Ice Fishing for Whitefish

[Drano]

Ice Fishing for Whitefish



When is the Best Time to Begin

You will find you have the best success fishing for lake whitefish early in the morning. Sunrise till about noon is your best bet. By starting early after sunrise you will find you will have your greatest success as lake whitefish feeding activity will lessen as the sun gets higher in the sky. If your weather conditions include a cloudy day chances are you can increase your fishing success past the noon cutoff. Try to locate areas with a hard bottom and with a good drop off. Because whitefish are a schooling species once you locate one chances are others will be found close by. Drill 5 or 6 holes and fish each one for about 20 minutes. If you have little or no success, move onto the next hole. An auger should be no more than 8 inches in diameter, which should be more than capable of landing any whitefish you encounter during your day of icefishing. Once you drilled your holes, take the time to clean the snow and slush from them. Many times the sound your power auger produces will spook any fish in the area. By taking the time to clean up your holes you give the whitefish time to return to their normal behaviour.

One of the best items a ice fisherman can purchase is a portable fishing tent. You will be spending a great deal of time out on the frozen lake and your comfort is a key ingredient in having an enjoyable day. Comfort will also help in your concentration.

Lake whitefish are bottom feeders in most situations and have been known to eat a wide variety of bottom-living invertebrates as well as smaller fishes. In some areas microscopic planktonic creatures form the majority of their diet. A wire worm jig is one of the most popular lure in the Canadian prairies and imitates the aquatic organisms that lake whitefish love to eat. Ensure you set the hook fast as whitefish have the tendency to spit it out fast. The key is to always be ready to set the hook quickly so it is vital you are always watching your wire worm. A nice 26 inch ice fishing rod is ideal for fishing for Lake whitefish. Ensure the rod has light to medium action as it will help you in feeling the whitefish strike. Braided line works best for icefishing as it retains no memory in the line. This can mean the difference between landing your catch and losing it.

Although Lake whitefish will bite spoons and other lures rigged up with such baits as minnows and leeches, the wire worm jig consistently outperforms all other methods of catching lake whitefish. The most popular colour for a wire worm is red. This colour worm mimics larvae found in most Canadian lakes. Experiment with different colours and sizes to see what works best for you on any given day or on different lakes. Carry a small journal with you to record weather conditions etc .

Bottom is Best

Again because lake whitefish are predominately bottom feeders, make sure you are fishing about a foot off the bottom. Start your presentation within this zone and jig your wire worm once every minute or so to entice any whitefish in the area to come on over and have a look. This suggestion is only a starting point for your day and is not set in stone. If you observe whitefish at various other depths then adjust your presentation to have a good chance at landing them. If possible rig up several rods with a variety of presentations varying the size and colour of your wire worms. This will save you time if one colour and size is not successful.

[scott_edmonton]

Thanks, will try this out this week.

[bisonhunter]

hey thanks drano, i appreciate the coaching. i've been trying to target new species this year and have been doing a lot of reading about each one but it always seems best to get first hand advice from the experienced. i'll give it a shot when i get back from costa rica mid month.
cheers,
bh

[dogboy]

what Lb. line shuld I use light to feel the bite or a littel hever?

[goose]

Hi Drano, great job on this piece of writing.

Goose---tank's DAD

[moosehunter3-0]

Originally Posted by dogboy

what Lb. line shuld I use light to feel the bite or a littel hever?

being a spooky fish 4-6 pound is best.

[Lethbridge_1]

Great post Drano. I am by no means an expert (yet..lol), but one pointer I can give is if you are using a braided line, attach a 10" piece of 3x or 5x tippet to connect the braided line to your lure so as not to spook line shy fish. Another thing is if you are using a wire worm or similar lure, tie it to the line so that it hangs horizontal to the bottom (90 degrees to the line coming down the hole) as this is a more natural presentation.

[Deano]

A big thumbs up Drano!!! A post like this is what a fishing board needs. Thanks for taking the initiative.

Deano

[Bassett]

Yeah a big thumbs up to you!

Mabey the mods could make it a sticky??

[DuckBrat]

Don't forget to pick the right lake as some lakes contain slightly different whites than others. With this variability comes a difference in diet. In some lakes the whites are primarily minnow feeders (Lac Ste. Anne but doesn't mean you can't fool a few with a wire worm) where just a few miles away in Wabamun Lake you'll find they like the insects and thus wire worms. If you hold up the whitefish from these lakes side by side you'll even see a difference in body shape. The insect feeding fish are a more consistent bite than the minnow feeders and are an easier find as they like the shallow sand/weed flats more than the minnow feeders. Don't be afraid to drill holes right in the reeds as the whites will move into incredibly shallow water (1 ft) to feed and feed aggressively. If you find them in inches of water more than likely you'll score as they seem to hit with reckless abandon. Just don't dull the auger blades. Good luck.

