Idaho ice fishing primer: Ready to hit the hardwater? Here’s a game plan
Ice fishing season is … almost here? Old Man Winter is running behind schedule, but our regional ice fisheries should (finally) start freezing up soon. If you’re itching to hit the hardwater right away, there are opportunities within driving distance — my friends and I kicked off the season with our annual road trip to eastern Idaho, where the fishing was fantastic.
As you gear up for hardwater season — or consider trying ice fishing for the first time — here are some pointers to get you ready:
Have a Plan
Planning ahead is especially important on an ice fishing trip. Before leaving, do everything you can to verify ice thickness (four inches is the recommended minimum) and monitor weather forecasts. Have a backup plan, or reschedule, if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate. Upon arrival, drill test holes to make sure the ice is safe. Pack safety gear, including a shovel, wearable ice picks and a dry change of clothes.
Having a plan extends to fishing strategy, too. At most Idaho fisheries, anglers can use five rods on the ice. I set my “starting lineup” with lures and baits that are tried and true for my target lake or species. If I’m fishing new water, I tie on confidence lures that consistently catch fish elsewhere. And I set aside a few backup lures to try, depending on how the day unfolds. A mix of sticking with reliable tactics and smart experimentation often leads to positive results.
Think Small
Size is an important factor with ice fishing tackle, and smaller is usually the way to go. Most of my ice rods are 26- or 28-inch light or ultralight outfits spooled with 4- or 6-pound test (I do own some heavy artillery for hunting monster Mackinaw trout).
Ice lures also run small. Generally, fish are less aggressive under the ice, and they are more likely to eat a subtle presentation tipped with a small piece of bait than a big, flashy lure. Anytime I’m marking fish on my flasher but not getting bites, my first move is to downsize lures. The biggest fish of this year’s kickoff trip, a six-pound Henrys Lake cutthroat, pounced on a 1/16-ounce jig. Small lures for the win!
Mix it Up
For local anglers, there are a handful of reliable ice fisheries — Cascade, Horsethief, Magic and Warm Lake. But some of my most memorable trips have come from rolling the dice and trying something new. Looking to hook something BIG through the ice? Try catching a Payette Lake Mackinaw. Want to take an ice fishing road trip? Henrys is usually one of the first Idaho lakes to freeze (and also offers trophy trout opportunities). Bear Lake, which doesn’t always ice up, has provided some unforgettable moments in years when it does. Targeting bass and bluegill through the ice is always a fun challenge, and if conditions allow for safe exploration, I enjoy trying ice fishing “bonus spots” during cold snaps.
Happy Landings
One of the biggest hardwater challenges is landing big fish through a small hole in the ice. It takes patience, skill and, ideally, two people to pull it off properly.
The angler has the most important job. Keep a loose drag and allow the fish to make long, head-shaking runs. It will eventually tire, which increases your chances. Keep your hole clear of ice and try to prevent your line from rubbing on the edges.
The second person’s job is to land the fish. As the fight reaches its conclusion, position yourself near the hole. The angler must get the fish’s head pointed upward through the ice tunnel — then, and only then, reach and grab the fish (waterproof gloves help in this effort). In Idaho, most big ice fish are toothy trout. The best way to land these is to grab behind the pectoral fins or under the gill plate. Hold on tight! An occasional fish may escape, but with proper landing technique, the heartbreaks will be few and far between. Tight lines!
Want to learn how to ice fish?
If you’re new to ice fishing or want to take your skills to the next level, be sure to check out my next Tight Lines 208 class, Ice Fishing 101. Participants will get the inside scoop on how to catch fish through the ice, including helpful tips on safety, gear, tackle, strategies, destinations and more, along with a tackle starter kit. Ice Fishing 101 will be held Tuesday, Jan. 16, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Idaho Rod & Reel tackle shop. Participants are also invited to a group fishing day Jan. 20. For details and registration, visit www.tightlines208.com. I’ll see you there.
Jordan Rodriguez has been fishing Idaho waters since he was a teen. Share your fish stories, adventures and questions with him at tightlinesboise@gmail.com, or visit www.tightlines208.com for the latest local fishing reports and upcoming class offerings.
