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Jaayson Neiuwkirk

Ice Fishing with Flies: An Unexpected Approach to Winter Angling

When most anglers think about ice fishing, they picture small jigging rods, lively minnows, and biting cold. But what if you could combine the art of fly fishing with the thrill of ice fishing? It might sound unconventional, but ice fishing with flies is a growing trend for those looking to bring a new twist to their winter adventures. In this post, we’ll explore how to adapt fly fishing techniques for ice fishing, the types of flies that work best, and some essential tips for success.


Why Ice Fish with Flies?

Fly fishing through the ice may seem out of place, but there are several reasons why this



approach works and why you might want to give it a try:

  1. Unique Challenge: Ice fishing with flies adds an element of finesse to your winter fishing. It requires subtle movement and a deep understanding of the underwater world.

  2. Effective for Certain Species: Many fish feed on small aquatic insects even during winter. Using nymphs and other flies can closely imitate the natural food available under the ice.

  3. Light Presentation: Flies present a lighter and more natural offering compared to heavier ice jigs. This can be especially useful for finicky fish that are easily spooked.


What You'll Need

Adapting to ice fishing with flies requires some modifications to your typical fly fishing gear. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need:

  • Short Ice Rod with Sensitive Tip: Instead of a fly rod, you’ll use a short ice fishing rod. Choose one with a sensitive tip that can detect even the smallest bites.

  • Small Fly Reel or Inline Ice Reel: A lightweight reel is best suited for this technique. An inline ice reel or even a small spinning reel will work well.

  • Flies: Small nymphs, midges, and even soft hackles are ideal choices. Brightly colored patterns or beadhead flies are often more visible in darker winter waters.

  • Light Line: Thin fluorocarbon lines (2-4 lb test) work best as they offer little resistance in the water and remain almost invisible to fish.

  • Auger and Ice Shelter: For drilling your holes and staying warm. Maintaining warmth is essential for tying knots and re-rigging, which can be challenging in the cold.


Selecting the Right Flies

Just like in open-water fly fishing, choosing the right fly is crucial when ice fishing. The best patterns will often imitate what fish naturally feed on during the winter months. Here are some popular options:

  1. Midge Larvae: Midges are a staple in many fish diets, even in the coldest months. Bright red or black midge larvae flies can attract trout and panfish.

  2. Scuds and Sow Bugs: These tiny crustaceans are an important winter food source for many fish. Olive or orange scud patterns work well when fishing beneath the ice.

  3. Beadhead Nymphs: The added weight of a beadhead helps get the fly down into the strike zone quickly. Pheasant Tail or Hare’s Ear nymphs are good starting choices.

  4. San Juan Worms: Simple yet effective, these flies mimic aquatic worms, and their movement is often enough to entice a strike.


Techniques for Ice Fishing with Flies

Ice fishing with flies is all about subtlety. The goal is to present the fly in a natural way, mimicking the movement of small aquatic life. Here are some effective techniques:

  1. Dead-Drifting Under the Ice: Let the fly sit still in the water column, just like a nymph drifting naturally. This is often effective for fish holding near the bottom.

  2. Slow Jigging: Using slow, gentle movements, lift and drop the fly to mimic a swimming insect. This slight movement often attracts fish that are not actively feeding.

  3. Suspended Presentation: Use a small float or strike indicator to suspend your fly at a specific depth. This technique is particularly effective when targeting panfish that are cruising through the mid-levels of the water column.

  4. Multiple Flies: Rigging up two or three flies at different levels in the water column can help you cover more area and find the depth where fish are feeding. This also mimics a small swarm of insects, which can trigger feeding behavior.


Tips for Success

  • Use Electronics: A fish finder or flasher can help identify where fish are holding and at what depth. This information is invaluable when ice fishing with flies since it allows you to place your fly in the optimal spot.

  • Stay Mobile: If you’re not getting bites, don’t be afraid to move. Ice fishing with flies often requires you to drill multiple holes until you find active fish.

  • Focus on Transition Areas: Underwater structures like drop-offs, submerged weeds, or transition zones where shallow water drops into deeper pools are excellent places to start. Fish often gather in these areas in winter.

  • Temperature Matters: On warmer winter days, fish may be more active and willing to chase a moving fly. On colder days, a more subtle approach might be necessary.


Species to Target

Ice fishing with flies works well for various species, including:

  • Trout: Rainbow, brown, and brook trout are often willing to take small flies during winter, especially in lakes and ponds where they’re active year-round.

  • Panfish: Bluegill, crappie, and perch are great species to target with small nymphs and midges. They often hold in schools, making for exciting action once you locate them.

  • Whitefish: In many northern lakes, whitefish are a popular target through the ice, and they readily take small nymph patterns that resemble their natural food.


Ice fishing with flies is a unique blend of two beloved fishing methods that can make your winter angling adventures even more rewarding. It requires patience, finesse, and a bit of experimentation, but the results can be impressive, with strikes from fish that are otherwise cautious during the cold months. Next time you hit the ice, try adding some flies to your tackle box and discover a new world of winter fishing!


Have you tried ice fishing with flies? Share your experiences and any tips you’ve found useful in the comments below!

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