[sharrozap]

I have big success using some of Drano technics for caching whitefish, but now I learn more. Tanks Drano.

[pecker]

thanks for the info drano , it's nice to see experienced fisherman sharing their ideas & secrets to help us all out . will be trying all your tips out , now that i know what to do.

[dogboy]

Y thankes Iv never gone after Whites befor but now i will try this weekend.

[sharrozap]

Good to read one more time this article before going to the lake. How is the ice at Pideon lake?

[Albertabowhunter]

I disagree with the bottom feeders part. I seem to catch more Whites in the mid range then the bottom..... in the later winter, I'll catch them even closer to the top or just below the ice....

[Albertabowhunter]

I disagree with the bottom feeders part. I seem to catch more Whites in the mid range then the bottom. In the later winter, I'll catch them even closer to the top or just below the ice....

[pecker]

Originally Posted by Drano

Ice Fishing for Whitefish



When is the Best Time to Begin

You will find you have the best success fishing for lake whitefish early in the morning. Sunrise till about noon is your best bet. By starting early after sunrise you will find you will have your greatest success as lake whitefish feeding activity will lessen as the sun gets higher in the sky. If your weather conditions include a cloudy day chances are you can increase your fishing success past the noon cutoff. Try to locate areas with a hard bottom and with a good drop off. Because whitefish are a schooling species once you locate one chances are others will be found close by. Drill 5 or 6 holes and fish each one for about 20 minutes. If you have little or no success, move onto the next hole. An auger should be no more than 8 inches in diameter, which should be more than capable of landing any whitefish you encounter during your day of icefishing. Once you drilled your holes, take the time to clean the snow and slush from them. Many times the sound your power auger produces will spook any fish in the area. By taking the time to clean up your holes you give the whitefish time to return to their normal behaviour.

One of the best items a ice fisherman can purchase is a portable fishing tent. You will be spending a great deal of time out on the frozen lake and your comfort is a key ingredient in having an enjoyable day. Comfort will also help in your concentration.

Lake whitefish are bottom feeders in most situations and have been known to eat a wide variety of bottom-living invertebrates as well as smaller fishes. In some areas microscopic planktonic creatures form the majority of their diet. A wire worm jig is one of the most popular lure in the Canadian prairies and imitates the aquatic organisms that lake whitefish love to eat. Ensure you set the hook fast as whitefish have the tendency to spit it out fast. The key is to always be ready to set the hook quickly so it is vital you are always watching your wire worm. A nice 26 inch ice fishing rod is ideal for fishing for Lake whitefish. Ensure the rod has light to medium action as it will help you in feeling the whitefish strike. Braided line works best for icefishing as it retains no memory in the line. This can mean the difference between landing your catch and losing it.

Although Lake whitefish will bite spoons and other lures rigged up with such baits as minnows and leeches, the wire worm jig consistently outperforms all other methods of catching lake whitefish. The most popular colour for a wire worm is red. This colour worm mimics larvae found in most Canadian lakes. Experiment with different colours and sizes to see what works best for you on any given day or on different lakes. Carry a small journal with you to record weather conditions etc .

Bottom is Best

Again because lake whitefish are predominately bottom feeders, make sure you are fishing about a foot off the bottom. Start your presentation within this zone and jig your wire worm once every minute or so to entice any whitefish in the area to come on over and have a look. This suggestion is only a starting point for your day and is not set in stone. If you observe whitefish at various other depths then adjust your presentation to have a good chance at landing them. If possible rig up several rods with a variety of presentations varying the size and colour of your wire worms. This will save you time if one colour and size is not successful.

this pretty much sums it up .

[TJG]

http://www.icefishingcanada.ca/icefi...whitefish.html

http://www.livebaitandtackle.com/icefishingtips.php

[J-C]

what does a wire worm look like? i can't find any pictures of them

[Dougie55]

Not sure if Drano wrote the info, and put it on Icefishingcanada.ca, or copied it, but it is pretty damn good info. The only thing I might add, in my experiences, is that although I use red wireworms more than most other colors, I will switch quickly to a red headed brass, or red headed copper, depending on the way the fish are reacting( mainly due to sunlight, I find) if they are swimming in on the red and not taking it. After that I work other colors.
As posted by Albertabowhunter, the fish are not always on the bottom, and that is usually do to oxygen conditions, etc, in a body of water, but whitefish are usually a bottom feeder in most conditions, and in most lakes that is where you will find them.
For hooks, as Duckbrat says, there are some lakes wireworms don't do as well, because of forage...Some of the biggest fish, and most productive days at Orloff Lake have been using a rattle crankbait...but over all, I would go with the wireworm, as it has been successful for a long time, and still is..
My opinion only of course.

