Popular Fish Species for Ice Fishing

Ice fishing offers anglers the chance to target a variety of fish species that thrive in cold water. Below are some of the most popular fish to pursue during the winter months, along with tips on where to find them and how to catch them.

1. Walleye

• Habitat: Found near drop-offs, rock piles, and structures, typically in 15–30 feet of water.
• Bait: Use minnows, jigging spoons, or rattle baits. Bright colors and glow-in-the-dark lures work well in low-light conditions.
• Behavior: Most active at dawn and dusk.

2. Northern Pike

• Habitat: Shallow weedy areas or near submerged structures like fallen trees and logs.
• Bait: Use large live bait such as sucker minnows or dead bait like smelt. Tip-ups with steel leaders are effective.
• Behavior: Aggressive predators, often striking hard and fast.

3. Yellow Perch

• Habitat: Found in schools near sandy bottoms, weed edges, or drop-offs in 10–30 feet of water.
• Bait: Small jigs tipped with wax worms, maggots, or minnows. Tiny spoons can also be effective.
• Behavior: Active throughout the day, making them a favorite for steady action.

4. Crappie

• Habitat: Suspended in the water column near brush piles, submerged trees, or drop-offs.
• Bait: Use small jigs or live minnows. Light tackle and a fish finder are helpful for targeting their specific depth.
• Behavior: Most active during early morning and late afternoon.

5. Lake Trout

• Habitat: Found in deep, cold lakes, often 30–100 feet below the surface near drop-offs and underwater humps.
• Bait: Jigging spoons, tube jigs, or live bait such as cisco or smelt.
• Behavior: Active throughout the day, but requires patience and persistence to locate.

6. Bluegill

• Habitat: Shallow weedy areas or near submerged structures, typically in 5–15 feet of water.
• Bait: Small jigs tipped with wax worms, maggots, or tiny soft plastics.
• Behavior: Easy to catch and perfect for beginners and kids.

7. Rainbow Trout

• Habitat: Found in clear, cold lakes, often near the bottom or suspended over deep water.
• Bait: Use brightly colored lures, mealworms, or small spoons. PowerBait can also be effective.
• Behavior: Active in the morning and late afternoon.

8. Kokanee Salmon

• Habitat: Found in deep lakes, often suspended over open water.
• Bait: Use small spoons, jigs, or live bait like maggots.
• Behavior: Highly schooling fish, requiring sonar to locate.

9. Whitefish

• Habitat: Deep, cold lakes with sandy or gravelly bottoms.
• Bait: Small jigs tipped with wax worms, maggots, or pieces of minnow.
• Behavior: Often bite lightly, so use sensitive rods and watch closely.

10. Burbot (Lingcod)

• Habitat: Deep water near rocky bottoms or drop-offs, especially at night.
• Bait: Use dead bait like smelt or chunks of fish. Glow-in-the-dark jigs are effective.
• Behavior: Nocturnal and best fished at night.

Tips for Success

• Use a fish finder or sonar to locate fish more effectively.
• Pay attention to the time of day, as many species are most active during low-light periods.
• Experiment with different depths and bait presentations until you find what works.

Whether you're targeting walleye at dusk or chasing schools of perch, ice fishing provides the opportunity to catch a wide range of species. Each fish offers a unique challenge, making the experience both fun and rewarding.

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