WhiTeface rainS SkierS on opening Day

By EVAN BOTTCHER Owner of ADK Ice Fishing and Hungry Trout Fly Shop

The Adirondacks are some of the most scenic and fertile fishing grounds on the east coast. It is no surprise that it is a favorite pastime for many locals as well as a popular destination for ice anglers from all over the northeast. Check out these tips and tricks from the guides at The Hungry Trout Fly Shop and Adirondack Ice Fishing to ensure a safe and successful outing on the Ice!

1. Safety First

Before you enjoy any winter outdoor activity, you should be familiar with the inherent risks of the sport and have educated decisions steering your every move. When ice fishing we are always prepared for an emergency and have safety plans in place. Making sure that a change of warm clothes, warming blanket, first aid kit, extra gloves, throw rope, cell phone or even better — an ‘in reach’ GPS device, are always available. Try to implement a buddy system so you are not on the ice alone and always let people know where you are going and when you will return.

2. Early season Ice - Know before you go.

Before you travel onto the ice it is imperative to know that the ice is safe for travel. We do not travel on ice unless there is a minimum of four inches. Use an Auger or a spud bar as you work your way on to the lake to measure for varying thickness. Remember this: Black or blue/clear ice is strong and opaque or cloudy ice is weak. Opaque ice or non-transparent ice means there are air bubbles and impurities in the ice causing a weaker bond therefore, less support. When in doubt call your local fishing shop or hire a guide.

3. Study Up

There are thousands of lakes and ponds in the Adirondacks which can make choosing which one to fish a challenge! To help narrow that down, pay close attention to the NYS state regulations and familiarize yourself with the area you are hoping to fish. Many bodies of water are closed to ice fishing, and others have special regulations regarding the use of tip-ups and the number of lines an angler can use. Use this information to help guide you toward the right body of water where you can focus on your target species with the tactics you prefer.

4. When, Where, How

Whether you are fishing ice, open water, or fly fishing your success rate is driven by a few simple questions. When during the day are the fish biting? The rule of thumb is that the first few hours of daylight and the few hours before and after sunset are the best feeding times. Where are the fish feeding? Fish-like structure. Use a topographic map or software like Navionics to get familiar with the contours below the ice. How am I going to use to catch them? This is the million-dollar question. Having the right tackle, knowing the feeding routine of the fish you are targeting, and implementing the right tactics is crucial to the equation. Also knowing if you can use tip-ups, live bait and how many lines are legal per angler will help you maximize your chances. Obviously, there is so much more to be discussed and the best way to get up to speed is to Hire a local fishing guide!