Getting big rainbow trout on the ice can be a challenge. There are many different ways to go about it. You will first want to pick where the fish are known to feed. It would help if you saw the area where the fish are to get a good catch. However, if you do, you will likely have a good time.
Jigging spoons
Using jigging spoons is a great way to attract rainbow trout. They will react to the lure similarly to what they are used to. They can also be very effective when used in open water.
The best time to use these spoons is during the middle of the day. They can be very subtle and will catch a variety of species. They can be tipped with natural ice fishing baits or mealworms. You can buy them in tackle stores.
Some anglers like to use a rattle spoon to entice trout. The lure is small and has a built-in brass rattle that resonates far. The noise created by the scoop is irresistible to trout.
These spoons work well in shallow water. They can be fished in river backwaters. They are especially effective in areas where there is little activity.
In addition, it can be adequate to tip a jig with a wax worm. These baits are easy to find in pet stores and hold up well in cold temperatures.
The best color to use is a crushed ice color. A 1/16-ounce jig is a great size. These jigs work great in clear, shallow water.
The Kastmaster spoon is one of the best trout spoons you can buy. They come in a wide range of sizes and colors. You can also choose a spoon with a gold finish. You can also buy a spoon with UV baitfish colors.
A vibrating spoon is also a good lure for catching rainbow trout. It can be fished in the middle of the day or after dark. You can also tip it with minnows.
Worms
Ice fishing for big rainbow trout is a fun and rewarding winter activity. You’ll need to know where to go and what to expect. The trick is to find a location that’s accessible and to have the proper equipment on hand.
Big shallow flats and shoals are the best spots for rainbow trout ice fishing. These areas are generally in 4 to 8 feet of water. You can fish them with a deadstick rod or finesse technique.
When ice fishing for rainbow trout, it’s essential to fish different baits. You’ll want to try worms, mealworms, and wax worms. These are effective lures.
You can also jig small minnows. When dancing, keep the bait off the bottom by using a bobber. The bobber should sink slowly in the water.
You can also use a basic medical syringe to blow a worm up. The wiggle and smell of the worm will attract a trout.
A small spoon can also attract a rainbow from a distance. Typically, a small Kastmaster or Swedish Pimple works well. You can also tuck a tiny live minnow in the baited hook.
You can also use a split tail jig, which is available in a variety of colors. This jig is a great finesse technique. You can fish this jig with a hand-held or deadstick rod. The jig is fished with gentle twitches and minimal rod tip movement.
The tidbit that most ice anglers look for is the «reversing principle.» This teaches various species to move from one habitat to another. You can also locate underwater points by looking at lake maps.
For a more practical approach, try a worm blower tool. You’ll need to dress warmly for the «freaky worm» ice fishing lure.
Powerbait
Using Powerbait for ice fishing rainbow trout is not only possible, but it is also very effective. There are various power baits to choose from, but it is usually a good idea to have more than one of the popular types.
In addition to the usual trout bait, bringing a small live minnow or wax worm with you is a good idea. This can be tipped with a small artificial lure.
Another option is to try a floating trout bait. This can include maggots, inflated earthworms, or even Velveeta cheese. It is essential to keep your live bait warm. If you do not have live bait, you can always buy pre-made worms from a local pet store.
A small jig can also be used when working just off the bottom. Some jigs are made out of tungsten, which is a dense material. This type of jig can be heavy, but it is effective.
If you are ice fishing for rainbow trout, you will need a 30-inch to a 36-inch long rod. This rod can handle several hooks, ranging from #8 to #4. The rod should have a point to get a practical hook set.
To attract trout, you should consider scented flies, marshmallows, and other items. You can also use weighted flies to fool the fish.
For an extra boost, you can add Berkley Gulp to your powerboat. It has a perfect scent for trout, making it an excellent choice.
When ice fishing for rainbow trout, it is a good idea to fish in an area where they are likely to assemble. The best way to do this is slowly moving out into deeper water. Start in three to five feet of water and then work your way into the deep water.
Jigging rods
A jigging rod can be a great way to catch big rainbow trout ice fishing. Rainbow trout are common in thousands of natural lakes and reservoirs. Rainbow trout feed on sponges, aquatic invertebrates, and snails in winter. They are also mobile and will cruise high in the water column.
To jig for rainbow trout, use a 1/125- to 1/80-ounce jig. You can also use a small spoon or spinner. A spoon will disturb the bottom and create a commotion. It is best to start jigging for rainbow trout 5 feet below the ice.
You can also jog for lake trout. Often, a smaller minnow will be the bait of choice. You can also jig a metal vertical jigging spoon with wax worms.
The best spots for rainbow trout are large shallow flats. When you have a school of fish cruising, you will get flurries of strikes. Generally, you will find the best color to be smoke-hole white.
The best artificial lures for jigging are tiny plugs. You can also use small spoons and flashers.
It would help if you also rigged your jigging rod with Frank’s Trout Sauce. This helps keep your bait from sinking too quickly. The rod should be paired with a reel with a sound drag system. It should also be spooled with 10 to 12 pounds of braided line.
The size of the rod and the drag system should be adjusted to suit the fighting intensity of the fish. It is important to remember that in cold conditions, a sound drag system won’t lock up.
Depending on the lake, you might need a heavy-action jigging rod to get the torque required to crank up a big lake trout. A full cork grip will make it easier to handle the big lakers.
Line size
During the winter months, rainbow trout thrive in cold water reservoirs. They can also be caught on ice. The trick is to find their ideal habitat.
Rainbow trout feed mainly in shallows in the early morning and late afternoon. They move to deeper water as the day progresses. They may travel back into the shallows to eat in the evening.
The best bait for ice fishing for rainbow trout is live minnows and mealworms. They can be presented on small hooks and worked just off the bottom. If you want to add a little color, try a pink maggot.
Small spoons can be effective as well. They work exceptionally well in the middle of the day. They are also helpful when jigging around the base of a submerged weed bed.
A bobber can be helpful as well. It can give you a rough idea of whether or not you’ve caught a fish. But you will only have a clue if you make a few moves.
You can also try scented trout marshmallows. This will attract the fish and encourage them to hold onto your bait.
Depending on the size of the fish you’re trying to catch, you’ll need a rod that’s 30 inches to 36 inches long. You should choose one with a light-medium action.
Consider a beefier model to provide extra line capacity if you’re using a reel. You’ll also need a sound drag system. The last thing you want is a reel that tangles because of too much line.
A rod with a 3 to 4-foot length and a light-medium action will give you the best chance of catching a big rainbow trout. You can also use a rod that is smaller if you’re targeting a migrant trout.
