Escape the Every Day by Going Devils Lake Ice Fishing

Devils lake ice fishing can offer one of the biggest thrills in sports or for the unprepared, produce a cold and wet disappointment. With a bit of preparation, even a novice ice fisherman can set off for their adventure with confidence. The harsh weather conditions add to the challenge when things go well and can derail the trip when things don’t.

An ice house or shanty makes the icy fishing experience far more bearable. Houses that have room for a small heater are the most desirable situation. In addition to some heat, the shelters offer protection from the wind and sun. Sun protection is especially helpful when trying to see into the ice hole. In shallow water, this will allow the fish to be seen. Of course, seeing the one that got away can be discouraging to novice fisherman. The benefits of wind protection are well known and chief among the plusses are staying warmer and avoiding frostbite. Some diehard fisherman will eschew the use of shelters but first time anglers should seriously consider this option.

Keeping it simple can be the key to success in ice fishing. Small baits and jigs are necessary. If minnows are available, that is a great choice for live bait. While at the bait shop, asking what the fish are biting is always a good idea. If minnows are not available, meal worms/maggots are available almost everywhere. Twister tail or marabou jigs are recommended. Tipping can help increase your chances of landing a fish, too. Speaking to other fisherman who are also on a Devil's Lake ice fishing trip can yield helpful information as well.

Paying attention to the weather and the moon can help identify the most successful times to fish. Even the best angler is impacted by the weather and the moon. When heading into harsh conditions that exist while ice fishing, a miscalculation in the weather can be dangerous. Common sense says that fishing when the fish are active makes perfect sense. Again, speaking to others fishing in your area can be helpful as you time your trip.

Not surprisingly, ice fishing requires good dexterity in the hands and fingers and keeping them warm will help with that. Investing in gloves and glove liners will offer warmth and freedom of movement. The outer gloves will protect from the elements and can be removed when it is time to use fingers to remove fish, bait hooks and the like. Buying high quality gloves and liners will go a long way towards having an enjoyable experience. In addition to these items, grippers are a good idea to provide traction on the ice when pulling in a fish.

As with any fishing adventures, be sure to have the appropriate license and permits. Most states will have the regulatory information available at the Department of Natural Resources website. The rules regarding catch and release policies are usually available there as well. Abiding by the rules is key part of sportsmanship and taken very seriously in the angling community. So, make sure to take the time to assure you are legal before starting your Devil's Lake ice fishing trip.