Ice fishing runs hot and cold

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, approximately 50 million people went fishing in 2023. The latest numbers from USFW indicate that only 2 million people, or approximately 4%, went ice fishing. 

Although not as popular as freshwater fishing, ice fishing is a fun, exciting way to spend time outdoors during winter months. And with hundreds of lakes, ponds and Lake Erie on our doorstep, each offers a unique opportunity for catching a variety of species, including perch, walleye, crappie, bluegill, saugeye and Northern pike.

A few tips for getting started ice fishing

Safety first: Air temperatures while ice fishing can be frigid. Dress in layers to stay warm and wear insulated clothing, boots, gloves, a hat, 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’re usually worn around your neck like a necklace. In the unlikely event of falling through the ice, they can be used to “jam” into 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 bring a “ring buoy.” It’s a personal flotation device attached to a rope that you can toss someone in the water.

Check the ice: Before stepping foot on the ice, it’s vital to make sure that the ice is thick enough to walk on and support any equipment you’re taking with you. Generally, four inches or more of ice is needed to safely walk on. As much as 8 to 10 inches of ice is required for going on the ice in a motorized vehicle. Also, keep in mind 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 essential piece of equipment is an ice auger used to drill holes in the ice – 8 inches or larger. Augers come in battery-powered, gasoline or hand crank units. In addition, you’ll need an ice scoop or skimmer to help keep the hole clear and from freezing up. 

Ice fishing rods are specialized. They come in lengths from 24 to 36 inches. They come in different styles, thickness and action for targeting different species, using different lures and baits. Longer rods, up to 48 inches, are gaining popularity. These rods are stouter and more meant for larger fish. 

Select a location: Familiar waters are a good place to start. Choose a spot on the ice where fish usually gather in open water. This could be in areas where there’s underwater structure such as weed beds, trees and tree stumps, drop-offs or rock piles. Other locations include harbors and the backs of bays. 

Another area to fish is often where other ice fishermen are fishing. If you notice other anglers fishing in a particular spot, there’s a good chance that fish are nearby. Don’t crowd the other anglers; just ask them if it’s “OK to fish next to them.” They’ll probably enjoy the company.

Setting up your gear: Fishing in cold water requires slowing down and using lighter lines, small baits such as minnows or worms, or lures like jigs or spoons. Fishing lines range between 2 and 4 pounds. With the water being cold, fish are lethargic and won’t put up much of a fight. Ice fishing is vastly different from freshwater fishing. There’s no casting, skipping, or pitching of lures. Baits are lowered through the hole in the ice to the desired depth and worked up and down, known as vertical jigging. 

Watch your line: Keeping an eye on your line while ice fishing is essential because the bites are often light. Anglers often opt to use a “tips-up” to indicate that they have a bite. These devices set over the hole in the ice. When “tripped,” it sets the hook on a fish or releases a flag signaling that 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 up after yourself. Collect and properly dispose of your trash, unused bait, lures and tackle by taking the items with you. Items left behind may wind up in the unfrozen lake, so be a good steward of the environment and leave the ice as you found 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 teens who love to fish and decide to form a fishing club in Cleveland. See “Hooked” monthly right here on the Signal Cleveland website produced in partnership 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.