both methods—jigging to actively attract fish and tip-ups to cover more ground.

Finding the Right Depth is Critical

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make? Fishing at the wrong depth.

Most fish won’t be sitting right under the ice or right at the bottom. They suspend somewhere in the middle, depending on temperature, oxygen levels, and food availability.

Some general depth tips:

Early season – Fish are more active and can be found shallower (5-15 feet).

Mid-winter – As oxygen depletes, fish move deeper (15-30 feet).

Late winter – Fish move back to shallower feeding areas.

One trick I always use? Start high and work your way down. Drop your bait a few feet below the ice, then gradually lower it until you start getting bites.

Ice Thickness: Safety Comes First

Ice fishing is great, but not if you fall through the ice.

General safety guidelines for ice thickness:

2 inches or less – STAY OFF.

4 inches – Safe for walking.

5-7 inches – Safe for snowmobiles & ATVs.

8-12 inches – Safe for small trucks.

I always bring a spud bar to check the ice before drilling a hole, and I wear ice picks around my neck just in case. No fish is worth taking a swim in ice-cold water.

Landing a Fish on the Ice is Different Than Open Water

In summer, you’ve got plenty of room to fight a fish. In winter? You have a tiny hole in the ice, and the fish has to come through it.

Some tips for landing fish under the ice:

Keep steady pressure – No big, sudden jerks or you’ll lose them.

Don’t force them through the hole too early – Let them tire out first.

Use a jaw grabber for pike – You don’t want to be sticking your hand in a sharp-toothed mouth.

Nothing is worse than getting a big fish right to the hole, only for it to break off and disappear into the depths. That’s the stuff nightmares are made of.

It’s One of the Most Rewarding Ways to Catch Fresh Food

When you’re ice fishing, you’re not just fishing—you’re working with the seasons, learning the habits of fish in winter, and developing a skill that’s been used for centuries.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about bringing home a meal you caught yourself, in the dead of winter, when most people assume nothing is happening under the ice.

From crispy fried perch to fresh walleye fillets, winter-caught fish just tastes better. Maybe it’s the effort, maybe it’s the cold, or maybe it’s the fact that you just spent all day strategizing and it actually paid off.

The Magic of a Wood Stove: Warmth and Cooking on the Ice

Having a wood stove in the fish shack is a game changer. While most ice fishers are out there freezing in the wind, I’m sitting in a warm shack, sipping hot coffee, and tending my lines in comfort.

The wood stove isn’t just for keeping warm—it turns the shack into a full-on kitchen.

One of my favorite parts of ice fishing is cooking right there on the ice. There’s nothing quite like:

A pot of chili or stew simmering on the stove while you fish.

A cast iron pan sizzling with fresh fish you just caught.

A thermos of hot coffee always ready to pour.

There’s a special kind of satisfaction that comes from catching a fish, filleting it on the spot, and frying it up within minutes—all while still sitting in the same place where you caught it. The freshness is unbeatable, and the experience? Completely worth it.

And on the really cold days, nothing beats warming your hands by the stove, leaning back in your seat, and feeling completely content while the snow falls outside. It’s winter fishing, but on your own terms.

Ice Fishing is About the Company as Much as the Fish

Some people think ice fishing is just about catching dinner, but for me, it’s about the time spent with good company.

There’s something about sitting in a shack with a couple of buddies, swapping stories, and waiting for the lines to move that just makes winter better.

It’s the kind of quiet, unhurried social time that doesn’t exist in the usual rush of life. Nobody’s scrolling through their phone, nobody’s in a hurry—we’re just there, talking about past trips, good catches, and the ones that got away.

Some of my favorite ice fishing memories have nothing to do with fish at all:

The time my buddy spilled his coffee in his lap and jumped up so fast he almost knocked the stove over.

The day we caught absolutely nothing, but stayed anyway because the conversation (and the food) was too good to leave.

The moment someone’s tip-up flag popped, and we all scrambled out of our seats like it was a life-or-death situation.

It’s the kind of tradition that keeps you coming back—even when the fish aren’t biting, the stories, the laughs, and the time spent together make it all worth it.

