Some people say ice fishing is the best fishing.
No sunburns, no live well, fish as long as you want and just drive away. You can even take the comforts of home with you: tv anyone?
Ironically some of the comforts may be better, but so is the fishing itself. Fish with more lines, see the fish better on the view finder, and have access to hot spots to fish without a boat. Anyone can ice fish. You don’t need expensive equipment like a boat. Though, some like to go all out with their shanties.
When to Ice Fish
Depending on the weather, ice fishing is usually from Jan. to March.
The fish and game has a list of lakes in NH where only 2 fish are allowed (most are not in the area). VT fish and wildlife has a list of lakes you can ice fish for trout, salmon, and bass.
This article tells what ice depths are safe and basic safety tips. This article talks about first ice and how to tell if it’s safe.
Places to Ice Fish
Fish for Northern pike, bass, perch, sunfish, horn pout, and trout. Each pond or lake has its own fish variety.
Post Pond
Mascoma Lake
Lake Morey
Lake Fairlee
Miller Pond
Dewey’s Pond
Crystal Lake
Places to Buy Bait in the Winter
Buy bait and get the inside scoop on the local ice conditions and how the fish are biting.
Tillman’s Bait Shop in Ascutney
Steve’s Bait Shop in North Hartland
In Grown Gardner’s West Lebanon
Join a Group
These groups have thousands of followers and can give you tips and tricks. I particularly liked the green glow light I saw on one of the posts.
