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Superior and Douglas County are home to so many wonderful ice fishing lakes as well as the Superior Bay and St. Louis River, which are also popular with ice anglers. 

The lakes, rivers and bays in and around Douglas County are full of a variety of fish from Perch, Bluegill & Crappie to the bigger game fish such as Northern, Muskie and Walleye.  While ice fishing can be both relaxing and exciting, perhaps the best parts are… the fresh air, peace & quiet and No Bugs!

What does a person really need for ice fishing? 

Sure you can outfit yourself with a special icehouse (either permanent or portable), gas powered auger and hi-tech sonar equipment to monitor fish activity.  But aside from warm clothes and good ice (and maybe some fish), ice fishing really requires only a few basic essentials to get started:

Ice auger (for drilling a hole in the ice, there is no other way to get to the fish this time of year.)

Bait bucket for keeping live bait such as minnows (be careful not to let them freeze, an insulated bucket is always good).

Skimmer (a slotted scoop for keeping the hole you’ve drilled with your auger free of slush.)

Fishing rod set up or tip-ups (flags that “tip up” when you get a hit).

A fishing license or legal equivalent is required for all residents and non-residents of WI.  You may want to consult with the WI Department of Natural Resources regarding rules & regulations for Wisconsin.

Winter is a perfect time to practice “catch & release” allowing anglers to experience the sport of fishing while giving the fish a chance to grow and keep our waters well populated.  The fish’s body slows in the winter reducing it’s need for oxygen, giving you time to snap some great photos then quickly and gently return the fish to the water. The most important rule of ice fishing is safety.

Here are just a few practical tips to help you remain safe when you venture out onto the ice.

Know the ice you’re on or ask the locals and always be aware of the ice thickness as well as any changes in ice conditions. Ice is unpredictable due to moving water from springs, inlets and outlets, which may cause the ice to be thinner in some spots. 

**Recommended minimum ice thickness for foot travel is 4 inches, 6 inches or more for a snowmobile or ATV, 8-12 inches for small cars or light trucks and at least 12-15 inches for midsize cars or trucks.

Stay warm. Dress in layers. Wear wool hats, mittens and waterproof boots. Sunglasses or goggles can be helpful if the wind and snow pick up making it hard to see.

Don't get lost.  To avoid getting lost on a large lake, be aware of daylight and weather conditions. Learn to use a map and compass to stay oriented - sometimes a simple landmark just isn't enough. 

A Simple Tool (Ice Piks). You can make a simple tool that could help save your life if you fall through thin ice. Drive nails in one end of two stubby dowels, drill a hole in each of the other ends and tie a rope through the holes. Keep this around your neck so it's handy. Use it to dig into the ice and quickly claw your way out if you fall through. Once on the ice surface, head back to shore the way you came (crawling will help balance your weight on the ice, until you reach a safer spot).  A similar tool is available for purchase at many bait shops and outfitters (such as Northwest Outlet).

Don't go out alone.  Head out with fishing friends (someone to take pictures or back up your fish tales), take a cell phone if available and make sure someone knows where you are and when you are expected to return.

Ice cleats.  These always come in handy on the ice.  Sure it's fun to watch your buddy spin circles trying to drill a hole in an exceptionally icy spot, but a slip and fall could cause serious damage to more than just ones ego - and put a quick end to an otherwise good day fishing. 

Ok, now that we've covered some of the basics, today is a perfect time to to load your gear up on your sled, find the perfect spot and try your luck with some ice fishing here in Douglas County. 

Have fun and be safe!