[addicted]

one other thing is after you drop your hook down be prepared for a visitor, be it white, or jack or something. Whites will be where they will be they will come up to bite your hook so a foot even two will be productive.

[Drano]

Originally Posted by Dougie55

Not sure if Drano wrote the info, and put it on Icefishingcanada.ca, or copied it, but it is pretty damn good info. The only thing I might add, in my experiences, is that although I use red wireworms more than most other colors, I will switch quickly to a red headed brass, or red headed copper, depending on the way the fish are reacting( mainly due to sunlight, I find) if they are swimming in on the red and not taking it. After that I work other colors.
As posted by Albertabowhunter, the fish are not always on the bottom, and that is usually do to oxygen conditions, etc, in a body of water, but whitefish are usually a bottom feeder in most conditions, and in most lakes that is where you will find them.
For hooks, as Duckbrat says, there are some lakes wireworms don't do as well, because of forage...Some of the biggest fish, and most productive days at Orloff Lake have been using a rattle crankbait...but over all, I would go with the wireworm, as it has been successful for a long time, and still is..
My opinion only of course.

In all Honesty I did not write the article I found it on another site and put it on here for the enjoyment of others..

[Drano]

TJ Chow actually had a good post on here a while back also.
What different colored hooks to use when up north or down south I found that one very interesting.

[simmered]

thanks for the post Drano. Has anybody fished the little mcleod by whitecourt?

[deanmc]

Originally Posted by simmered

thanks for the post Drano. Has anybody fished the little mcleod by whitecourt?

I plan to try it this weekend.

Everything I know about catching Whitefish I just read above!

[simmered]

well dont fish by where we did!!!!! no fish there!!!
Good Luck deanmc

[deanmc]

Originally Posted by simmered

well dont fish by where we did!!!!! no fish there!!!
Good Luck deanmc

I am haveing second thoughts now!!!lol

[simmered]

Originally Posted by deanmc

I am haveing second thoughts now!!!lol

I'm sure it was just the fisherman!

[SonnyCovin]

Originally Posted by Drano

Ice Fishing for Whitefish



When is the Best Time to Begin

You will find you have the best success fishing for lake whitefish early in the morning. Sunrise till about noon is your best bet. By starting early after sunrise you will find you will have your greatest success as lake whitefish feeding activity will lessen as the sun gets higher in the sky. If your weather conditions include a cloudy day chances are you can increase your fishing success past the noon cutoff. Try to locate areas with a hard bottom and with a good drop off. Because whitefish are a schooling species once you locate one chances are others will be found close by. Drill 5 or 6 holes and fish each one for about 20 minutes. If you have little or no success, move onto the next hole. An auger should be no more than 8 inches in diameter, which should be more than capable of landing any whitefish you encounter during your day of icefishing. Once you drilled your holes, take the time to clean the snow and slush from them. Many times the sound your power auger produces will spook any fish in the area. By taking the time to clean up your holes you give the whitefish time to return to their normal behaviour.

One of the best items a ice fisherman can purchase is a portable fishing tent. You will be spending a great deal of time out on the frozen lake and your comfort is a key ingredient in having an enjoyable day. Comfort will also help in your concentration.

Lake whitefish are bottom feeders in most situations and have been known to eat a wide variety of bottom-living invertebrates as well as smaller fishes. In some areas microscopic planktonic creatures form the majority of their diet. A wire worm jig is one of the most popular lure in the Canadian prairies and imitates the aquatic organisms that lake whitefish love to eat. Ensure you set the hook fast as whitefish have the tendency to spit it out fast. The key is to always be ready to set the hook quickly so it is vital you are always watching your wire worm. A nice 26 inch ice fishing rod is ideal for fishing for Lake whitefish. Ensure the rod has light to medium action as it will help you in feeling the whitefish strike. Braided line works best for icefishing as it retains no memory in the line. This can mean the difference between landing your catch and losing it.

Although Lake whitefish will bite spoons and other lures rigged up with such baits as minnows and leeches, the wire worm jig consistently outperforms all other methods of catching lake whitefish. The most popular colour for a wire worm is red. This colour worm mimics larvae found in most Canadian lakes. Experiment with different colours and sizes to see what works best for you on any given day or on different lakes. Carry a small journal with you to record weather conditions etc .

