Ask winter anglers what they are fishing for and usually it’s whatever they can catch, but panfish and Walleye are most common. But I’ve never heard of or knew anyone that strictly targets Northern Pike when the lakes freeze over. Locating BIG Northerns in the summer are hard enough to find. Add iced over lakes and those areas just got harder.

The size of holes that will be drilled is important. Drilling a 6-inch hole is pretty standard and landing most fish species won’t be a problem.  If you catch a bigger Northern or Walleye and have to play the fish, an 8-inch hole will be much better. There have been nice size fish taken from 6-inch holes but why take the chance of losing a possible trophy.

I’ve always said, BIGGER FISH EAT LITTLE FISH, and they all have to eat under the ice. Northern Pike mostly prefer panfish but at times will dine on small Bass and Walleye. Knowing this will help with hole location. Meaning find the food and you will find Northern.

Since you’re not in a boat looking at the electronics, knowing the water you are fishing helps when it comes to ice fishing locations. This would be a great time to bring out or invest in a DETAILED LAKE MAP. Use these maps to find different depths, rocks, weeds and drop-offs of the water you are fishing. Find bait fish/pan fish and you’ll find big fish-eating little fish.

Contour lines are huge while determining locations too. The closer these lines are, the steeper the drop off and farther apart the depth gradually changes. Also, points that show shallow to deeper water is important.

Drilling 8-to-10-inch holes (see how I jumped 2 more inches) over the edge of weed edges in 6 to 10 feet of water is a good start. Weeds and weed flats dropping off to deeper water could be the second hole. Transition from sand or muck to rocks in 10 to 20 feet of water would be another area to drill. Mid lake humps topping out at 15 feet might be a good location.

Do not overlook BAYS off the main lake, because this area can hold some nice size fish. Pike could be near the end of downed trees in 10 to 20 feet of water. Drilling holes in bays would be again, transitioning areas (shallow water adjacent to deeper water). Remember, if you drill 6 or more holes, always start from the first hole you drilled. This lets the fish settle down from the noise of drilling.

Here’s one thing to keep in mind. Light plays into the equation under the ice. With Northerns having incredible eyesight, the best time for catching this species is mid-day. So, drilling your holes earlier in the morning will give you time to setup. Then start jigging or use tip-ups late morning to early afternoon. Being Northerns lateral line is very sensitive also. So, when they are looking for a meal, it’s suggested that using rattle traps for vibration and spoons for sight can be effective.

As with fishing open water, presentation is everything. So, choosing the right bait is the difference between fishing and catching. (Ok, this is just my opinion). If jigging those noisy and flashy lures are not working, NOTHING will beat live bait. Remember, BIG FISH EAT LITTLE FISH and Northerns are looking to eat what? Baitfish (minnows/cisco) and Panfish, right? This is why ALL LURES mimic fish. Keep in mind that it’s true, larger live and artificial baits catch bigger fish. When fishing with artificial bait, keep switching to different types. Use spoons, rattle traps or swimbaits to see what will bring fish to you.

So, you’re not sold on live bait, how about trying this. Use a tip up with live bait in one hole and sit over the next closest hole jigging with lures. Using a larger spoon, let it slowly wobble down, bring it up and repeat for a visual the effect. Or a rattle trap for vibration. This will attract Northerns to the area and they might hit your lure or go after the lager live bait. By doing this you can see how to proceed when you move to the next holes.

I’ve caught and landed nice size Northern unexpectedly while fishing open water for Perch and Crappie. But when using live bait or a lure under the ice ALWAYS USE A LEADER. Different tackle should also be used to land bigger fish through the hole also. I would suggest a short (maybe 36 inch) heavy action rod larger reel with braided line and a wire leader.

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