How to fish properly in winter. Where to drill holes during winter fishing and how to look for fish in winter. Winter fishing on the river

With the arrival of a severe frosty period, the winter hunting season opens for hunters. At this time of year, despite the extreme climatic conditions, the forests are full of small game and larger species, which often become trophies even for non-professionals. To enjoy this type of fishing to the maximum and…

First of all, I would like to note that jigs for bream are designed to repeat the movements of its natural food in the water. At the same time, they are similar to bream food not only in appearance, but also in smell and color. Although there are jigs...

As a rule, jig fishing in winter is carried out in reservoirs without a current or in places where the current is very weak (in a strong current, the jig is pressed against the ice or its play is very difficult). The process of “playing” with a jig is, on the one hand, very simple, and on the other, very...

A jig is a hook, a hole for a fishing line and a weight connected together. For its manufacture, different materials are used - tungsten, silver, tin, lead, steel and their alloys. It can have different shapes, the most common are “droplet”, “uralka”, “pellet”, “ant”, “diamond”, “banana”, “devil”. To select…

Winter fishing requires more careful preparation compared to fishing in the summer. Some accessories for winter fishing are mandatory; you simply cannot do without them when fishing in winter. What accessories for winter fishing will an angler need? Scoop. For example, a hole in frosty...

An automatic tent for winter fishing is necessary because in winter, more than ever, the fisherman is most exposed to natural conditions, which does not allow him to stay on the ice for a long time and enjoy fishing, since sooner or later a person begins to freeze, discomfort appears, and from…

Anyone, even a novice angler, should be able to cut holes in winter fishing. And due to the fact that winter can be very cold and the ice becomes thicker than 1 meter, you need to choose drills for winter fishing very carefully. And if you are going to fish on the first ice...

Nods for winter fishing remain in the shadow of information sources, and in my opinion this is completely wrong. After all, the play of the jig or the registration of a bite will depend on the correct choice of nod. Let's take a closer look at how to make a nod for winter fishing and set it up correctly. Many…

Everyone knows that a winter fishing tent must provide comfort and protect the fisherman from the winter wind. Frosty weather with strong gusts of wind does not stop winter fishing enthusiasts. Entire armies of fishermen go to reservoirs in search of fish. Most fishermen will use tents as shelter...

Winter fishing with zherlitsa is a very interesting type of fishing, which has many features. In this article I want to tell you a little about catching pike with girders and making them yourself. Until your girder meets a number of requirements, it will be difficult to call it good. Main…

Jig fishing is the most popular type of winter fishing. Anglers are constantly inventing new models of jigs and new ways of playing. All the capabilities of such fishermen are not known. Since jigs for winter fishing are constantly being improved, it is enough to choose the best one. Fishermen use two methods:...

Lure fishing in winter is a very interesting type of fishing. Winter trolling is considered the most active type of fishing, because the angler is faced with the task of continuously moving around the reservoir in search of a predator. And when it is found, the fun begins. How nice it is to catch perch on...

Fishing in winter begins to rapidly gain momentum and is becoming increasingly popular among anglers. The number of beginners who want to learn the secrets of choosing a fishing rod for winter fishing and other equipment is growing rapidly. But most of them don't know where to start. And you need to start exactly in...

If you start telling a beginner about winter fishing, he is unlikely to understand anything, except perhaps only general concepts. Most beginners do not have the slightest idea about the meaning of the terms: jig, balda, devil, drill and other words that can be used to describe winter fishing gear….

Winter fishing is fundamentally different from other types of fishing. This is more of a passive type of relaxation; the angler becomes more active, except perhaps in search of a “cool” hole, and when he finds it, he can sit near it for hours without moving anywhere. To catch a lot of fish in winter you need to know some secrets and tricks, some of them are universal, and some will only work on one or several reservoirs. And so, the WINTER FISHING section was created specifically to present to your attention exactly those winter fishing tips that will be useful on any body of water

