First ice is coming. Some of us sooner than others. What does everyone recommend fishing first ice depth wise. Is shallow better than deeper? Is deeper better than shallow?
I’ve fished both very early in the season many years in a row, and to me it almost depends on the day and what type of mood the fish are in.
everyones thoughts?
It completely depends on the Lake and species you are targeting. When I typically go out first ice I go for walleye. When I try to find their depth I usually start at a mid range of 15-20ft depending on the lake and drill shallower. But for crappie and perch I usually find then in more shallow areas then deeper water around 12ft.
Most fish will be very active with early ice. Some of the best walleye fishing I have is when the ice is 3-5″ thick. I know a handful of lakes within an hour of me that are no deeper than 10′ and have excellent walleye bites. I try to target shallow lakes until the ice thickens, then it’s game on! I tend to get out on the lakes earlier than most dare.
I know this is a broken record but first ice is the second most dangerous time of the season, late ice being #1. Just because there is 2″ of ice, doesn’t mean it’s good ice. Always fish with a buddy, wear a lifevest and ice picks. When I was younger, my dad always taught me to tie a rope to my waist and drag it behind me if fishing really early ice…it’s a good tip…Everyone reacts to the cold water differently, some aren’t phased and some lock up. Always, always, always be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. A life isn’t worth losing over a fish.
Bays always freeze up first, we need several nights in a row with little to no wind and temps in the teens or lower and daytime temps below freezing to freeze over the smaller bays.
I usually target the bays for walleye early until the smaller lakes freeze over enough for foot travel.
Backwater areas can also be good since they are normally more protected from wind, are shallower and have no current.
i live in an area where the lakes are usually no more than 15-20 feet deep. If i really wanna find a deep lake i would have to travel further.
I have the day off so i may take a chisel and a rod and go see how thick the ice is today, maybe (hopefully) get a line wet as well
It all depends on the lake you’re fishing. In lakes with clear water the fish will be deeper especially during mid day, while lakes with stained or turbid water will often have active fish shallow all day. Your best bet will be to start out by finding the depth of the outside weed line and start your search there.
Will
That is exactly what I am looking for.
Thank you Will!
-Jon
Really crossing my fingers and toes that the lakes stay wide open until after next weeks storm is finished dumping wet slop.
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