Ice Fishing: Techniques

In Wisconsin, bluegill, perch, walleye and northern pike are the most sought after species in winter. Bluegill and perch are the most commonly caught.

Minnows are preferred bait for many of the fish listed below. When fishing minnows, remember there are restrictions designed to prevent spread of VHS.

Bluegill

Illustration of a Bluegill
Illustration by Virgil Beck

Try fishing in shallow bays where the water is about four to eight feet deep. For bait, try a teardrop lure tipped with live insect larvae. Gently jig the lure up and down.

Perch

Perch
Illustration by Virgil Beck

Jig for perch at 35 feet. For bait, try small, live minnows or weighted ice flies and insect larvae. (Minnows are illegal on some lakes -- check the fishing regulations for a summary of Wisconsin fishing laws and fishing regulations.)

Walleye

Walleye
Illustration by Virgil Beck

This schooling fish is found along the shorelines and in shallow bays. As with northern pike, tip-ups rigged with minnows are the best technique. (Minnows are illegal on some lakes -- check the fishing regulations for a summary of Wisconsin fishing laws and fishing regulations.)

Northern Pike

Northern Pike
Illustration by Virgil Beck

Fish shallow bays with large live minnows on a tip-up in four to 12 feet of water. (Minnows are illegal on some lakes -- check the fishing regulations for a summary of Wisconsin fishing laws and fishing regulations.)

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