My Son's First Ice Fishing Trip, Ice Fishing

I think this is the year I take my son out ice fishing for the first time. Was planning on heading out from Bewdley. The reason for that spot is because I was told that you could walk out from shore and get in to some fish with out to much of a walk. We just have a pop up text and a sled to drag our gear out so was hoping for a little direction as to were to set up shop for the day. My son is young so I think if we could get on some pan fish he would have a blast. Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated. I would love to make my son my new ice fishing buddy. P.S. what is working to catch these pan fish?

Thanks Will

Anywhere in the small town that resides out there will be decent lol. Pinhead minnows from bj tackle and micro jigs are best. Perch bite is usually alright during the day with sunfish and crappie arriving late afternoon. Usually a large crowd so helps to feel a little safer with the little ones around

Hi Will,

Sounds like a great idea. BJ baits in Bewdley has everything you need for your trip. You'll see a few huts about 1/4 mile out but they're fairly shallow. If you go past them to the right a bit you'll be in 6' of water and can try there. You will catch small perch, maybe sunfish and crappie, occasionally bass and walleye (but they're not in season) so small minnows on a plain hook and split shot or small jigging lures - jigging raps, Kastmaster, swedish pimple tipped with live bait or slabgrabbers (at BJ's) fished bare work well.

For lures drop it down rip it a few times and basically let it sit. If the fish are active they should hit it. If you go out further you'll find deeper water and possibly bigger fish. I always recommend looking at Navionics App to see lake depths. You can also see how far it is to where you want to go. Good luck.

Thanks for the replies. My son and I are looking forward to this trip, just counting the sleeps till we can hit the ice. Is there parking around Bj bait or is it only street parking? Also what is a good time to try? I could sit all day and be happy without catching a fishing but I really want my son to enjoy and catch fish so if there is a better time I'm all ears.

Thanks Will

Most people seem to head out for the afternoon/evening bite, the perch bite well in the afternoon and the Crappie start biting late afternoon (if you can find them).

Rivermaster is right on for bite schedule. There is parking beside the launch next to BJ's. Hope you have a good trip out.

Just wondering if I can get an ice update on Rice lake. Due to the warm weather just want to make sure the ice is still safe for me and my son.

Thanks Will

I'm sure it would be good and thick but existing hole would have opened with the rain and warm temps, so take caution. I'd call Ben at bj tackle and ask for conditions.

Well the ice fishing trip was a bust! it ended up with no fish and my buddy had to go to the hospital to get stitched up. Still was a great 2 and half hours lol. we will have to try again another day.

Oh no! My litttle one just like to put his feet into the hole, I have to bring him extra socks and boots everytime.

So basically went as well as can be expected. Stitched up?

Spent 2.5 hours out at Bewdley today also today. Completely skunked. The bikes racing in the ice was sure annoying as well. Anyone know if they race there all the time or certain weekend? Would like to try during the day when they aren’t out there making a racket!

Yes my buddy had to go to the hospital to get his hand stitched up after an ice auger accident. Wasn't pretty, but found out that the blades were super sharp. Its funny you say that about the dirt bikes, my son said they were super annyoing and I have to agree with you and my son. Hopefully they are done racing so we can get back to peaceful fishing!

That’s the hard way for the kid to learn from experience but at least they will find out what we told them is true, hahaha.

Agreed with you about those snowmobile racer, week day will be better, after you get used to the lake then you can found out their trail, or you can look for the track mark and set up you spot far enough from them.

The lesson learned today: Don't touch ice auger blades!