Drilling Down; Ice Fishing Facts Vs. Fiction

Zach Wood

Zach Wood is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.

While the open-water fishing season is behind us, that doesn’t mean the angling action must slow down — the ice-fishing bite can be as hot as any you’d find in the summer.

And yet, ice fishing isn’t nearly as popular as warmer-weather angling. That’s likely due to several incorrect or outdated perceptions many have about this classic winter pastime.

Let’s tackle a few common misconceptions that may be keeping you from a new favorite winter hobby, and maybe confirm a few things while we’re at it.

Claim: The only way to have ice fishing success is to use live bait.

Verdict: Busted.

Just like with open-water fishing, live bait is always a great choice for ice fishing, but there are plenty of artificial options that work, too. Jigs, vertical minnow baits, soft plastics and spoons all can be effective fish-catchers. You can even get creative and build your own lures! (See page 24 for details.)

Claim: It will be cold and miserable out on the ice.

Verdict: Partially busted.

Certainly, cold weather is an inherent part of ice fishing. After all, it needs to be cold enough to create enough ice to participate. If you head out in sub-zero temperatures and aren’t adequately dressed for the elements, you’re going to get cold — there’s no way around that.

That said, with today’s winter clothing, modern ice shanties and pop-up shelters, and a growing market of portable heaters, the actual experience on the ice can be quite comfortable. In fact, many ice anglers find themselves peeling off layers throughout the day to cool down.

Claim: If the ice is 4 inches thick, it’s safe to venture onto it, and if it’s 9 inches thick, it’s safe to take an ATV or UTV out with you.

Verdict: Busted.

No ice is ever truly 100% safe, and there are no thickness thresholds that indicate what the ice can support. You cannot judge the strength of ice by one factor such as its appearance, age, thickness, temperature or whether the ice is covered with snow.

Ice strength is based on a combination of several factors that can vary from water body to water body. Ice strength can also vary in different areas of the same body of water.

It’s important to keep in mind that the DNR does not monitor ice conditions, so check with local fishing clubs and conservation groups for local ice conditions.

Claim: You need an expensive, high-powered auger to punch through the ice.

Verdict: Busted.

Electric or gas augers can speed things up, especially for those who like to hop between spots, but a standard manual auger — often available used for under $20 — will do the trick if it’s well-maintained.

Here’s a tip: if you’re having trouble with your manual auger, consider sharpening the blade. Dull auger blades are one of the most common mistakes ice anglers make every winter.

Claim: Fish caught through the ice taste better than their open-water counterparts.

Verdict: Possible.

Ultimately, taste is in the eye — or tongue — of the beholder, so opinions on this one may differ. Still, there are some very real factors that may explain why many people prefer winter fish.

Some fish are known to taste great no matter the season (like walleye and perch), but water temperature can change the texture of the meat. In colder water, the meat will often be a little firmer, whereas the texture can be a little softer in warmer water for some species.

Taste also can change depending on the fish’s diet, so some species may have a seasonal change in taste if their primary forage varies throughout the year.

Claim: Ice fishing is a great way to get outside during the winter, spend time with friends and family and maybe even put some dinner on the table.

Verdict: Confirmed!

Between the thrill of the catch, the satisfaction that comes from enjoying a meal of freshly caught fish and the quality time spent with others in the ice shanty, there’s a lot to love about ice fishing. That’s why thousands of anglers across Wisconsin brave the elements and hit the hard water each winter.

Learn More

Now that you know a little more about ice fishing, check out our Ice Fishing webpage for tips on techniques, bait to use, fishing with kids and hooking particular species. Get your license through Go Wild, grab your gear and we’ll see you on the ice!