Late winter ice fishing for Rainbow Trout

March is almost here and all of us anglers start to get excited that the open water season is just around the corner! But just as soon as we think old man winter is leaving us, we get hit with one last cold snap to remind us that winter isn't over yet. Don't pack away your ice fishing gear just yet as late winter/early spring ice fishing can produce some of the best productive ice fishing days of the season!

Photo: Contributed

As the days lengthen and the temperatures become mild the snow on the top of the lakes starts to melt. This allows the sunlight to reach the aquatic vegetation within the lake and ignites photosynthesis. As the vegetation creates oxygen life under the water becomes kick started! The small invertebrates become active and the trout start to break their lethargic rhythm that they experience in late winter.

As the season becomes later the dissolved oxygen level in the lakes starts to deplete. The remaining oxygen rich water is found higher within the water column and sometimes just below the ice surface; especially in smaller, shallower lakes. The narrow band of oxygen is where you will find the trout. So instead of targeting just off the bottom of the lake like you normally do in early and mid-ice fishing season, dropping your presentation just below the ice surface could bring you luck! A good way to know if this oxygen squeeze is occurring in a lake is when drilling a fresh hole. If you find invertebrates such as shrimp and other larva around the opening then the trout should be within that zone.

Target structure areas on the lake such as weed beds and rocky points that receive the most sunlight throughout the day. Usually these areas will have less snow on the ice surface and wet areas around the lake edges. The couple of first and last hours of daylight tend to produce the optimum fishing times. Start fishing in 10 feet of water or less within the vegetation. If you have no luck in this area then move along to the edges of the vegetation, starting off at the bottom then moving up higher within the water column. Slowly jigging small flashers 8 to 12 inches above your lure will help draw in the fish. If you don't get any action within 20 minutes it's a good idea to move as the fish may still be somewhat lethargic and not cruising. Using scented baits such as power bait can also help entice that lazy trout to bite.

It is very important to pay attention to ice thickness and the quality of ice. Late winter mild temperatures can destroy the texture of the ice which makes it soft. The ice may still be thick but will not adequately support weight; this is what we refer to as “rotten ice”. Always use extreme caution and take preventable measures before heading out onto the ice. Eight to 12 inches of solid ice is preferred for late winter ice fishing.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.