Ice fishing is hot and cold
According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, about 50 million people fished in 2023. The latest numbers from the USFW indicate that only 2 million people, or about 4%, went ice fishing.
Although not as popular as freshwater fishing, ice fishing is a fun, exciting way to spend time outdoors during the winter months. And with hundreds of lakes, ponds and Lake Erie at our doorstep, each one offers unique opportunities for catching a variety of species, including perch, walleye, crappie, bluegill, saugeye and Northern pike.
Some tips for getting started in ice fishing
Safety first: The air temperature while ice fishing can be cold. Layer up to stay warm and wear insulated clothing, boots, gloves, hats, and other warm gear. As with freshwater fishing, anglers should wear a personal floatation device (PFD) at all times while on the ice and keep a pair of ice picks with you. They are usually worn around your neck like a necklace. In the unlikely event of falling through the ice, they can be used to “jam” the ice, allowing you to pull yourself out of the water.
In addition to wearing a vest-style PFD, it’s a good idea to carry a “ring buoy.” It’s a personal flotation device attached to a rope that you can throw someone into the water.
Check the ice: Before stepping onto the ice, it’s important to make sure the ice is thick enough to walk on and support any equipment you’re carrying. Generally, four inches or more of ice is needed for safe walking. Up to 8 to 10 inches of ice is required for going on ice in a motor vehicle. Also, remember that ice thickness varies depending on your location, water temperature and recent weather conditions.
Ice fishing equipment: Ice fishing requires different equipment from freshwater gear. An important piece of equipment is an ice auger used to drill holes in the ice – 8 inches or larger. Augers come in battery, gasoline or hand crank powered units. Additionally, you will need an ice scoop or skimmer to help keep the hole clear and from freezing.
Ice fishing rods are specialized. They come in lengths from 24 to 36 inches. They come in different styles, thicknesses and actions for targeting different species, using different lures and baits. Longer rods, up to 48 inches, are becoming popular. These rods are sturdier and more intended for larger fish.
Choose a location: Familiar waters are a good place to start. Choose an area on the ice where fish usually congregate in open water. This can be in areas where there is underwater structure such as weed beds, trees and tree stumps, drop-offs or rock piles. Other locations include harbors and back bays.
Another fishing spot is often where other ice fishermen fish. If you notice other anglers fishing in a certain area, there is a good chance that fish are nearby. Do not crowd other fishermen; just ask them if it’s “OK to fish next to them.” They will probably enjoy the company.
Setting up your gear: Cold water fishing requires slowing down and using lighter lines, small baits like minnows or worms, or lures like jigs or spoons. Fishing lines are between 2 and 4 pounds. Because the water is cold, the fish are lethargic and don’t put up much of a fight. Ice fishing is very different from freshwater fishing. No casting, skipping, or pitching of lures. Baits are lowered into the ice hole to the desired depth and up and down, known as vertical jigging.
Watch your line: Watching your line while ice fishing is important because bites are often light. Anglers often choose to use a “tips-up” to signal that they have a bite. These devices are placed on top of the ice hole. When “tripped,” it sets the hook on a fish or raises a flag that signals you may have a fish.
Regulations: In Ohio, everyone over the age of 16 is required to have a fishing license – even while ice fishing.
Clean up: One of the most important things you can do after enjoying a day of ice fishing is to clean yourself up. Collect and properly dispose of your trash, unused bait, lures and tackle by taking the items with you. Things left behind can end up in an unfrozen lake, so be a good steward of the environment and leave the ice as you find it.
About Hooked
“Hooked” is a new comic strip based on characters taken from the book “Learn To Fish, A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginning Anglers.” It features a multicultural cast of young people who love to fish and decide to form a fishing club in Cleveland. Check out the monthly “Hooked” right here on the Signal Cleveland website created in collaboration with Dennis James Knowles and Gail Ann Grizzell of Cleveland’s The Fishing Foundation.
Ohio does not require those under 16 to have a fishing license. Read more on Ohio fishing laws here.
