Ice fishing

Ice fishing is a game of inches and seconds. Small profiles, controlled cadence, and precise depth control consistently outproduce constant motion. This category is built for panfish, crappie, and walleye under the ice — with crossover for trout where regulations and conditions allow.

Best for
Panfish, crappie, walleye — plus trout under the ice.
Core idea
Hold depth, control cadence, and let fish commit.
Where it shines
Basins, weed flats, edges, points, and mid-lake structure.
Confidence move
If marks won’t bite, slow the cadence before downsizing.
Ice truth: Under the ice, fish see your bait longer than you think — make it easy for them to say yes.

Field guide: ice fishing

Depth. Cadence. Commitment.
▾ Click to open

Finding fish under the ice

Where to drill first.
  • Start near edges: weedlines, basin breaks, and structure transitions.
  • Crappie often suspend — panfish relate tighter to cover.
  • Walleyes roam edges and travel lanes, especially during low light.

Cadence that triggers bites

Micro moves matter.
  • Lift–pause: short lifts with long pauses let fish commit.
  • Quiver: shake slack to make plastics breathe without moving far.
  • Deadstick: sometimes doing nothing is the best move.

Best rigs

Simple and controllable.
  • Micro jig heads: panfish and crappie staples.
  • Horizontal jigs: excellent for neutral fish.
  • Deadstick rods: pair with small plastics for pressured fish.

Reading sonar feedback

What marks tell you.
  • Rising marks: slow down — they’re interested.
  • Chasers that stall: extend pauses and reduce movement.
  • Negative fish: downsize and hold perfectly still.

Color & visibility

Contrast before flash.
  • Clear ice/water: natural, subtle, and translucent colors.
  • Snow cover: add contrast so fish can see it.
  • Rule: if fish can’t find it, they can’t eat it.

Ice fishing FAQ

Fixes for common ice problems.
  • Marks but no bites? Slow cadence and hold the bait still longer.
  • Short bites? Downsize plastics or switch to a deadstick.
  • No marks? Move — ice fishing rewards mobility.
Quick pick: Under the ice, patience and precision beat constant motion.
Designed for: Ice anglers chasing panfish, crappie, walleye — with trout crossover where allowed.