Target lake whitefish with small jigs called wire worms. Whitefish are typically bottom feeders and are drawn to lures that imitate bottom-dwelling insect larvae and freshwater shrimp. Wire worm jigs that resemble Chironomid larvae( red bloodworms) and tiny jigs that imitate shrimp( for example, a yellow or orange acetate-bodied wire worm), fished near the bottom, are the ticket to catching lake whitefish. These jigs come in a variety of colours; some only have copper or brass wire, which is wrapped around the hook shank. There’ s nothing fancy about them— they’ re your blue-collar lures! While you don’ t actually need an ice fishing rod, I won’ t leave home without one. Some anglers simply tie monofilament fishing line on a wooden slat and rig up a selection of wire worms featuring different colours. My first choice of fishing line would be a braided line because it has zero memory— meaning it doesn’ t develop kinks or twists— which makes it ideal for certain hook sets. There are, however, some( ice fishing) monofilament lines on the market that also work well.
Position the wire worm jig so it’ s at a right angle to the fishing line, making it easier for whitefish to swallow the jig( they have a small mouth, positioned on the bottom of their heads.) Lower the jig to the bottom of the lake, then raise it so it’ s suspended about a foot off the bottom. Whitefish will usually come in slowly to inspect the wire worm jig before opening their mouth and swallowing it. Once the fish engulfs the lure, raise the fishing line to set the hook.
It’ s a bit like watching a radar screen when you’ re looking into an ice hole waiting for a fish to materialize. You’ ll need steely nerves not to rush your hook set. Be patient. Your reward will be the joy of landing a nice fish!
Duane Radford says that once you get the hang of ice fishing for lake whitefish, you can branch out for other species, such as northern pike, trout, walleye, and yellow perch. He’ ll be out today, weather and ice thickness permitting.
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