how to catch whitefish through the ice

This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. “It’s my go-to bait, particularly in the morning when the bite is aggressive.” As the day progresses, he switches to a drop-shot set-up. Ice anglers accidently catch whitefish while chasing perch or walleyes but the ice angler who has learned to fish whitefish successfully will find it well worth the effort. fishing hot spots, What long-range shooters need to know about parallax error, 3 of Canada’s wildest winter fishing and hunting destinations, 7 pro tips for getting kids excited about hunting and shooting, 12 must-have items for your fishing and hunting first-aid kit, 3 ways to be tick safe during your outdoor adventures, How to rescue someone who’s fallen through the ice, How much is your vintage firearm worth? Maine ice anglers will frequently have an old wrench or other heavy instrument on a long piece of fishing line that is typically used to stir up the mud on the lake bottom. So there are a few tried and true whitefish tips that will help you catch more whites this winter. Research catch and release laws based on where you are fishing. See you on the ice. A whitefish can so annihilate your lure that, when you land it, every hook is deeply embedded in its mouth — no mean feat for a fish with such a small oral cavity. Whether you are an experienced ice fisherman or just learning how to fish, whitefish are pretty easy to catch! That’s how Colorado Ice Team Pro Bernie Keefe describes the best locations for finding lake trout. The same goes for moss. The best rods for lakers on ice are long for ice rods. These top-of-the-line predators are fast and powerful, a fish that can actually become more active under the ice. And whether you fish them through the ice or on open water, you know that they’re as fun to catch as they are good to eat. This info and lovely artwork helps immensely! Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Watch the video to see how the team does from this dark Alaskan ice shanty. This article has been viewed 23,748 times. Feel free to make your cast again if you aren't satisfied with the first cast. It is the best to fish on a boat, kayak, or canoe etc. Fry, 15 inches above a Badd Boyz jig on the bottom. And since 64-year-old Whyte (below) is widely regarded as one of Canada’s best ice anglers, we asked him to share his advice on how to catch more lake whitefish throughout the hardwater season. If I’m keen on trying to catch the biggest mountain whitefish in a river, I’ll change things up. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. 1. You can search online to find popular fishing spots in advance. “When they’re not actively feeding,” he adds, “they’ll go out and suspend in 10 to 15 feet off the bottom around the structures.”, Whyte starts the day with an untipped jigging lure. Around 1/16 ounce will work fine. By using our site, you agree to our. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Fully Guided Door County Ice Fishing Trips begin on the Shores of Green Bay. You will meet up here with your Fishing Guide and head out on the Frozen Bay to the Heated 8 x 10 Ice … We use cookies to make wikiHow great. That way, when a school of whitefish comes in on bottom, as well as a sus­pended fish or school, you can both move to target them. You also agree to receive email updates on new posts and offers. They will be hanging around shallow areas of the lake close to drop-off areas and flats. The final four tips help you present the right setups and baits to catch walleye after you’ve found them. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 23,748 times. “They’re a vacuum fish.”, The best time to target whitefish is at first light, when they’re up on the structures and easier to find, Whyte says. The electronics are also effective to understand if the whitefish are in an active or negative mood, as … All lake trout lures match well with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or fluorocarbon. Solving the whitefish puzzle would open up loads of incredible new ice fishing opportunities. The heavier rod lets you control the Meegs properly, maintain contact with the bottom, and ensure your presentation is on point.” Ontario ice fishing specialist Justin Girard says he relies on a Meegs Jig … You want the cloud to form about 1 foot (0.30 m) off the surface. Imagine being one of the first to get in on the action and catch and release 100 or more fish a day. Whitefish fillets are a very delicate flavor that accepts a variety of seasonings extremely well. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. Whitefish have small mouths, so you should use small eggs or worms when selecting live bait. Whitefish are aggressive and when encountered on the submerged flats are usually in a feeding mood. Anglers can certainly tip their lures as well. That’s because whitefish are a cool-water species and need to go down deep during the summer to find colder water. John Whyte. Many fishermen catch whitefish using jigging spoons. “It’s easier to find them on structures in shallower water; there’s more food there in the winter than there is in deep water.”, Whitefish like gravel patches that hold food, Whyte says, as well as broken structure with plenty of nooks and crannies for their prey to hide in. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Catch-Whitefish-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Catch-Whitefish-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Catch-Whitefish-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid9742435-v4-728px-Catch-Whitefish-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"