Features of fishing in winter

In winter, the fish loses its activity. This affects not only the number of bites, but also the resistance when fishing. It's not all bad though. The fish is weaker, which means it has little chance of breaking the thin fishing line, which leads to the possibility of lighter gear. But it’s much more interesting to catch fish with a thin line with a light float and a small hook. After all, what could be cooler than dragging a kilogram crucian carp on a 0.1 mm fishing line while feeling all the jerks of the fish? This is what makes winter fishing so attractive. There is a lot of gear for catching peaceful fish in winter, as well as methods. The most popular are jig and float fishing. The first involves active play with the rod, when the angler himself gives the bait movement, and they must force the fish to bite. They fish with jigs with and without bait. The method of fishing without bait is called “reelless fishing” among fishermen. This kind of fishing is very difficult and not everyone can do it, but those who have learned to fish this way never return home without a catch. A whip serves as a bite alarm. Float fishing has a slightly different character. It involves drilling 2-3 holes at a short distance, into which hooks with nozzles are immersed. And the fisherman’s task is not to miss the bite. But if you don’t see it for a long time, then you should also feed the fish. This method is also very interesting, although at first glance it does not seem very interesting. But the first impression is deceiving. Catching a predator in winter is especially interesting. A variety of gear allows you to choose a variety of baits for pike, perch and pike perch. This is considered a very active type of fishing, since the angler is forced to constantly move around the reservoir in search of a predator. And at minus 25 degrees this is especially interesting. The main types of predatory fish are caught using all baits. The difference may only be visible on some bodies of water. Winter bait is no different from summer bait, except perhaps in size. But the balancer is a kind of prototype of wobblers. It attracts the predator with arcing movements under the ice, each time returning to the starting point. When fishing vertically, bite indicators are whips, only much tougher than when fishing with a jig. The fisherman's task is to constantly move around the reservoir in search of a predator. Well, and the wiring of the bait, which from the outside looks like periodic raising and lowering of the rod.

Secrets of winter fishing on the lake

The lake is an excellent reservoir for winter fishing. Fishing on the lake is considered a fishing classic. After all, only on the lake can you calmly enjoy what you love, you can sit for several hours, the main thing is that it’s biting. And the bite will definitely be good if you choose the right gear, and if there are fish in the pond. You can catch both predatory fish and peaceful ones on the lake. When going fishing, you must know in advance what kind of fish you will catch and prepare gear specifically for it. Depending on the reservoir, this could be: roach, crucian carp, pike, perch, bream, pike perch or carp. And also many other common types of fish. Gear is selected and made specifically for a specific type of fish, so they can be considered a rather loose concept and there is simply no exact answer to questions about gear for winter fishing on the lake. Everything is selected individually. The lake itself also has individuality. Experienced fishermen sharpen their gear specifically for it. And no matter how cool your purchased fishing rods are, there will definitely be a grandfather with a primitive fishing rod who will catch much more fish than you. It is also worth remembering all the places where you fished. Then, if you return to the reservoir, you will already know in advance where the fish are biting and where they are not. Where to look for it, and in what area you shouldn’t even waste your precious time.

Winter fishing on the reservoir

Winter fishing on the reservoir is especially interesting, as it allows you to fish those areas of the reservoir that no one could get close to in the summer. Of course, it will be best if you have an echo sounder for fishing in your equipment; with it you can find fish in any part of the reservoir and explore the most promising places. But if you don’t have it, then don’t despair. You can simply pay attention to places where there are a large number of fishermen. There are definitely fish there, because no one will just sit in one place. The main thing is not to forget about politeness. It will also be unpleasant for you if they start drilling a hole under your foot. The second rule is no less important than the first. Always remember safety. On reservoirs there are very often places with great depth, and if you fall through the ice, it will be quite difficult to pull you out. Therefore, beware of places with fragile ice. There are no secrets or peculiarities of fishing in such places; they are absolutely identical to those used in other bodies of water without a current. The reservoir is a large artificial lake. Therefore, if you know how to fish on a lake in winter, then there should be no problems with such reservoirs. Use the same gear, bait and bait as for fishing on the lake. Although I got excited about the gear. After all, the depth of fishing on a reservoir can sometimes be tens of times greater than the depth of fishing on a lake, and gear must be of proportional size and weight. Moreover, the proportion is taken specifically to the fishing depth. So you should pay attention to the size and weight of the components for your fishing rods.

