Why you should keep fishing in winter, Part 2

December 8, 2015

By Roger Phillips Idaho Fish and Game How does this sound? You and your buddies can go fishing and bring all the tackle, food and beverages you want. You can fish anywhere on a lake or reservoir, and you don't have to launch a boat to do it. Oh, and you will probably catch some tasty fish. Sound like a good deal? If you haven't figured it out already, we're talking about ice fishing. It's an easy, inexpensive way to fish that is surprisingly beginner friendly. It's also a fun social experience that's like a cross between tailgating and fishing. Let's talk about the basics of ice fishing. The only equipment needed beyond your basic fishing gear and a valid fishing license is an ice auger and a slush spoon, and you can snag a substitute for a slush spoon in your kitchen. A hand-powered ice auger will cost about $75, and a gas-powered auger about $300 and up. Go ahead a buy a slush spoon for another $15. It comes in handy, and you won't get in trouble for pilfering utensils out of the kitchen. Now it's time get on the ice and go fishing. Caution and common sense are advised so it will be a safe outing. The general rule of thumb is three to four inches of solid ice will support a person, and eight to 10 inches of solid ice are needed to support an ATV or snowmobile. If something about the ice doesn't look or feel right, don't risk it. When you've determined the ice is safe, drill a hole, drop a line with a baited hook and/or a small jig and you're fishing. But part of the fun of ice fishing is using multiple lines. An angler can fish with up to five poles or lines at a time, and have up to five hooks per line. When fishing gets hot, tending all those lines can be tricky, but that's part of the fun. Some waters are managed under special rules that limit the number of poles or bait while ice fishing, so be sure to check fishing regulations for exceptions. Remember, a 2-pole permit does not allow an angler to use 10 rods. Trout and perch and are the most common quarry for ice anglers, and they're especially tasty during winter. But Idaho has a variety of species anglers can catch ranging from cisco in Southeast Idaho to pike in North Idaho. Catching of any fish through the ice requires only basic fishing skills and patience. The primary tactic is usually drop your bait and wait, so it's very easy for beginners to do. But there's still an art to it, and good ice anglers will routinely catch more fish than novice or casual anglers. That's one reason it's common to see experienced anglers on the ice with an array of tackle and gadgets, usually coupled with sleds, tents and often coolers and grills for a cook out. That's part of the social experience ice fishing. There's room for everyone on the ice, and many people enjoy the festive atmosphere as much the fishing. You can learn more about ice fishing, including techniques and tackle, as well as waters throughout the state that typically have ice fishing, on a webpage dedicated to the subject at https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/content/icefishing.