There’s a lot of anticipation and excitement about early ice each year due to its reputation for being some of the best ice fishing of the year. However, early ice isn’t always that easy. You might tow your sled 300 yards to your first spot without finding any fish. It’s a lot harder to cover water when you’re on foot.
When there is only three to six inches of ice, you need to keep in mind that these fish can be a lot spookier than normal and you’ll need to make adjustments. The sound of your ice cleats and dragging a sled can easily spook fish out of an area. Sometimes, the biggest mistake we make on early ice is drilling too many holes and continuing to move around too much. Instead of drilling big grids of holes, it can often be better to drill just a few and sit down to let things settle to allow the fish to come back underneath. If you have clear ice with clear water underneath it, sometimes that area will have a better evening or low light bite. In these situations, finding a patch of snow to set up on can make a big difference.
Right before the lakes freeze, especially in North Dakota, the wind will churn up the lake. That reduced water clarity can really slow early ice fishing down. When you find dirty water, try switching to louder, larger bait profiles so the fish can find your presentation easier. It seems like wind-churned water will settle down a lot faster in the summer, as fast as a couple days, but the increased density of the water in the winter can keep those particles suspended longer and might even take weeks to settle out.
When it comes to making adjustments for early ice, be sure to make a conscious effort to slow down. Sit longer to let the fish come underneath you and keep in mind that you will push the fish away every time you move and drill a new hole.