Winter fishing on the river

Winter fishing on the river is an interesting activity. But at the same time it is quite difficult, because most rivers have a current. And fishing in such places will be a little different. Here the bait needs to be different, the bait will also be different, and the tackle will not remain unchanged. But let's talk about everything in order. And so let's talk about winter bait for fishing in the current. Its composition should be nutritious, but not very nutritious; the main thing is not to overfeed the fish. It is important to highlight the line and respect it. The presence of small and large fractions in the bait in a percentage ratio of 60/40%, respectively, is considered the most optimal. Don’t forget also about adding soil to the bait. It serves as a binding material and holds the stain at the fishing site for as long as possible. Baits in most cases are selected individually for each body of water and type of fish. Undoubtedly, they are influenced by the speed of the current. And the preferences of fish in reservoirs cannot pass without leaving a trace. Sometimes it is worth giving preference to the classics: bloodworms, maggots and dung worms. They have caught, are catching and will continue to fish in winter and summer. Tackle for winter fishing is changing dramatically. All their parameters directly depend on the speed of the current and the preferences of the fish. Of course, jigs and floats will be heavier than when fishing in reservoirs without a current. Finding a place to fish is a very difficult task. You can make it easier with an echo sounder or get by with the recommendations of experienced fishermen. Always pay attention to rifts, edges and other bottom anomalies. And of course, don’t forget about safety. She must be on the ice first of all. There is always a chance to stumble upon a gap in the ice or step into a place where an underwater stream flows. There you will inevitably get wet, at best. So be especially careful and try to avoid such places. So that winter fishing always makes you happy and never upsets you.

Catching fish in a winter river is quite difficult for beginners. The current creates certain difficulties for anglers, which not everyone can cope with. But if you listen to the advice of professionals and apply unconventional thinking, then winter fishing on the current can bring a good catch. Of the many recommendations, you need to listen to a few. And first of all, before assembling a fishing rod for winter fishing on the current with your own hands, you should determine what kind of fish you will be hunting for.

Fishing in winter on the current carries a certain element of surprise. Unlike lake fishing, the river can pleasantly please you with both decent small items and trophy fish.

Of the peaceful representatives of the ichthyofauna, several species should be noted. In winter you can count on catching trophy bream or chub. But most often the catch includes bream, silver bream and roach.
The rivers are home to many species of predatory fish. The largest representatives are pike and pike perch. Some fishermen purposefully hunt for perch, burbot or nosebleed ruff.

Photo 1. The kings of the river are ruff!

Depending on the type of fish selected, suitable equipment is supplied.

Fishing rods for fishing in the current

To make winter fishing on the river productive, you need to properly assemble your fishing rod. Despite the simplicity and primitiveness of some models, there are certain nuances in the equipment.

Fishermen actively use jig fishing rods. You can catch any peaceful fish, only the equipment of the winter fishing rod for fishing in the current is special. A fishing rod with a nod can be used either purchased or homemade. It is usually equipped with a reel or reel. The fishing line is selected taking into account the size of the fish, the strength of the current and the depth. Typically, the range of monofilament lines is in the range of 0.1-0.2 mm. To choose a jig, you should remember a simple rule.

One of the types of bottom gear for fishing on a river in winter is a pull-up or pull-up. It has proven itself to be excellent when catching bream in the dead of winter. Assembling the fishing rod begins by installing it on the rod with the reel guides. About 50-70 m of 0.20-0.25 mm fishing line is wound onto the drum. A sliding sinker weighing 10-20 g is installed on the fishing line and secured with a silicone stopper. A carabiner is attached to the end of the fishing line, which is needed to quickly attach the leash. It is made from monofilament 0.14-0.16 mm long 1.0-1.3 m. A small pellet (1-2 g) is mounted on a leash 20 cm from the carabiner. Before tying hook No. 12-14, a bright bead is attached to the leading line. The shank of the hook is decorated with red cambric.

Photo 2. The fishing rod is equipped with a bright nod, noticeable in the snow.

Attention! A jig can be used instead of a hook. In this case, the pellet is not placed on a leash.

Catching a predator is still relevant with tackle for vertical trolling. This winter fishing rod is made with your own hands for fishing in the current; it is not very different from similar gear for standing reservoirs, only the mass of bait must correspond to the strength of the current.
Zherlitsa are also actively used on rivers in winter; there is some difference from the same fishing rods for lakes only in the equipment.
The winter feeder for ice fishing looks much simpler than the summer version. The rod is selected with a whip 20-25 cm long. It must be equipped with legs and a bright nod. A 0.20-0.22 mm monofilament is wound onto the reel, a small feeder and a leash made of 0.12-0.14 mm fishing line are installed on the base. The size of the hook depends on the bait and the size of the fish; models No. 10-14 are quite suitable.

River rigs

Equipping a winter fishing rod for fishing in the current is a responsible task. The intensity of the bite often depends on the installation. The main task of the fisherman is to achieve believable behavior of the bait under water. To cope with the current, they often resort to bottom equipment.

