Ice Fishing Help!

So I've been unsuccessfully trying to ice fish this season and need some help! I've tried going before in the past years but never had any luck. I go on a private pond on my property that I know has fish in it because in the summer there's great fishing. I live in PA by the way (Southwest) and I really want to catch something through the ice. The pond is about 150 yds in diameter and probably around 8 ft deep in the middle. The ice is about 1 foot thick. I've tried a basic hook and sinker with redworms and night crawlers for several hours with no luck. Are there any specific rigs or sure fire baits to use? Could the smaller size of the pond affect the activity of the fish? All the fish in there spawn every spring so they are self sufficient. I plan on trying later tonight. Anybody have any suggestions? Please help! Thanks.


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Forget to mention that the target fish would be bluegill and LMB primarily with a few catfish. Thanks.


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MN_Rebel said:

Forget worms, try waxies or spikes.

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Sounds good thanks. Just out of curiosity why are worms no good? When would be the best time to go?


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spotfin said:

Try shiners or bait fish for the bass. Are you using a ice fishing trap?

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No I used actual rods. I even tried waxies and it still didn't work. Could the pond be too small? Thanks.


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MN_Rebel said:

or its possible that you don't know how to locate suspended panfish. Try this technique called hole hopping. Drill lot of holes and fish one of these hole. If no nibble for 15minutes, hop to another hole. Do you have a flasher? It will help you locating the fish at what dept.

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Okay I'll try that. I don't have a flasher but I know where the fish are in the summer months. I'll just drill along those spots and try that technique. Thanks, I'll post my progress after today.


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