There is no doubt that during the winter ice fishing becomes many anglers only outlet as far as “fishing” is concerned, because in many areas frigid temperatures make other forms of fishing very difficult to impossible. Although almost any species of fish can be fished for and caught through the ice one of the most popular species of fish to target when ice fishing are trout, specifically rainbow trout.
There are two points that need to be focused on if you want to experience success when ice fishing for trout. First is locating trout and second is using the proper trout bait. In this article I will focus on which trout bait is the most effective for catching trout through the ice. The bottom line is that if you want to head out on the ice in search of trout you should have one (or all) of the following trout baits available to you, if you do you will be much more successful.
- Live Mealworms and/or Maggots – Everyone knows that small jigs, both twister tail and marabou style, are an excellent way to entice hungry trout when fishing through a hole in the ice. “Tipping” said jig with a live meal worm or maggot makes the offering that much more effective to the trout you are attempting to catch. When ice fishing for trout with a jig you want to remember to not “jig” too much. “Less is more” when it comes to moving your jig when fishing for trout through the ice.
- Powerbait Is Effective – Most trout fishermen are aware of the trout bait known as Powerbait, yet many people forget to use this unique bait when ice fishing. Powerbait is quite effective when fished under the ice, whether it is fished by itself on a treble hook, on a set of gang hooks, “tipping a jig”. The bottom line is that the trout bait known as Powerbait is very effective when used under the ice.
- Airplane Jigs – Airplane jigs which are jigs with “wings” protruding off of each side are an effective trout bait that can be used when ice fishing. These jigs can be tipped with a maggots or even some Powerbait to make them that much more attractive to trout beneath the ice. These jigs mimic a baitfish quite well and are many ice fishing trout anglers “go to” ice fishing lure.
It’s impossible to say what the best bait for ice fishing for trout is, but there is little doubt that the winner could easily be among the aforementioned trout bait choices. As I said before, if you are going to be ice fishing for trout one or all of the trout bait choices mentioned above should be “along for the ride.”