The main element is the sliding sinker. If in the case of a pull-up its weight is about 10-20 g, then for girder fishing the weight increases to 30-40 g. The sinker must hold the bait in any current if the angler has chosen a stationary type of fishing. The operating principle of the river rig is that the main sliding sinker lies on the bottom, next to the hole. And the hook with bait is released to a certain distance from the hole immediately or gradually. When a fish bites, the line passes through the load, and the angler observes the twitching of the guard. In the case of a winter feeder, the role of a sinker is played by a feeder.
When trolling vertically, the main line is connected to the bait through a snap hook with a swivel. When purposefully hunting for pike, it is necessary to equip the fishing rod with an additional protective leash. It can be made from guitar string, special leader material or fluorocarbon fishing line. It is important that the toothy fish does not have time to bite off the hook after hooking. Anglers have to fight the current and depth by selecting heavy and strong spinners and balancers.

Baits and groundbait on the current

For river fishing, anglers use both natural and artificial baits. It all depends on skill and commitment to a certain method of fishing.

Among natural baits, the leading positions are held by bloodworms and worms. If red larvae are strung in several pieces on a jig or hook, then the worm is divided into parts and only a small piece clings to the tip or fore-end. Often in the arsenal of winter fishing fans there are such baits as maggots, amphipods, jigs, burdocks and other bottom inhabitants. Zherlichniki hunt for predatory fish with the help of fry and live bait. Among the vegetable baits, it is worth noting dough, semolina, steamed pearl barley.
Artificial baits should create the illusion of natural food for the fish. From reelless jigs to fashionable balancers, the secret of success lies in the angler’s ability to play the bait correctly. A spoon lying on the bottom, like a balancer, will not bring good luck.

Photo 3. Bloodworm is the main winter bait for peaceful fish.

When catching many species of peaceful fish and some predators, you cannot do without bait. Its composition is very different from summer food. In winter, fish eat in small portions, so going overboard with bait is unacceptable. The main ingredients of bait for fishing in the current in winter are small bloodworms and breadcrumbs. And if small larvae are needed to keep the fish under the hole, then the breading attracts the school with its turbidity. To prevent feed particles from being carried away tens of meters by the current, it is necessary to use binding and weighting components. Clay does this job well. If this is not available, you can use oatmeal and soil. Prepared bait can be delivered under the ice in the form of lumps, using feeders or in bulk. It all depends on what horizon and at what distance from the hole the fish is standing.

Photo 4. Gudgeon is an indicator of the cleanliness of a reservoir.

The feeder with bait is lowered into a hole located upstream from the main one, then the plume washed out of it will be exactly at the fishing point.

Helpful information! Since ancient times, perch have been attracted not only by bloodworms, but also by fresh blood. It was poured into medical gloves, after which a hole was made in the finger with a needle. The oozing blood beckoned the striped predator to the hole.

Fishing tactics

When preparing for fishing on the river in winter, you should think through the tactics of your actions. Anglers resort to several effective options.

Almost all fishermen are searching for a promising point. To do this, a series of holes are made in a certain direction in order to study the bottom topography, find drops into the pit, edges, snags and other interesting places. Each hole is explored by immersing the bait at different horizons. Usually up to 10 transactions are made with different games. If there is a sign of a bite, then the hole should be marked and fed.
Having found several holes in which the fish showed interest in the bait, you can add another dose of bait. Gradually moving from one promising hole to another, it is possible to discover a site of feeding bream or roach. If the flock moves along the current, then the release can be adjusted without changing the location.
Zherlichniki should adhere to similar tactics. If you place fishing rods at random, you may not wait for the flag to fire. Often a predator pecks in the same holes, so after catching a fish it is worth leaving the bait in the same place. And equipment that is not working should be moved to new points.
Wide scope for searching for predators is provided to supporters of vertical trolling. Thanks to their mobility, they can quickly explore both new and old holes, fish deep holes and shallows, check promising edges, “navels,” “tables,” snags, etc. For yourself, you just need to mark the holes where bites occurred and Pike, zander and perch were caught.

Skilled fishermen rarely return from river fishing with zero results. If you focus on catching a certain type of fish, assemble your fishing rod correctly, find feeding prey and attract it under the hole, then the bites will not take long to arrive. Sooner or later, the long-awaited trophy will fall on the hook.

That's what we've been waiting for! The golden grove dissuaded me, the rooks flew away, the mosquito did not bite. The frost did its job, imprisoning the water bodies of central Russia in ice captivity. Ice fishing time is approaching. It's time to look into your suitcase with winter gear and make sure that everything is in order: the hooks of the jigs are strong and sharp, the fishing line on the fishing rods is not rotten and there are no knots.

