Winter in Minnesota means putting up our boats for the season. But if you love fishing, changing your game up a little can yield some good catches and a whole lot of fun. All you need is some great company, your ice fishing gear, and some great snacks to serve up a great time.
In this post from Canvasworks in Cokato, MN, we’re sharing our newcomer’s guide to ice fishing to help you make the most of your time on the ice this winter. To learn more about our canopy repair services and get started on your ice fishing adventures, give us a call today!
Minnesota Ice Fishing
The holiday season might be over soon, but for ice fishing lovers, the time to celebrate is just beginning. Between January and February in Minnesota, ice houses start to pop up across Minnesota’s lakes, transforming the landscape into a magical winter sight. If you’re looking for a way to get outdoors and spend time with your family, ice fishing is a great excuse to unplug from social media and the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Although ice fishing might seem intimidating at first, once you get started, you’ll realize it’s easy enough that anyone can do it! To get started, you’ll just need a fishing license and a few essentials to bring with you:
● A chair or even a 5-gallon bucket for sitting on while you fish
● Warm, comfortable clothing
● A hand-operated auger
● A fishing pole and lure
● Assorted tackle
● An ice fishing shelter (optional)
● Bait bucket
● Slush scoop
● Needle-nose pliers
● Safety picks
● Hand and foot warmers
● Life jacket or floatation device for emergencies
● Metal-spiked cleats
Where to Go Ice Fishing
If you want to go ice fishing in style, consider renting an ice house where you can ice fish with all of the creature comforts of home. Some ice cabins even have TVs, bunks, and carpets. These cabins come equipped with holes already in the floor so you can ice fish in comfort and style! The best part? They even come with heaters!
These are just a handful of the popular lakes where you’ll find great ice fishing spots in Minnesota:
● Lake of the Woods
● Lake Mille Lacs
● Lake Winnibigoshish
● Red Lake
What You’ll Catch Below Minnesota Ice
The first thing to know about ice fishing catches is that it usually takes a while to get a bite. That’s because fish tend to slow down during the bitter winter cold. But when you do get a catch, it’s going to be worth the effort.
Here are a few great catches you might end up going home with:
● Northern Pike: Catching a Northern Pike can be quite a thrill during ice fishing season. This large predator is considered a trophy fish and follows bait schools during the winter months. Use large bait and tip-ups to catch these formidable fish.
● Yellow Perch: A slightly smaller fish, perch can be caught using smaller lures and live baits. Find them throughout Minnesota’s rivers and lakes.
● Bluegill: Bluegill is Minnesota’s largest sunfish and can be found all over Minnesota. Catch these fish using euro larvae, waxworms, or micro jigs during ice fishing season.
● Walleye: One of the most delicious catches is the walleye. Measuring up to 30 inches, these large fish can make quite the feast! If you’re lucky enough to score one of these big guys, try out this recipe for pan-fried walleye (and don’t forget to bring some to our team over at Canvasworks!).
Going Ice Fishing
After you’ve registered for your fishing license, chosen a spot, and packed up your gear, it’s time to go ice fishing! Make sure you understand the fishing regulations where you’ll be ice fishing since they can vary from one location to the next. Find out what types of fish you can expect to catch at your ice fishing spot, and print up a guide to take with you. Plan your bait accordingly. You should also brush up on ice fishing safety before you go, double-check local ice thickness reports, and make sure to pack any emergency supplies.
Experts recommend using wax worms or live minnows while you’re still learning to ice fish and working your way up to more challenging lures. Choose a location with at least five inches of ice, preferably near other ice fishers so you know it’s a safe spot to fish. Once at your spot, carefully position your auger blades, applying pressure while you drill. Once the hole is drilled, scoop out the slush with an ice scoop. Bait your ice jig using two or three spikes, then jig it a foot or so off the bottom. Remember that bites are lighter during ice fishing season because fish are less active. Once you reel in your first catch, gently remove the hook. And don’t forget to snap a photo!
Minnesota Canopy Repair Services and More
One way to make the most of ice fishing season is to use your snowmobile to transport your gear around on the ice. To keep your sled in great condition for plenty of ice fishing fun, order a custom SnoCaps Trailer Enclosure from Canvasworks! We also offer canvas repair services if your ice fishing house needs maintenance after the season ends. Stop by our online gallery and then give us a call at 320-559-0165 or contact us online to learn more.