For many lakes, the best depth to start ice fishing is in the 8 to 20 foot zone. However, depending on the species, time of year and underwater structure, depths less than 5 feet or more than 20 feet might hold more fish.
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What is the best ice fishing technique?
There are two ways to catch fish through the ice: use ice traps called “tip-ups” or use a specialized jigging rod to deploy your bait through a hole in the ice. Most ice fishermen set out all their tip-ups, and if they get a hot hole, remove the trap and start using a jigging rod.
Where is the best ice fishing in Michigan?
- HAMLIN LAKE. Mason County.
- PERE MARQUETTE LAKE. Mason County.
- MUSKEGON LAKE. Muskegon County.
- INTERMEDIATE LAKE. Antrim County.
- SOUTH LAKE LEELANAU. Leelanau County.
- FLETCHER’S FLOODWATERS. Alpena County.
- HIGGINS LAKE. Roscommon County.
- BREVOORT LAKE. Mackinaw County.
How many lines can you have in the water while ice fishing in Michigan?
An individual shall not use more than 3 single lines or 3 single rods and lines, or a single line and a single rod and line, and shall not attach more than 6 hooks on all lines. The commission may decrease the number of rods per angler.
How do you attract fish while ice fishing?
- Chumming and scents. Chumming is the most obvious way of attracting fish to a centralized location.
- Glow lures.
- Bottom bouncing.
- Turn on the transducer.
- Change up your presentation.
- Match the hatch.
- Cover the hole.
- Bring in some flash.
How do you catch the biggest fish in ice fishing?
What time of day is best for ice fishing?
The best time of day to ice fish is during the first couple of hours after sunrise, and for about 2 hours both before and after sunset. These are the times when most fish are heading to their feeding grounds, and when most species are active. What is this?
How many pounds can 4 inches of ice hold?
Ice is not considered safe to walk on until it is at least 4 inches thick. At 4″ the ice is suitable for ice fishing, cross-country skiing and walking and can support about 200 pounds. At 5 inches of new clear ice should be enough to hold a single snowmobile or ATV or about 800 pounds.
What part of a lake is best for ice fishing?
Depth? Lots of fish go deep during the iced-over period?) You should, simply put, fish smaller bodies of water early in the iced-over period. It’s often fairly easy to locate fish on smaller lakes, because it’s a high-percentage move to look in the deepest basin area.
Is there any fishable ice in Michigan?
You can get just about anywhere on the lake when its frozen, something you can’t do without a boat during the open water season. Virtually every fish available in the summer can be caught through the ice – some even more frequently in winter.
How many tip ups can you have in Michigan?
Re: HOW MANY TIP-UPS YOU CAN USE You can spear and run 3 tip-ups at the same time.
Where is the best ice fishing?
- Devils Lake, North Dakota.
- Red Lake, Minnesota.
- Silver Lake, California.
- Birch and Quartz Lakes, Alaska.
- Lake Gogebic, Michigan.
- Lake Champlain, Vermont.
- Antero Reservoir, Colorado.
- Ice Fishing Destinations in the US: There’s Many More!
How many Poles can u fish with in Michigan?
The following regulations are established for the number of fishing rods on Michigan waters: On all of the public waters of Michigan, those persons in the act of fishing shall be restricted to using no more than 3 single lines or 3 single rods and lines, and shall not attach more than six hooks total on all lines.
Can you fish with treble hooks in Michigan?
Treble hooks are legal to use in Michigan but there are a few rivers and streams that prohibit the use of treble hooks. Additionally, there are size restrictions on treble hooks. they must be 3/8″ or less from point to shank. In Minnesota treble hooks are legal in most of the state.
Can you use goldfish as bait in Michigan?
In Michigan, goldfish are not a pest species, but the state has prohibited their use as bait.
What is the best bait to use ice fishing?
For ice fishing live bait, try wax worms (bee moth larva), maggots, spikes (fly larvae), wigglers (mayfly larvae) or minnows. You can drop your bait and leave it alone, or you can slowly jig to attract the fish. Ice fishing jigging also works with artificial ice fishing bait.
Can fish hear you ice fishing?
I think they can. Fish have that lateral line down the side of their body that is how they hear and it is supposed to pick up vibration. So if you are running to a flag I think they can hear you.
What is the best size hole for ice fishing?
The ideal hole size is 8 inches. An 8 inch hole is big enough to pull most fish through while also being easy enough to drill with a hand powered ice auger.
Where do fish go under the ice?
Look for points, breaks, weed lines, and underwater humps. During first ice fish the points and bars that extend from shore and the weed lines. Midwinter look for fish around the deeper structure like mid-lake humps and rock piles.
Where do fish go late ice?
What month is best for ice fishing?
March is the best month of the winter for ice-fishing in most of the Ice Belt, but anglers are never sure how the ice conditions will impact access to the lakes.
Is it good to ice fish at night?
Less fishing pressure Most anglers are active during the day, so fishing at night will mean fewer anglers hovering over that hot brush pile or creek channel. The reduced the number of anglers crunching across the ice and the potential fish disturbance won’t hurt either.
Do fish bite at night ice fishing?
Yep, they really do work. Especially for night bites under the ice. Glow in the dark lures and jigs give fish something to focus on in the dark depths. Nocturnal predators, like walleye and crappie, have excellent vision and will see a glow lure from a long ways off.
How can you tell if ice is thick enough?
How thick should ice be before you drive on it?
According to the Department of Natural Resources, 12-15 inches of solid ice is needed to safely drive a truck onto a lake or pond. 8-12 inches is needed for normal passenger vehicles. For snowmobiling, a minimum of 5 inches is recommended.