It would not be superfluous to check the cutting tools - ice augers and picks. Usually, the wooden handle of the pick dries out, and the steel rod that secures it can be greatly weakened by time and corrosion. At the ice drill, you should check the sharpness of the working edges of the knives, tighten the threaded connections, and make sure that the rotary handle is intact and rotates freely.

On the eve of the first trip to the ice, it is always advisable to check your clothing, especially felt fur. Make sure it is not damaged by moths. It’s not hard to imagine your condition if, a few hours before going fishing, you find yourself faced with the fact that your clothes are damaged. Another reminder to felt boots lovers. These excellent warm shoes are also susceptible to moths and often shrink several sizes.

It seems that everything has been checked - rope, rescue gear, first aid kit, anti-slip devices - crampons for shoes. Finally, we are at the coastal edge of the ice. Having waited for dawn, we carefully step onto the ice and test its strength with blows from an ice pick. Having made sure of its reliability, we set a course for the planned fishing spots, not forgetting to periodically monitor the condition of the ice.

Most experienced fishermen strive to find places that were catchy last year and check them first. But the vast expanses of reservoirs are not easy to navigate. This is where modern navigation technology comes to the rescue. Now it has become available to many fishermen. Our group of ice fishing enthusiasts also got a portable GPS satellite navigation device.

It allows you to determine with great accuracy the points and routes specified and stored in the device’s memory. Having in your arsenal such devices as an echo sounder and a navigator, the success of winter fishing can be ensured already in the summer. For example, during summer and autumn fishing trips, we simultaneously study the reservoir in detail, passing on a boat with an environmentally friendly, silent electric motor from the American company Minkota.

With this 8-speed engine in combination with an echo sounder and navigator, you can conveniently and quickly, without scaring away the fish, study the bottom topography of reservoirs and enter into the navigator’s memory promising places with schooling concentrations of fish during the pre-ice period. Having such information about the body of water where you plan to fish, you always feel much more confident.

After careful preparation, the initial phase of winter fishing passes with almost no unnecessary loss of time searching for places where fish usually come out to feed. The first time on the ice is always an exciting event. Having arrived at the planned place, we check the navigator readings again. Having made sure that the output is accurate, we begin further preparations for fishing.

One of us, using a navigator, marks out future holes with bright flags. We typically install between 15 and 25 flags. The most resilient and strong of our team follows and uses a large diameter ice drill (155-175 mm) to drill holes in the ice. The hole is drilled a meter from the flag so that during fishing the flag does not interfere and the fishing line blown by the wind does not cling to it.

At the same time, one of us brings the bait for fish to final readiness, adding water, bloodworms, coretra, breadcrumbs, bran, millet and flavorings: vanilla, honey, anise, hemp and “Vegeta”. Having distributed the bait and taken out the feeders, we go to the area of the drilled holes and quickly feed them.

I advise beginning fishermen to use a plastic cone-shaped feeder with a volume of 150-200 g; it is more convenient to fill it, and for fish standing under the ice, the clinking of a tin is not the best bait. When putting bait into the feeder, you should remember that it should be moist, not frozen and not dense. Otherwise, it may not reach its destination.

Open the feeder in the bottom zone from 0.5 to 1.5 m, depending on the current. Until the bait starts to “work”, you can have a snack. During this time, the aromatic bait, previously poured into the hole, is actively doing its job. Premature fishing of baited holes will scare away large fish, which usually come after small fish. Read about winter fishing for perch with fry -

We check whether the nozzle bloodworm in the foam bloodworm is not frozen. Having made sure that everything is in order, we go to the holes. We approach them very carefully, trying not to make noise so as not to scare away the fish. Comfortably sitting on a fishing box, sitting with our back to the wind, we prepare the gear for fishing from a depth of 5-12 m, where bream, silver bream, roach - the main object of our fishing - usually feed.

When fishing in such conditions, I usually use a fishing rod with an open reel and a device for quickly unwinding and selecting line from great depths. This integral addition to the rod in the form of two folding, lockable polished metal rods with a diameter of 5 mm, which are located at the edges of the handle, significantly saves precious time and effort during frequent transitions from hole to hole.

