While Ohio may not have the consistently cold waters that you’ll find further north in Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin, the Buckeye State is still a good place to enjoy ice fishing in the Midwest. There are dozens of scenic lakes scattered around the state where ice fishing is a popular winter pastime. Make sure you are well-prepared and aware of the dangers associated with the sport before you embark on an ice fishing trip.
When To Fish
Ice fishing is not a sport that can be enjoyed year round; in fact, it’s only really safe and worthwhile during the height of the Ohio winter. Weather conditions are always subject to change, though the Ohio Department of Natural Resources recommends January and February as the best and safest months to ice fish. During these months, the temperature is usually cold enough to create solid, fishable ice.
Where to Fish
You can ice fish in virtually any frozen body of water you come across, but the Ohio Department of Natural Resources recommends a few spots over the rest. Indian Lake in Logan County and Buckeye Lake in Fairfield and Licking counties are two of the best lakes for ice fishing because they are relatively shallow and, therefore, freeze quickly.
Lake Erie is also popular, but due to safety concerns many fishermen go with a guide to help them set up in a sheltered area and find the fish. Some of the safest ice in Lake Erie can be found just south of South Bass Island in the area between Rattlesnake and Green islands.
Bait and Tackle
Ice fishing follows many of the same bait and tackle principles as regular fishing but there are some things to consider when choosing your equipment. Fish don’t strike as aggressively in winter, so you’ll want to use lighter tackle than normal (Ohio Department of Natural Resources recommends 10 lb. test or less).
You’ll also want a shorter rod than you normally use because this provides you with easier maneuverability and a better feel for what’s biting below. Try tipping artificial lures with live bait for better results. For bait, try flies tipped with wax worms or minnows on jigging spoons. Ask other fishermen what they’re using and adjust your bait to the type of fish you’re trying to catch.
Available Species
If you’ve fished in Ohio before, you can expect to reel in similar species when ice fishing as you would during the summer months. These include bluegill, bass, catfish and crappie primarily, but also perch, saugeye and walleye in some waters. Saugeye are particularly active during the winter and highly sought after by Ohio ice fishermen.
Safety Concerns
Ice fishing is considerably more dangerous than most other types of fishing. Be prepared for thin ice, especially during the early or late winter when temperatures are warmer. In addition to thickness, the kind of ice must be taken into consideration. Clear ice typically in the strongest, while cloudy ice with lots of air bubbles and snow in the mix should be treated with caution.
Watch out for moving water, which can make otherwise thick ice more likely to break. Check ice thickness with an axe or spud bar. Always wear a life jacket when ice fishing and dress appropriately for cold weather. Hypothermia is a real danger with ice fishing, and you should bring a change of clothes and space blankets in case of emergency.
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