How to Ice Fish

Follow these tips to keep safe when catching dinner out in the freezing cold.

Step 1: Contact the DNR Contact the appropriate state agency to buy a fishing license and check for any ice warnings.
Step 2: Research fishing spots Research popular fishing spots on the web or from people at local bait shops.
Step 3: Pack and dress for the weather Pack all your fishing essentials and a towel in a bucket. Wear warm clothes, boots, gloves, and a float coat.
TIP: Dressing in multiple layers will keep you warmer.
Step 4: Walk with a spud bar Walk onto the ice wearing ice cleats and using a spud bar to spear the ice as you go.
TIP: If the bar sticks in the ice, stop and back up slowly -- the ice is not secure.
Step 5: Drill a hole Drill a hole with an auger and scoop out the ice.
Step 6: Measure the line Let the line from the fishing pole loose into the water with a depth finder attached until it reaches the bottom of the lake. Reel the line up 2 to 3 feet and attach a bobber where the line hits the water
Step 7: Attach hook and bait Pull the line up and attach the hook and bait. Drop the line back into the water and you are now ice fishing.
FACT: In 2006 in Wisconsin, ice anglers spent 11 million hours catching 14 million fish.