Asked By: Ron of Galesville, WI
A: Absolutely! Ice fishing on a small pond can be just as rewarding as ice fishing on a lake, particularly if it's stocked with bass, bluegill, and perch. Here are five tips for making this wintertime sport safe and enjoyable.
Pond Ice Fishing Tips
- Bring a Buddy: Whether you're ice fishing on a huge lake or a small pond, always fish with a partner. Venturing out on the ice is never entirely safe, so have someone there to watch your back and lend a hand in an emergency. Ensure you have safety equipment that is easily accessible, including towels or blankets, a life ring, and a first aid kit. Better to be safe than sorry!
- Check Ice Thickness: Before heading out, check the thickness and quality of the ice. It should be at least four inches thick and ideally composed of solid blue ice rather than brittle white ice. Avoid walking on ice with cracks or trapped air bubbles, as it could shift and break underfoot. Read this Ice Safety 101 article to learn how to check the integrity of your ice.
- Prep Your Tackle: Make sure you have ice fishing gear on hand, including ice reels or jigging rods, jigs, various bait, a fish finder, an auger, and other tools to track down and hook a lunker. Are you planning to stay out on the ice all day or longer? Consider packing a pop-up ice shanty to stay warm and comfortable in the bitter cold.
- Pick a Spot: Locate your fish with a fish finder or pick a deeper, sheltered area where they are likely hanging out and drill a hole with an auger. Consider positioning a few Artificial Fish Habitats throughout your pond to make the hunt a bit easier next year. Logs and shrubs with flexible limbs create cozy habitats for the fish—and perfect spots for catching them.
- Timing is Everything: The best time to fish is early in the morning or late at night when the fish are out searching for food. If you haven't caught anything after half an hour, try a new hole or offer the fish a different type of bait.
More Small Fishing Pond Advice
Ice fishing on a smaller pond or lake is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors when the weather gets chilly. Have fun, be safe, and win some fins!
Ready for more pond fishing tips? Check out the related articles below, or contact us at 866-766-3435 for expert advice on keeping your pond stocked all year round.
How to Stock a Pond
Largemouth Bass vs Smallmouth Bass
Bluegill or Hybrid Bluegill
Common Types of Baitfish
Ponds With Catfish
Last Updated: June 26, 2024