Where can I fish for Muskie?

How to Ice Fish for Muskie

• Answer:

  Muskies are notoriously difficult to catch during the open-water fishing season. The same goes for catching them during the winter. But many fishermen target muskies from atop the ice because it provides them an opportunity to catch a fish that could weigh more than 30 pounds and be longer than 50 inches. In addition to the patience and effort required to catch muskies, ice fishing for them also requires the proper equipment to reduce the risk that you hook, but lose, what could be the fish of a lifetime. Difficulty: Moderately Challenging Things You'll Need Ice fishing rod and reel Line Lures Live bait Instructions Use the proper equipment. Heavy action, 36- to 48-inch ice-fishing rods are best. Select a reel that fits properly with the rod. It should feel balanced in your hand. Spool the rod and reel with 15-lb. or heavier line. Attach an artificial lure to one rod and reel. Jigging spoons and swimming lures are good options. Place a minnow head on the hooks of any artificial lures you use. Rig a second rod, if you have one, with a bobber, sinker and hook. Place a live sucker minnow on the hook. Target likely areas. Shortly after the ice is fully covered by ice, the muskies will be around shallow points and bars. Anytime you can find green vegetation in these areas, they are worth fishing. As the winter wears on, muskies move away from the shallow water and take up residence in humps and reefs. Target the drop-offs of these areas or places where you find vegetation. Drill holes in the area you want to fish. If you have two fishing rods, drill one hole around a drop-off or green vegetation. Fish your live sucker minnow in this hole. Drop your rig in the water so the minnow is a foot or two off the bottom and then leave it be. Fish with your other rod and reel in the other holes that you drilled. If you have not caught anything after an hour or so in one hole, move to another. Create a jigging action on your lures and fish them near the bottom. Tips & Warnings Warning: Always check local regulations. In some states, such as Minnesota, the muskie season closes before the lakes have on ice them and opens long after the ice is gone from the lakes.