first time ice fishing nipissing

[maestrolaker]

have a trip booked for first couple days of Jan.

we are booked with LN ice fishing - Young's

any feedback on fishing patterns and what one should expect would be greatly appreciated.

ie) typical walleye bite early and late?

any specific feedback on bait/lures for walleye

is there good pike action?

should I plan on bringing my own auger and drilling a bunch of additional holes

any feedback from those who have fished in past would be much appreciated

[FatRap]

Welcome aboard maestrolaker, this may be your first ice fishing trip to Nipissing but I would be willing to bet it won't be your last.

Early and late are your best bet for walleye but we have also caught them through the day over the years we have been going up. We usually fish just off bottom for walleye, jig heads, spoons, spreaders tipped with minnows works well. Grab some stinger hooks as the bite can be very light, many we have caught came up on the stinger. Perch and whities usually hang out at the bottom as well. We have caught a couple of pike over the years, Williams spoons with a minnow work well for pike. Check with your operator before you go up to see what has been working, they are usually willing to share any info they can. They should have an auger there, most operators are willing to drill holes outside for you at no charge, just check before you head up to make sure.

Check through some posts from last season, lot's of information to be found in these posts plus plenty of pictures to get you excited.

Make sure you post a report when you get back, pictures are always welcome as we love our fish porn on here.

Good luck and safe fishing.

[icehutrentals]

I really like medium sized jigging rapalas in the early season for walleye. tip with medium sized shiner head on the treble(take off the treble with pliers and insert head onto hook and then reattach for length of lure use and proper swimming in the water. perch color, black/silver. You want to get the active walleye first in any spot.

For perch the tiniest jigging rapala they sell is awesome for perch. It is a white color and they sell it Canadian Tire. tip it with a small shiner head.

I then set up a slip bobber rig for neutral fish and lazy fish. or a tip up, but gotta love seeing a bobber go down, but must be used in a heated hut or portable.

To set up a slip bobber: first your rubber bobber stop, then a bead, then a quality slip bobber, one or two small split shot, and a needle sharp hook.

Also nip secrets: a white bro's blood worm for perch and surprisingly big walleye. Also a Berkely Realistix shad jig... An artificial that I find catches more fish than live bait most days.