Bottom is Best

Again because lake whitefish are predominately bottom feeders, make sure you are fishing about a foot off the bottom. Start your presentation within this zone and jig your wire worm once every minute or so to entice any whitefish in the area to come on over and have a look. This suggestion is only a starting point for your day and is not set in stone. If you observe whitefish at various other depths then adjust your presentation to have a good chance at landing them. If possible rig up several rods with a variety of presentations varying the size and colour of your wire worms. This will save you time if one colour and size is not successful.

Did you write this article on your own or did you get it from somewhere else? if so why did you not give credit to the person who wrote it??

[Sundancefisher]

Originally Posted by Drano

Ice Fishing for Whitefish



When is the Best Time to Begin

You will find you have the best success fishing for lake whitefish early in the morning. Sunrise till about noon is your best bet. By starting early after sunrise you will find you will have your greatest success as lake whitefish feeding activity will lessen as the sun gets higher in the sky. If your weather conditions include a cloudy day chances are you can increase your fishing success past the noon cutoff. Try to locate areas with a hard bottom and with a good drop off. Because whitefish are a schooling species once you locate one chances are others will be found close by. Drill 5 or 6 holes and fish each one for about 20 minutes. If you have little or no success, move onto the next hole. An auger should be no more than 8 inches in diameter, which should be more than capable of landing any whitefish you encounter during your day of icefishing. Once you drilled your holes, take the time to clean the snow and slush from them. Many times the sound your power auger produces will spook any fish in the area. By taking the time to clean up your holes you give the whitefish time to return to their normal behaviour.

One of the best items a ice fisherman can purchase is a portable fishing tent. You will be spending a great deal of time out on the frozen lake and your comfort is a key ingredient in having an enjoyable day. Comfort will also help in your concentration.

Lake whitefish are bottom feeders in most situations and have been known to eat a wide variety of bottom-living invertebrates as well as smaller fishes. In some areas microscopic planktonic creatures form the majority of their diet. A wire worm jig is one of the most popular lure in the Canadian prairies and imitates the aquatic organisms that lake whitefish love to eat. Ensure you set the hook fast as whitefish have the tendency to spit it out fast. The key is to always be ready to set the hook quickly so it is vital you are always watching your wire worm. A nice 26 inch ice fishing rod is ideal for fishing for Lake whitefish. Ensure the rod has light to medium action as it will help you in feeling the whitefish strike. Braided line works best for icefishing as it retains no memory in the line. This can mean the difference between landing your catch and losing it.

Although Lake whitefish will bite spoons and other lures rigged up with such baits as minnows and leeches, the wire worm jig consistently outperforms all other methods of catching lake whitefish. The most popular colour for a wire worm is red. This colour worm mimics larvae found in most Canadian lakes. Experiment with different colours and sizes to see what works best for you on any given day or on different lakes. Carry a small journal with you to record weather conditions etc .

Bottom is Best

Again because lake whitefish are predominately bottom feeders, make sure you are fishing about a foot off the bottom. Start your presentation within this zone and jig your wire worm once every minute or so to entice any whitefish in the area to come on over and have a look. This suggestion is only a starting point for your day and is not set in stone. If you observe whitefish at various other depths then adjust your presentation to have a good chance at landing them. If possible rig up several rods with a variety of presentations varying the size and colour of your wire worms. This will save you time if one colour and size is not successful.

I would also include depth and variety in jigging techinques.

I have caught whites from 2 feet of under the water ice to 16 feet. I have used flies, to wire worms, cast masters to frozen minnows. Small silver and gold spoons work well in some lakes as well as wetaskawin specials.

You can jig a wire worm hard fast or slow and steady. You can wiggle it near the bottom or slowly raise. Whites however don't seem to adjust swimming height quickly so they usually circle and circle to attack.

Bouncing a cast master, spoon or small jig on the bottom can be very effective if there is a silty component there. It mimics the movement and bottom disturbance that minnows can make when feeding or avoiding predation. Whites love eating minnows when they can find them.

Whites like any fish can be in a frenzy to eat and can be attracted by movement. They can also be very timid and scared if a size 10 yellow wire worm wiggles on approach.

I feel the operative word when fishing is variability and flexibility and don't be afraid to try something completely different. Monitoring those around you and copying other techniques is also key to learning. Above all...don't give up...practice while never makes you a perfect fisherman...gives you a larger repertoire to draw from.

IMHO