Icefishing Browns

[BeeGuy]

I did a search and didn't yield much, so,

What are some successful methods to target browns through the ice?

I know the standard approaches with bait or lures, but don't have any experience (or success), so if you have cracked the code, please share some suggestions here.

Favorite bait?
Technique?
Favorite lures?
Spot selection?
Time of day?

thanks!

[Dust1n]

from what i know on the bow river they take resadence in the winter months in the deeper slower water. So id go find the deeper water in the lake and fish with slower tactics.

[Gust]

i normally agree with you/fh7 but i have to differ with you this time,,, shallow and with a teardrop just under the ice at, wait for it, wait, wait
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.ghost lake

[fish gunner]

I have caught a few browns thru the ice in ontario we used roe bags on a drop shot rig with the hook 12 -16" off bottom,and brass spoons with a florecant orange strip baited with roe.we searched for a gravel bottom in 10-20fow our best action usually stared 1-2hrs before dark.as I said we only got a few the best a hen of 8 lbs.hope this helps

[BeeGuy]

In one of the great lakes?

[Gust]

not to derail but, why do browns at first break of ice hit a super slow moving rapala in the shallows but don't even sniff a smelt, or chase a smelt dragged like a crankbait? they're such a opportunist like fish,,, i'll show you this in a few months,, can't figure it out,, i mean they stalk their prey but not smelts

[billycap]

Try going at around 7-8 pm... browns dont seem to be nearly as skiddish after dark

[fish gunner]

Originally Posted by BeeGuy

In one of the great lakes?

creek mouths and marinas near oakville,seen some big browns and almost every thing that swims in summer&browns in winter.

[Speckle55]

What they are eating!!
bigger fish bigger bait or hook
what is the forage fish/food in lake

try and find the drops to deeper water .most fish will cruise there and can be caught

usually better at ice on and just before ice off but you still can catch if you put the time at it. they are catching 3 to 6 lbers out here.

years ago a 17# was caught and not entered.

Browns are usually more active just before dark and into dark and same in morning

but you know fishing when the major feed is on they will eat


Food for Thought
David

[SonnyJ]

Hey Speckle55 have you had any luck at lake X?

You know the one I'm thinking of...