This cold weather motivates us to get out there and fish the ice! If you have never tried, it can be a blast and highly successful in the right spots. Read more about ice fishing safety and some great tips to help you catch those fish!

Ice Thickness

Before setting out for your morning fish, always make sure the ice is safe. Ice should be clear (black ice) and 4” or more in thickness for a single fisherman. Thicker ice is recommended for larger groups. Different bodies of water freeze at different rates and locations on the body of water also makes a huge difference. Make sure to always test the ice as you move further from shore with a spud bar and avoid any areas that may have flowing water or large objects such as trees extending into the body of water. 

Where are the fish?

It is important to research the body of water you intend to fish. Understanding the species of fish to a particular body of water will help determine the best locations & depths to fish.  Most species of fish are typically found near the bottom of lakes. 

Making the Fishing Hole

You will need a tool to cut your ice hole. There are different kinds of augers that will do the job.  The less expensive option is a hand auger.  If you are looking for something a little faster, there are gas augers and electric (battery) augers.  Your local sporting goods store may carry these options.  Other items you may want to add to your list to get are a skimmer, a sled to haul your gear, traction cleats and ice picks.

Techniques

There are 2 different ways to catch fish through the ice: "Tip-ups" and "Jigging".  

• Tip-ups: Similar to mouse traps, Tip-ups are not complicated to figure out.  A tip-up has a spool of line, a trigger mechanism and a flag that will pop up when a fish pulls on the line.  When there is a fish on your tip-up, you use your hands to pull it in.
• Jigging: This technique is the more familiar option.  It is simply an ice fishing rod (much shorter than a typical fishing rod) with your hook and bait of choice.  Drop your line in the water letting it reach the bottom and start moving the tip of your rod up and down (jigging) until you hook into a fish.

Bait: The bait you use will depend on what your local tackle shop carries and the type of fish you are going for. Researching the body of water, you will be ice fishing will better help you understand what kind of bait to use.

If you are ready to hit the ice at the West Yellowstone/Hebgen Lake Ice Fishing Tournament, register by February 25th and get your hand warmers ready to fish on February 27th! The tournament is a mix of education and competition, perfect for the beginner. When you're ready to call West Yellowstone or Ennis, Montana your forever home so you can ice fish every winter, let our local experts help you today!