It's that time of the year again if you live anywhere in the north. Its time to put the plow on the truck, get the snow-blower out of the back of the garage, put weight in the back of the truck, dig out the long johns and mittens, and yes, TIME TO GET THE ICE TRAPS READY.

Ice fishing season is already going on or just about to begin in the Northern States and if you are anything like I am you are itching to get out. Brook trout fishing is spectacular through the ice. Trout and Salmon fishing as a whole are fun and exciting through the ice but there is just something about seeing that flag go up near your brooky hole that makes even the coldest day of winter feel a little warm.

I like to set my traps close to shore when I am targeting brook trout. The preferred depth is about 2 feet. Now be careful if you are planning to follow this advice or you already do. If you use a power auger gently drill through the ice and make sure you don't push it to far and hit the rocks or lake bottom when it drills through. You don't have the luxury of putting your weight into the auger when you fish that shallow.

The reason I fish at that depth is easy to explain. Brookies school up in the winter and catch prey as a group. They target a smaller school of minnows or smelt and drive them into the shallows where they can corner them against the shore and ice. I have pulled up some nice brook trout that were missing half the scales one one side because they actually wedged themselves under the ice and shore to catch their food.

When the flag goes up and you make it to the trap, be very careful just walking up to the trap. Try to be as quiet as possible because they can feel the vibrations of your steps within 20 feet of the hole. That is usually the distance they are from the trap. They take the bait and swim away from their mates so they don't have to share the meal. If you get up to the trap and see it slowly moving or your line off to the side, wait, let them eat it.

If your reel is spooling off and moving at a good rate, set the hook, the brooky knows something is wrong and he already has the bait lodged in his throat, deep enough to bring him up.

The best part about fishing for brookies through the ice is when they make it to the frying pan. I recommend the simplest way to cook them, also the tastiest. Just filet them out, butter them, add a little flour and throw them in the frying pan and be ready for a good meal. If you don't like the fishy taste, add a little lemon juice, it takes it away.





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