Getting Started Ice Fishing

Bring your passion for fishing out on the ice this winter

By Ben Fougere

Ice fishing is a fun winter activity that everyone can participate in. When ice fishing for the first time, there are only a few pieces of equipment anglers need to get started. After a few seasons, the angler can decide on what gear they prefer to use and what species they want to target.

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Ice fishing view of of the hole in the ice.

Be Prepared

Safety starts at home. A full tank of gas, good winter tires, tire chains and a tow rope are recommended when leaving the main highway. Let someone know your travel plans in case you break down or get stuck in the snow. Always bring a spare change of warm clothes, boots and a blanket in case you get wet on the ice, or worse, fall in.

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Clothing & Safety Wear

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A layering system with warm clothes and a windproof jacket will help keep hypothermia at bay. Always dress to be able to remove clothing layers to prevent sweating. There are also special ice fishing jackets and pants that can be worn. This specialty clothing is designed to float if an angler falls through thin ice. Tall, waterproof boots, like Dryshod Arctic Storm boots, will help keep your feet warm and dry in the most extreme conditions. Boot grips are helpful when walking to your fishing location and prevent slipping on the ice. A toque and warm winter gloves are also important to wear, as they protect you from Jack Frost.

What Is Safe Ice & How Does Ice Behave?

There are many charts available on the Internet showing the recommended safe ice requirements for one-person, multiple people, snow mobiles, all-terrain vehicles and even pick-up trucks (not recommended in the southern areas of the province.)

Ice first forms from the edges of a lake and thickens towards the middle as the temperature drops. Clear ice is always the strongest and weak ice looks slushy, has bubbles in it and appears greyish. When fishing on thin ice, an angler should be aware of weight distribution across the ice surface.

Ice thickness is affected by changing weather, temperature, snow load (an insulator) and moving water in the lake. Most lakes have a natural current in them, especially if there is an inflow or outflow creek. Many lakes in British Columbia have freshwater springs. These springs can keep the ice surrounding them extremely thin and should be avoided. In some cases, large, open holes will form. Sometimes these holes lightly freeze over and a fresh snow fall can hide the location of the spring. Check ice thickness often when moving around a lake because thickness can vary from one location to another. False ice layers also form when water on top of the main ice freezes. Snow on top of this frozen layer insulates the remaining water on top of the main ice. Breaking through a false ice layer to thicker ice below can be a heart stopping experience. Ice frequently cracks, moans and pops as it relieves expansion pressure. These pressure cracks can be unnerving but are a normal process during the ice season. A crack happening below an angler’s feet can be an exciting experience.

 

Getting Out There

When walking to a fishing location for the first time, use caution and measure ice thickness often, especially at the beginning and end of the season. Some early season anglers use tools called spud bars, which are driven into the ice to check thickness. If the tool breaks through, back away. When using an ice sled mid-season, skis attached to the bottom of the sled help make pulling a heavy load easier along the snow. Ice picks can be worn around your neck in case you fall through the ice and can help you climb out of the water while kicking your feet. Fishing with another person is best for safety and long ropes can be used to help aid in a rescue if the unthinkable happens.

Getting To The Fish

Augers are the best tool to open a hole in the ice. Hand augers and power augers (electric and gas options) are available. Hand augers can also be converted to an electric power auger with an adapter for an electric hand drill. Auger bit sizes range from four inches to 10 inches, depending on the target species. Four-inch holes are used for smaller species and are helpful when kokanee fishing as the fish cannot turn around in the hole to escape. The most common auger size is an eight-inch auger, which accommodates most species.

When starting to drill a hole, place the auger down gently on the ice. Slamming it down can damage the blades and the auger will not drill a hole. Drill a hole straight down into the ice. If the auger stops or is binding on the ice, do not force it. Slow down and let the auger slowly do the work. Also, be careful not to hit the bottom of the lake with the auger, because the blades will be damaged by rocks and they will not drill a hole afterwards. Spare auger blades are a good idea to keep in your ice fishing kit. Be extra cautious around auger blades, because they are extremely sharp and will cut a person easily. Always use an auger guard when not in use. Some people use axes to open old holes, while others use large saws to open up a big viewing hole in the ice. These large viewing holes are extremely dangerous and are not recommended as they are difficult to mark and protect people from falling through thin ice.

After your hole has been drilled, a good ice scoop will remove excess slush from your hole so you can start fishing. Make sure to mark your hole to help other lake users see where they might face potential danger.

 

Start Fishing

A good chair and a piece of plywood under your feet (an insulator to fight the cold ice below) will keep an angler comfortable in most conditions. A short ice fishing rod and spinning reel with an attractor and/or a jig is the most common method of fishing. Some fishing reels and lines are specifically designed for ice fishing so they can handle below zero temperatures if used outside for long periods of time. Hand lining and regular-length rods can also be used, but ice fishing rods designed for the target species are best.

There are many species of fish to ice fish for in British Columbia. Some species include brook trout, burbot, kokanee, lake trout, rainbow trout, perch, pike and walleye. Information on how to target these species can be found online and through social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube. Baits can be used, where allowed, and common baits include scented corn, mealworms, live pink maggots, shrimp, synthetic baits and gel scents. A hand towel is always great to have close by to dry cold, wet hands.

Comfortable Fishing Methods

When the weather is warm and tolerable, sitting outside is a great way to interact with other anglers and enjoy the surroundings. On colder days, ice shelters help keep you warm by blocking the wind, the blowing snow and sometimes rain. Ice shelters come in regular material, insulated material or attached to an ice fishing sled that can be flipped open. Ice tent sizes range from small, one-person tents to large, heavy, eight-person tents. Be careful when handling these tents in the wind because they can catch wind easily and will blow down the lake like tumbleweed. Always anchor the windward side of the tent floor and hubs to the ice (at a minimum) to keep it from flying away. At the end of the day, remember to open your tent and gear at home to dry them out for your next adventure.

Tent heaters come in a few options and improve comfort levels substantially when the weather is below zero. The most common heater is a propane heater (wood and diesel options are also available). A Buddy Heater, by Mr. Heater, is the most popular option. These heaters are designed for a one-pound propane tank, but can attach to a five, 10 or 20-pound propane tank for added heating time and reduced cost in propane. Use caution when using these heaters and watch for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. While they have sensors built into the heater, always vent the tent by digging a tunnel under the skirt of the tent and open the door and windows of the tent often to encourage fresh airflow and to prevent headaches.

 

Fish Finder Options

Using a fish finder for some species is helpful, but not always necessary if other nearby anglers are willing to announce depths where they are marking fish. Entry-level ice fishing bundles like a Garmin Striker 4 bundle can help an angler locate fish. These bundles can often be used on boats in the summer months as well. They have a good history screen to see how the fish are reacting to your jig. Other fish finder options include ice flashers, high-end transducers (can see horizontally under the ice), ice transducers with a float, underwater real-time cameras and, the most loved by children and new anglers (maybe seasoned ones too), is looking down an ice hole with the windows of an ice tent closed and the ice glowing. Watching a fish bite at your presentation through an ice hole is a must-have experience.

 

Why Ice Fishing?

Many anglers spend time indoors during the winter months, waiting for the ice to melt. Ice fishing is a great way for people to get outside and experience fishing from a different view. This is an opportunity for anglers to spend time as a group and learn from each other. Kokanee anglers are especially welcoming and kokanee communities can be found on many lakes in the province. Ice fishing is also a great way to provide food for the family.

If you are looking for something different to do in the winter, give ice fishing a try. Remember to always focus on safety first and make sure you get outside to learn something new. Most importantly, have fun learning as you go.