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Mid-season is coming across much of the ice belt and that early ice bite has come and gone. Panfish opportunities have likely slowed a bit, but if you’re lucky enough to have access to waters that hold trout, you can find some consistent action to get you through the mid winter lull. Unlike some of their warm water brethren, trout remain active throughout the winter months when water temps take a plunge. Targeting lake trout through the ice is becoming an increasingly popular pursuit for anglers from the Rockies to New England, and many parts of Canada. Many of these tactics...

By: Blake Tollefson Winter is here – and it’s here to stay for some time. With these frigid temperatures, it’s vital to make the most of what mother nature has to offer. Drive past a frozen lake mid-January and you’ll spot shanty towns teeming with anglers willing to trade long rods for those of a shorter variety. Panfish – and crappies in particular – are some of the most targeted species throughout the hard water season. They are more than willing to offer fast action and provide a fresh meal that’s quite hard to top.   Nomads & Roamers In...

By: Blake Tollefson Contrary to open water fishing, ice fishing anglers are forced to cover water in a more limited fashion. Because of the movement limitations associated with ice fishing, anglers aim to bring the fish within striking distance. Only a select set of lures have the ability to impart the right action and call fish in.  The jigging spoon is a staple to the ice fishing community, and arguably one of the most effective for attracting fish. In simple terms, jigging spoons can be simplified into two categories - the flutter spoon and the rattle spoon. Traditional spoons are...

By: Cole Karsky Edited by: Blake Tollefson Hole hopping for walleyes is undoubtably one of my favorite ways to target them through the ice. Growing up in Minnesota, early ice is something I am always looking forward to. In most years, my first ice trip of the year is generally to Upper Red Lake. Nothing quite like getting back on the ice with good friends and a hot bite! The entire drive up, I am playing out the scenarios through my head on how I would like to target the fish. Whenever possible, I ditch the shack and stay mobile....

By: Blake Tollefson The hardwater season is fast approaching. All across the Northern United States and Canada, anglers are taking their first steps on frozen water. Now is the time to ensure electronics, rods & reels, and augers are in working order — and that tackle is fully organized. Aside from the obvious fishing gear, there is some vital equipment you should have before you take that first step on hardwater. Safety concerns are very real throughout the ice fishing season, and especially at first ice. Safety precautions for first ice can be categorized into a handful of major groups....