Simple tips for enjoying the last of the ice fishing

Don’t write off ice fishing for this year yet. Some of the best ice fishing of the year for kokanee salmon is still ahead of us — if the ice stays safe.

Last ice generally provides an excellent opportunity to catch tasty kokanee salmon. The most popular rig is a glo-hook, tipped with maggot, 6-10 inches below a Swedish Pimple.

Red seems to be the most popular color, with some anglers opting for green or cream. A common scenario is one or two anglers just “killing” the fish, while nearby anglers catch few.

Sometimes the reason is unknown but, more often than not, the persons catching fish are using light-test line and an ultra-weight spinning outfit. Line exceeding 6-pound test is not needed.

Problem with heavy line is the line coils and a fish’s taking the bait is not transmitted to the rod tip. A rod with a supple tip, that bends on the slightest pull by a fish, gives the signal to jerk.

One trick to using heavier rods is to secure a spring bobber to the tip, which bends easily. Don’t use bobbers unless you know how to partially submerge a slip-bobber rig to reduce surface tension.

Using something, like a bag or jacket, to act as a fulcrum while the rod is delicately balanced, will let you know when a fish is biting. Or you can gently jig the bait, raising it, then letting it fall, to entice a fish to bite.

Often a salmon will take the bait at the bottom of the “fall” and you’ll feel it on the line when the rod tip is raised. If so, jerk hard.

Most importantly, stay off dark ice and areas near open water.

Good luck.