‘Tis the Season to Think Safe!

Tips for Ice Fishing in Ohio

By Matt Wolfe, Fisheries Biologist

 
For many Ohioans, this time of year represents a time when the snow starts to fly, the heaters roar all day, and the scale inches up thanks to holiday treats. But for some, the dip in temperature signals the start of a new fishing season signified with shanties, augers, and sleds. Ice is forming on many of Ohio’s inland lakes and ponds, but before you head out to your favorite honey hole, please think before you act.
 

Think Safety!

The number one rule when ice fishing is that no ice is safe ice. For one person and gear, at least four inches of ice a good rule of thumb. But, at any given time, a lake can have open spots, cracks in the ice, or even differences in ice thickness from one place to the next. Avoid areas next to feeder streams, springs, bridge pilings, docks, and dam structures since ice is usually very thin there. Of course, you should always walk cautiously, wear a Personal Flotation Devise (PFD), and carrying a throwable seat cushion in case you or someone else falls through the ice.
 

Think Small!

Of course, you want to think BIG fish! But when you are ice fishing, you need to scale down what you are using. Lightweight lines (one to six pounds), small ice rods and reels, and small tackle are a necessity. Panfish anglers normally use live bait on small pinmins, which are painted jigheads that might weigh 1/100 of an ounce. Anglers seeking walleye or saugeye can entice them using jigging spoons or small minnows on tip-ups.  Take the time to learn about the special equipment used for ice fishing.
 

 
Think Biology!

Fish are cold blooded, which means that they cannot regulate their own temperature. So where are they going when the lakes freeze? Believe it or not, when the lakes freeze, the water is the warmest right at the bottom of the lake. Water is most dense when it is about 40 degrees F, so the “heavier,” warmer water will always be on the bottom during the winter season. Fish normally seek out this warmer water since it suits them better than the frozen water above.
 

Think Ahead!

The old saying “know before you go” certainly applies to ice fishing. Know what’s there. Check out the Fishing Forecasts for Ohio’s inland lakes to see what fish are in your favorite lake and to figure out what tackle you might need. Also, know the lake. Take a look at one of our lake maps to find deeper holes.  Look for nearby flats where fish might be feeding or fish concentration devices that might hold fish. Finally, know what the ice is capable of. These ice fishing safety tips offer a good guide when trying to judge what ice can support.

Ice is beginning to form on many anglers’ favorite fishing holes.  But, if you have any doubts about the ice underfoot, pick a different spot or give it a few more days to freeze.  And, if you are just starting out, use a licensed ice fishing guide to find the best sites and methods for the season.  Have fun and remember to think safety, think small, think biology, and think ahead to ensure a safe trip.