Because at the end of the day, ice fishing isn’t just about catching fish—it’s about how you spend the time while you’re waiting for the fish to bite.

What to Bring Ice Fishing: The Essentials for a Great Day on the Ice

If you’re planning to go ice fishing, preparation is key. A successful (and enjoyable) day on the ice depends on bringing the right gear. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned ice angler, here’s a checklist of essentials to make sure you’re comfortable, warm, and ready to catch some fish.

Fishing Gear:

You can’t catch fish without the right tools! Here’s what you’ll need:

Fishing Rods or Tip-Ups – Ice fishing rods are shorter than regular ones, perfect for jigging. Tip-ups let you cover more ground and alert you when a fish bites.

Ice Auger – You’ll need this to drill holes in the ice. Power augers (gas or electric) make it easier, but a hand auger works too if you don’t mind a bit of a workout.

Bait and Lures – Live bait like minnows or maggots works well, but jigs and spoons are great for attracting walleye, perch, and pike.

Scoop/Slush Ladle – After drilling, you’ll need to scoop out ice chips to keep the hole clear.

Bucket or Tackle Box – To store your gear, extra line, and hooks. A bucket can double as a seat if you’re fishing outside.

Clothing and Comfort:

Even if you’re fishing in a warm shack, you’ll need the right clothing for getting to and from your spot. Dress in layers—you can always take them off if it gets too warm.

Insulated Boots – Thick, waterproof boots keep your feet warm and dry.

Thermal Socks – Wool socks are your best friend on the ice.

Base Layers and Insulated Pants/Jackets – Moisture-wicking base layers topped with insulated, windproof outerwear will keep you comfortable.

Hat and Gloves – You lose a lot of heat through your head and hands, so keep them covered. Bring extra gloves in case one pair gets wet.

Ice Cleats – Slipping on the ice is no fun, so strap some cleats onto your boots for traction.

Safety Gear:

Safety always comes first when you’re on the ice.

Ice Picks – Worn around your neck, these can help you pull yourself out if you accidentally fall through the ice.

Spud Bar – Use this to check ice thickness as you walk. A minimum of 4 inches of clear ice is needed to safely walk on it.

Rope – In case you need to help someone else or secure your gear.

First Aid Kit – It’s always smart to have one, just in case.

Food and Drinks:

One of the best parts of ice fishing is the food! Here’s what to pack:

Hot Drinks – A thermos of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate goes a long way in keeping you warm and happy.

Snacks – Jerky, trail mix, granola bars, or anything easy to eat with gloves on.

A Meal to Cook on the Stove – If you have a wood stove, bring chili, soup, or ingredients to fry up your catch on-site.

Comfort and Extras:

Fishing is all about patience, so make sure you’re comfortable while you wait.

Chairs or Repurposed Vehicle Seats – If you’re in a shack, bring comfy seats so you can settle in for the long haul.

Lantern or Headlamp – If you’re fishing in the early morning or after sunset.

Entertainment – A deck of cards, a portable radio, or even just some good conversation can pass the time between bites.

Optional (But Useful) Extras:

Fish Finder or Flasher – These can help you locate fish under the ice and show you how deep they are.

Heater – If you don’t have a wood stove, a propane heater can keep your shack warm.

Camera – For snapping photos of your catch and proving that the big one wasn’t just a fish story.

Be Prepared, Stay Comfortable, and Enjoy the Experience

When you’re properly prepared, ice fishing is one of the most rewarding winter activities you can do. Whether you’re out there for a few hours or spending the whole day on the ice, having the right gear ensures that you stay warm, safe, and ready to catch some fish.

And remember: if you forget anything, make sure it’s not the snacks. That’s the one mistake you won’t live down!

Why You Should Try Ice Fishing This Winter

If you’ve never gone ice fishing, you’re missing out on:

The thrill of pulling a fish through the ice

The challenge of finding the right depth, bait, and spot

The satisfaction of fresh food in the middle of winter

The excuse to get outside and do something other than shovel snow

It’s not just about catching fish—it’s about mastering a skill, enjoying the peace of a frozen lake, and learning to work with nature instead of against it.

And once you pull that first walleye through the hole, you’ll be hooked for life.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a rod to set up and some fish to outsmart.