Ice Fishing For Steel

Good Morning Gentleman and women of OFF!

I am looking to modify my current gear/ acquire new gear and set myself up to do some Ice fishing for Steelhead, Browntrout, and anything else that may be located in our harbors/rivers come winter.

If you don't want to publicize your advice, I am open to PM!

I was more so wondering;
- What are the most productive baits? (Roe, Flies or Minnows - and the size(s)?)
- What areas get "better" runs then others?
- What line(s) setups are best (lb test, main line, leaders?)
- What your "generic" setup is? (Inline Weight? Inline hook? Multiple hooks?)

Anything helps!

Cheers!

I have some general guidelines, most of the fishing is deadsticking although I do know some people who have successfully jigged up chrome.

Slack water/frog water you will want to use bait, generally 1 rod with roe and 1 rod with a minnow. I prefer a 3 way rig in most scenarios (unless water is dead calm) this consists of a mainline (8lb mono) to a 3 way swivel with a dropper to an egg weight and a tag end of the flouro of your choice to your bait (play with length but I stick to around a foot)

In faster water the same rig will work, however I tend to prefer roe as your minnow wont necessarily fight the current. The other thing that I have seen done to great success is running a flatfish style bait/ shallow crank/spin'n'glo off of your tag end and backing it down the current. you can also do this without the 3way but I prefer it as it insures your bait will be near bottom.

Just some general thoughts, Im sure Ive left some information out

I was thinking of even running 2 minnows on a line with a dropper bait but I wasn't sure if that would be "too much".

Is there a size preference for when using minnows?

Appreciate it IR4J!

i've only done it a few times but I was successful just throwing on a roe bag with a fluro leader and a few split shots above the swivel in slow water. I was using a sonar and when the fish was on the screen but not taking the bait I would do slow lifts to entice the strike.

Thanks Nado!

I was also wondering about "where" do you find the fish? (deeper pockets, structure, near walls?)

TheTallOutdoorsman said:

I was thinking of even running 2 minnows on a line with a dropper bait but I wasn't sure if that would be "too much".

Is there a size preference for when using minnows?

Appreciate it

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Whatever we can get our hands on, nothing to small but the preference is definitely pins/shiners

All of the spots you mentioned will have fish, I generally focus on deeper water and structure. But if you are in a marina/harbour/mouth they can obviously be anywhere. Best to drill a few holes and set up your two lines.

TheTallOutdoorsman said:

Thanks Nado!

I was also wondering about "where" do you find the fish? (deeper pockets, structure, near walls?)

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Wherever there is ice strong enough to stand on with a decent amount of water below.

Well you guys seem to know what your doing! When there is safe enough ice and someone wants to meet up on the ice, Ill be more than happy to share my hut with you!

Regards,