Why Every Woman (Really, Everyone) Should Go Ice Fishing

By Brooke Vetter 

Ice fishing gets a bad rap. It seems almost an oxymoron. Many people, including avid open water anglers, envision piling on so many layers that their joints barely bend and trudging through the snow on a wind-swept lake only to stare at a eight inch hole while sitting on a bucket. But it doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, next to wetting a fly line in a remote mountain lake or from a canoe on the North Fork of the Flathead, ice fishing is my favorite form of angling.

 When I moved to Minnesota, I found the winters to be especially tough. Not because of the cold and snow (I love snow!) but because I missed hitting the slopes at my hometown Snowbowl in Missoula, MT. Cabin fever always sets in heavy by February and I dreamt of challenging ski terrain. Since my husband introduced me four years ago, this cold weather past time has helped me manage the long Minnesota winters. Ice fishing is a great way to get outside in the winter and, best of all; I get to share it with my husband.

Now that you are convinced to start ice fishing, the following list will help you get started:

Ten Ice Fishing Musts:

1. It is imperative that you get an icehouse. If you’re at all wary of ice fishing, don’t go out there without shelter. Additionally, icehouses are designed to be dark inside and where the water is clear, this allows for great visibility through the hole. Looking down into the water is the best part of ice fishing. The lake underneath the ice is a whole different world in the winter. With little primary productivity and no wind, the water is crystal clear and calm in many lakes. Also, you can watch the fish as they strike at your lure. This makes it that much more exciting. Even if you don’t catch as many as you see, it’s still really cool to actually see the fish (I am a fish biologist, so admittedly, I am biased). Check the region’s/lake’s regulations. On some lakes you can cut larger holes in the ice. My husband, for instance, enjoys spearing and will cut a 2 ft x 2ft square out of the ice. This is basically like a TV screen into the frigid underwater world of frozen lakes. I love it.

2. Of course, you need an ice auger or a chisel and ice saw to make a hole in the ice.

3. If you can get a sonar device (for instance a Vexilar), this is a good way to determine the depth and presence of fish before you set up your icehouse. Unlike open water fishing, it isn’t so easy to move around the lake in search of fish.

4. Along with the lure and bait on your ice rod (jiggle stick), occasionally put some kind of hookless decoy or shiny spoon down the hole to help attract fish. If you’re fishing for species like pike, use a wooden decoy. Get a large daredevil, or other variety of spoon, if you are angling trout, salmon, or panfish. Spin the line occasionally so it flashes. We’ve found that on a slow day, this trick can be the difference between catching fish and getting skunked!

5. Forgo sitting on a Home Depot bucket and get a comfy seat. If your icehouse permits, the chair-in-a-bag or the smaller footprint collapsible stool are great seats to keep you angling for the long haul.

6. On a really cold day, a little propane stove can go a long way! We turn ours on and off to keep the icehouse cozy. Just make sure to open the vent flaps.

7. Wool socks, thick-soled boots, and/or thermal inserts. For me, and many other women I know, it is the feet that suffer most in the winter. As your feet are firmly planted on the ice, they are most susceptible to cold. Keep your feet content and you will be happy fishing all day.

8. A thermos filled with a nice warm beverage. My favorite: spiced black tea or spiked hot chocolate.

9. Food! Snacks, when ice fishing, are a must. Peanut butter and honey (or jelly) sandwiches, lime tortilla chips, and a dark chocolate bar are some of our vices.

10. Finally, make sure to get a sled. Even you children’s or friend’s kiddie sled will work great for bringing all your gear out to the site.

Brooke Vetter is from Missoula, MT but lives in Duluth, MN with her husband Brad. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Biology at the University of Minnesota and researches fish physiology and behavior, especially with invasive silver (jumping) carp.