Ice Fishing rods are much different than bait casting and fly fishing in that they aren’t much longer than 12 nches long.

Winter is a great time to catch Whiterock Bass. They can be caught in dam tailwaters by tightlining from the bank or wade fishing in the shallows a safe distance from the dam. You can also find them by fishing lakes and rivers from boats.

Winter is a good time to use a sonar device to find Whiterock Bass that are schooling in deep water around sunken islands, river bars, long points and other structure.

White bass feed on small baitfish like gizzard shad and fathead minnows with live baitfish or artificial lures imitating that prey working best.

There are a variety of baits to choose from including small live shad, live shiners, jigs, small spoons, small spinners, small crankbaits and other popular enticements like Gay Blades and tailspinners. The best approach is to focus on small baits and lures! White bass have small mouths and you won’t catch anything with large baits and lures. We at Bass Fishing Gurus recommend live minnows and lead head jigs.

Ice Fishing

In the northern end of the whiterock’s distribution, winter brings about a different kind of fishing. Lakes and rivers begin to freeze over as early as December. By January, the ice is deep enough to permit ice fishing. If you have never experienced ice fishig before, it is well worth trying.

Havign the right gear is very important as temperatures can reach as low as -40 on a regular baisis in places like Lake Winnipeg. Breathable jackets and pants are highly recommended. Anything made of gortex works well.

Your boots should be waterproof as well as yoru gloves. However, this does not mean you will have to rough it. Many northern tackle shops rent out heated ice fishing huts with stoves. A compass is also very important as winds wip up snow making it impossible to see more than 10 feet in front of you.

Ice Fishing rods are much different than bait casting and fly fishing in that they aren’t much longer than 12 nches long. Go with a eight pound test line to be able to detect strikes well. Anything over 12 pounds is just unsportsman like.

Ice Fishing Lures

There are three main types of ice fishing lures: horizontal, ventricle and 45 degree jigs. Horizontal jogs sit in the water with the body and hook in the horizontal position; vertical jogs sit vertically and 45 degree jogs sit at a slant.

Keep a small collection of each of these. Some popular ones to try include: JB’s Hot Head, Lindy’s Genz Worm for horizontal; Jig-a-Whopper’s tiger willow, and Lindy’s Frostee for Vertical; HT’s Blood Worms and the Denz Bug for 45 degree jogs.