Seasonal Ice Fishing Patterns

Early ice is considered the best time to fish by many anglers:

• Fish are still in fall patterns and feeding heavily
• Shallow weeds still hold oxygen and baitfish
• Fish are more aggressive and less pressured
• Look for fish in 5-15 feet of water

The toughest time for ice fishing:

• Fish metabolism slows in cold water
• Fish move deeper and become more lethargic
• Downsize presentations and slow your approach
• Focus on primary structure in deeper water
• Low-light periods become even more important

As ice begins to deteriorate, fishing improves:

• Fish sense spring and feed more actively
• Shallow water warms first, drawing baitfish and gamefish
• Pre-spawn movements begin
• Can be as good as early ice for action