Ice Fishing For Beginners: How To Get Started

If you want to know how to start ice fishing but have never done it before, here’s a primer on ice fishing for beginners that will help and direct you to the right sources of information elsewhere at TakeMeFishing.org.

Ice Fishing for Beginners Homework, step 1

1. Figure out where to go. A warming environment has shortened the list of places suitable for ice fishing, even in states with cold winters. Assuming that you live where ice fishing is feasible, what are those waters and where is the public access? If they are private lakes/ponds, can you get permission to be on them? Check with local bait and tackle shops and your state natural resources agency for guidance.

2. Figure out what you’ll fish for, or what’s available to catch in the place(s) you can go? Winter-caught fish are delicious to eat; do you want to fish where walleyes are available, or yellow perch, or trout, or crappies? Try to find out what places are better for which species.

3. Get a freshwater fishing license. It’s required, with a few exceptions.

4. Learn applicable regulations. That includes gear requirements/restrictions; seasons; bag and size limits; etc.

5. Learn about safe ice and ice fishing safety. Ice thickness governs your actions. Four inches is the minimum for supporting a person. Here’s more info on this topic, as well as how to test for thickness and safety gear to employ.

Ice Fishing for Beginners Homework, step 2

1. Find a mentor. If you know an experienced ice angler, pick their brain. Offer to tag along and help to see what’s done and how. At the very least, find an experienced ice angler who you can talk to for a feel of where to go and what you need for local ice fishing.

2. Educate yourself. Especially if can’t get guidance from a knowledgeable person. Check the website of your state natural resource agency to see what information they have. Locate a local conservation officer or fisheries biologist and talk to them about where to ice fish. Attend a seminar or clinic if one is offered somewhere near you. Talk to a practicing ice angler who works at a local bait and tackle shop. Look at the websites of companies that manufacture ice fishing equipment to see if they have instructional articles and/or videos.

3. Learn about the species you’re trying to catch. If you’re already an open-water angler you should know something about the habits and habitat of local species. Otherwise, do some research.

Get Prepared

1. Get the right clothing. This includes footwear, outerwear, headwear, gloves, and layered clothing. If you’re not comfortable on the ice you’ll have a miserable experience.

2. Get the right gear. Start with cleats for your boots and lanyard-connected ice picks that go over your neck (for safety reasons). Ice fishing methods include using stationary tip ups with some form of bait, or using a short rod to jig vertically with lures or bait. You can get equipment guidance from some of the sources previously mentioned, as well this blog and this checklist on the topic.

3. Follow some easy ice fishing tips. There are a dozen practical ice fishing tips for beginners at this blog.

Finally, when you go on your own for the first time, do so with a companion who can assist with hauling equipment, cutting holes, and tending gear.