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| Wisconsin is full of great fishing opportunities. We have over 15,000 lakes, including 2 of the worlds largest bodies of fresh water. We have the Mighty Mississippi to the west, which is spectacular fishing. Ice fishing, fly fishing. We have it all. It's truly a blessing to be a Wisconsin Fisherman! |
| Icing Inland Trout by Chris Powell |
Ice fishing in Wisconsin is in full swing. Ice anglers have been busy
catching panfish, walleyes and northern pike like they do every
winter. I love to do that as well. But after a while I am in the mood for
something a little different. That is when I set up to target inland trout
through the ice, a type of ice fishing most anglers overlook. It is
easy, a lot of fun, and makes for a great winter meal. It is also a
great opportunity to catch large rainbows, browns, and brookies.
catching panfish, walleyes and northern pike like they do every
winter. I love to do that as well. But after a while I am in the mood for
something a little different. That is when I set up to target inland trout
through the ice, a type of ice fishing most anglers overlook. It is
easy, a lot of fun, and makes for a great winter meal. It is also a
great opportunity to catch large rainbows, browns, and brookies.
I am not going to give away any secret
spots in this article, but I will help to
point you in the right direction. The
first thing you need to do is pick up a
copy of the 2007-2008 Wisconsin
Trout Regulations. This is a must
have, as most waters in the state fall
under different regulations. You can
browse trout destinations in the
booklet by county. Remember, most
trout destinations are only open until
September 30th, so for ice fishing, look
for lakes or ponds that are open until
March 2nd (when most inland species
close for the season). Here is a tip,
look for a lake or pond fed by a
stream, as the numbers of native trout
will be greater. Remember to use
extra caution on bodies of water with a
current!
spots in this article, but I will help to
point you in the right direction. The
first thing you need to do is pick up a
copy of the 2007-2008 Wisconsin
Trout Regulations. This is a must
have, as most waters in the state fall
under different regulations. You can
browse trout destinations in the
booklet by county. Remember, most
trout destinations are only open until
September 30th, so for ice fishing, look
for lakes or ponds that are open until
March 2nd (when most inland species
close for the season). Here is a tip,
look for a lake or pond fed by a
stream, as the numbers of native trout
will be greater. Remember to use
extra caution on bodies of water with a
current!
Trout are just like any other fish. They
gotta eat no matter what the season is.
Remember in winter food is more
scarce, so these fish will be on the
prowl. Jigging for trout, is just like
jigging for panfish. Small moon jigs
tips with waxies work great for rainbows
and brookies. Small jigging Rapalas
do wonders as well. I prefer using an
ultra light rod for a big fight. But I
always carry a medium action rod as
well, which is what i would advise using
if you are just getting started. When
jigging, make sure you work all depths
for trout, as they can be anywhere
under the ice. Often, if you are jigging
high, trout will speed up to your bait
from the bottom. If you use electronics
while ice fishing, you will notice them
speed up to your bait. But be aware of
how difficult it can be to land a trout
atop the hole, when your transducer is
in the water. Trout have a tough
mouth, and pressure needs to be kept
on the mouth to ensure a successful
landing. So if the hole you are on
happens to be a hot one, you may just
want to turn the Vexilar off for a bit.
Because these fish can be just plain
hot when they are on.
gotta eat no matter what the season is.
Remember in winter food is more
scarce, so these fish will be on the
prowl. Jigging for trout, is just like
jigging for panfish. Small moon jigs
tips with waxies work great for rainbows
and brookies. Small jigging Rapalas
do wonders as well. I prefer using an
ultra light rod for a big fight. But I
always carry a medium action rod as
well, which is what i would advise using
if you are just getting started. When
jigging, make sure you work all depths
for trout, as they can be anywhere
under the ice. Often, if you are jigging
high, trout will speed up to your bait
from the bottom. If you use electronics
while ice fishing, you will notice them
speed up to your bait. But be aware of
how difficult it can be to land a trout
atop the hole, when your transducer is
in the water. Trout have a tough
mouth, and pressure needs to be kept
on the mouth to ensure a successful
landing. So if the hole you are on
happens to be a hot one, you may just
want to turn the Vexilar off for a bit.
Because these fish can be just plain
hot when they are on.
Lastly, don't overlook setting up a tip-up or tip down with a crappie minnow or fathead for one of
the big brutes that may be hanging around. These big boys are a real rush to catch, and
believe me, there are some trophy worthy pigs swimming around waiting for you to catch them.
So if you want to try something new this winter, go give it a try. But remember, ice fishing
opportunities for inland trout are limited, so when you find a spot, keep a tight lip! Have a safe
and happy Holiday Season!
Chris Powell
Fat Guy's Guide Service
715-577-9771
www.fat-guy.org
the big brutes that may be hanging around. These big boys are a real rush to catch, and
believe me, there are some trophy worthy pigs swimming around waiting for you to catch them.
So if you want to try something new this winter, go give it a try. But remember, ice fishing
opportunities for inland trout are limited, so when you find a spot, keep a tight lip! Have a safe
and happy Holiday Season!
Chris Powell
Fat Guy's Guide Service
715-577-9771
www.fat-guy.org
