Ice fishing techniques are different from open-water fishing because everything happens vertically beneath the ice. Success depends on understanding how to present bait, control depth, and trigger strikes in cold water. This guide breaks down the three most effective ice fishing techniques: jigging, tip-ups, and deadsticking, with clear steps for beginners.
Ice Fishing Techniques: Jigging, Tip-Ups & Deadsticking
How to Jig Ice Fishing
Jigging in ice fishing means actively moving your lure up and down to attract fish and trigger strikes. It is one of the most effective ways to locate and catch fish under the ice.
How to jig when ice fishing:
- Drop your lure to the bottom or target depth
- Lift the rod tip 6–12 inches and let the lure fall
- Pause briefly to let the lure flutter
- Repeat with varying speed and motion
Jigging works best when fish are active or when you need to draw fish in from a distance. In cold water, subtle movements often outperform aggressive jigging.
Practical tip:
If fish appear on your sonar but refuse to bite, slow down your jigging motion and extend the pause between lifts.
How to Tie Ice Fishing Jigs
Ice fishingIce fishing jigs should be tied using simple, reliable knots that preserve lure action and maintain line strength in cold conditions.
Common knots for ice fishing jigs include:
- Improved clinch knot
- Palomar knot
- Loop knot for added lure movement
Always moisten the knot before tightening and trim excess tag ends to prevent ice buildup on the line.
Practical tip:
After tying your jig, give the knot a firm pull to ensure it is secure before dropping it into the hole.
How to Make Ice Fishing Jigs
Making your own ice fishing jigs allows you to customize size, color, and profile to match local fish preferences.
Basic steps to make ice fishing jigs:
- Choose a small jig head and hook
- Paint or coat the jig head if desired
- Add soft plastics, feathers, or bait
- Allow paint or epoxy to fully cure
Homemade jigs can be especially effective when fish are pressured or selective.
Practical tip:
Simple, small-profile jigs often outperform flashy designs in cold water conditions.
How to Use an Ice Fishing Tip-Up
A tip-up is a passive ice fishing device that signals a bite when a fish pulls line from a spool and triggers a visible flag.
How an ice fishing tip-up works:
- The bait is suspended at a set depth
- A fish takes the bait and pulls line freely
- The flag pops up to alert the angler
Tip-ups are commonly used for walleye and northern pike, especially during low-light periods.
Practical tip:
Check tip-ups regularly to avoid deep-hooking fish and to respond quickly to strikes.
How to Set Up Ice Fishing Tip-Ups
Proper tip-up setup ensures fish can take the bait naturally without feeling resistance.
Steps to set up a tip-up:
- Place the tip-up securely over the ice hole
- Set the bait depth using line markers or weights
- Attach live bait or a lure
- Adjust trigger tension so the spool turns easily
Correct tension is critical for detecting light bites.
Practical tip:
If your flag rarely trips, reduce trigger tension to improve bite detection.
How to Set Up a Dead Stick for Ice Fishing
Deadsticking involves placing a stationary rod in a holder and allowing the bait to remain still, which is effective when fish are inactive.
How to deadstick successfully:
- Rig a rod with live bait or a subtle lure
- Place the rod in a holder near a jigging hole
- Leave the bait motionless
- Watch closely for slow or delicate bites
Deadsticking is often paired with jigging to increase overall catch rates.
Practical tip:
Use jigging to attract fish, then let the dead stick seal the deal when fish hesitate.
FAQ: Ice Fishing Techniques
How to jig for walleye ice fishing?
Use slow lifts near the bottom with long pauses.
What is a tip-up for ice fishing?
A device that holds bait and signals bites with a flag.
How does an ice fishing tip-up work?
Fish pull line from a spool, triggering a visible flag.
What is a dead stick in ice fishing?
A stationary rod used to present bait without movement.
How to rig a tip-up for ice fishing?
Use a leader, hook, and weight matched to the target species.
Quick Safety Reminder
- Check ice thickness often
- Avoid inlets, outlets, and moving water
- Stay away from cracks and pressure ridges
- Always ice fish with a buddy
Check the Ice Fishing Safety: How Thick Is Safe Ice and How to Check It.
author
Cynthia
Cynthia brings over a decade of hands-on fishing experience. Her fishing background spans a wide range of environments and techniques, and her writing focuses on fish behavior, practical fishing strategies, and how gear performs across different conditions. With an emphasis on clarity, authenticity, and real usability, she aims to provide experience-driven insights for anglers of all skill levels. She also works closely with brands from an angler’s perspective, contributing feedback on product functionality, durability, and overall on-the-water performance.
