Ice Fishing – Rainbow Trout – Mn Mine Lakes

The MN DNR has opened 24 deep mine lakes this year to Ice Fishing Tout. I have selected the lakes that have been stocked with Rainbows. Having never fished Rainbow Trout before I am having what I would call fairly poor luck. I have only caught two about 14″ so far, they were not more than 5 to 15 ft deep. One in 30 fow and another in 10 fow. Some of the Mine Lakes are 150 feet deep. I am having a hard time finding fish. I have been using a small slender spoon with a couple Berkley waxies on them.

Any input on how to locate and what the bite on would be appreciated.

Stocked rainbows commonly swim just below the ice. They are often on the move, coming through in schools. They can be hard to see on your electronics screen as they come through high and fast. Jigging wax worms or small plastics a couple feet below the ice has been successful for me in the past. Target the edge of the lake and drill a series of holes. If you don’t see them coming through move further out into the lake.

On Grindstone guys commonly target the rainbows in 5′ of water although as noted they can use the top of the water column anywhere. Site fishing really helps. If using a portable block the windows. I’ve seen guys on open ice laying down covering the hole while they jig. It’s not uncommon for a fish to come in, grab the jig, let go and move on. I’ve used simple Demons with a waxie. Sometimes a short agressive jig is the ticket to get their attention. They tend to grab it on the fall.

Rugbyguy and Tegg are spot on. I’ve gone through artificial tipping and had success, but I’ve had far fewer noses turned from fresh waxies. 5 feet below the ice is generally where you want to be and try to focus on areas where contour lines turn. Constant jigging can keep fish moving around you rather than coming in on the bait. If you pause 15-30 seconds between jigging and leave your bait as still as possible you may get more action. A lot of those new mine lakes are highly put-and-take meaning after opening weekend numbers games are not common and the fish remaining may be smaller. More remote and developed fisheries will typically sustain a full season of pressure, so keep that in mind when choosing your destination also! If you can pick your days, pick the sunny ones!

I will also add if there is standing timber, fish right next to it in the shallows.That was my biggest key to success when I lived in Ely. Kastmaster with a salted crappie minnow usually produced a few takers.