There’s an old expression that goes "90 per cent of the fish inhabit 10 per cent of the water." The reason it’s often repeated is because it’s largely true. This trusted angling adage is particularly true during the hard water season. Sure there are times when fish are suspended in the water column - or even cruising right under the bottom of the ice. All rules have their exceptions, but for consistent ice fishing success the place to be is tight to the bottom. By this I mean suspending the bait, lure, spinner or fly within a foot or so above the dance floor of the lake, pond or reservoir you’re angling on. In a shallow water set up where the bottom is visible down the hole finding the right depth is relatively easy.
This Pigeon Lake pike fell for a frozen minnow and jig fished inches off the bottom
An ice angling structure like a tent, shanty or simply a tarp draped over your head eliminates the glare and allows the angler to look into the fishes’ watery world. In deeper or discoloured water the technique of determining depth is to allow the lure to free-spool off your rod until the line goes slack. Then tighten reel. When the line is taunt again you’re likely in the zone. Although in a waterbody with a vegetated bottom you may have to raise your terminal tackle a crank or two more to clear the cabbage and prevent the hooks from being fouled. The bait or lure must be visible for the fish - whether it be walleye, pike, perch, trout, whitefish or burbot - to find it.
A great way to solve the mystery and clear the down-hole confusion is to employ an underwater camera system. Sometimes it’s not necessarily the most exciting cable TV out there. But it sure can be effective.