We place a bunch of bloodworms on the hook of the jig and send it into the hole. A few words about the fishing line, the nod and the jig itself. The choice of winter monofilament fishing line must be taken seriously, since not all fishing lines retain their best properties in severe frost and temperature changes. The fishing line must be strong, elastic, wear-resistant, low-frosting, clearly visible on snow and ice, and at the same time unnoticeable to fish.

I prefer Gamakatsu fishing lines with a diameter of 0.12 mm. This is quite enough to tire and bring large fish to the hole. Last winter I decided to try braided fishing line while fishing. Out of habit, a lot of problems arose. When hooking large fish, the hooks of proven, reliable jigs often broke. The very soft and thin “braid” became hopelessly tangled and froze.

Now I use a combined option: the main fishing line is monofilament, with a 2-meter thin (0.08 mm in diameter) piece of “braid” tied to it. When hooking large fish, the length of a regular fishing line is enough to soften the load on the jig hook, and when using “braid” “The number of bites increases due to the thinness and sensitivity of the gear.

When playing for a large fish, you can safely lead it into the hole, without fear of cutting and tearing the tackle on the edges, and the sharp edges of the holes of tungsten jigs are not scary for the “braided” jig. With this combination, breakages and losses of large fish are minimized. The nod is an integral attribute of winter gear, with the help of which a bite is detected.

In addition, with certain vibrations and movements, it achieves the effect of playing with a jig. The ability to work with a nod is one of the components of successful fishing. The design of the nod is simple - a stainless metal elastic plate 0.1 mm thick, up to 100 mm long and extending onto a cone with a width of 4 to 1.5 mm. The nod is equipped with bright, clearly visible cambrics through which the fishing line passes freely.

The nod is attached to the vinyl plastic six with a small rubber coupling with a diameter of 10 mm. During the first ice period, I prefer to use a large drop-shaped 2-gram tungsten jig of a dark color with a sharp, polished hook tip. It reaches the bottom with great speed without scaring away the fish. Bites often occur in the bottom zone where the jig falls.

This suggests that in the bait area there is a large concentration of fish competing with each other. It is very important not to scare her away. Unfortunately, this often happens and not always without outside help. Many anglers, having seen the catch of fish, strive to drill their own hole as close as possible to your baited hole, as a result of which the bite of large fish usually stops for a long time.

There is nothing left to do but quickly move to the next feeding hole. This is one of the advantages of a large number of single holes drilled 100 m from each other. Having overcome this distance and approaching the hole, carefully push through and remove the formed ice with a slotted spoon. We throw it to the side so that it does not become an obstacle to the fishing line laid out near the hole.

Having settled comfortably on the box, we quickly send the jig into the hole before the bloodworm on the hook freezes. We release the line from the rod attachment and adjust the difference in the depths of the holes being fished with the reel. After catching several fish, bites usually become less frequent. At this point, it is advisable to move to another feeding hole.

Now about the techniques of playing a jig with a nod. The most justified and universal, in my opinion, is this: when lowering the jig, we slow down its movement 1 m from the bottom and smoothly lower it. If at this moment there is no bite and the jig reaches the bottom, you need to pause for 10-15 seconds without letting go of the rod. At this time, when the nod is raised, beautiful bites often occur.

In case of a prolonged pause, we do the following: without lifting the jig from the bottom, we begin nodding movements that imitate the movement and burying of the bloodworm into the bottom. If this game with alternating pauses does not give the desired result, it makes sense to try a slow rise of the jig with small and frequent fluctuations of the nod.

During a short winter fishing day, it is possible to go around the feeding holes three times, no more, and it is always important to feel in time which hole, where the fish should still be, is time to move. Being carried away by fishing, you almost don’t notice how it starts to get dark. It's time to remove the flags. Having quickly fished a passing hole, we get together, share our impressions and weigh the caught fish.

Returning, we set a course for the car using the navigator, not forgetting to periodically check the strength of the ice. In conclusion, I want to give a little advice to novice fishermen. If you are going on winter fishing, I advise you to go with a group of experienced fishermen who will help you, teach you and suggest things that you will not soon come to with your own mind.

How to fish in winter?

Winter fishing in our country is a hobby for millions of people. But an ignorant person thinks how can one sit out in the cold for so long, and what is the pleasure, exactly? Until you try it yourself, you can’t understand anything. All this must be felt. So, read the article, learn how to fish in winter, stock up on gear and experience all the delights of winter fishing for yourself! Let's start with the most important thing.

Fish search location

An important factor in winter fishing is the question of how to find fish in winter. It is worth looking for fish in depressions, on old riverbeds, and other deep places. Sufficient depth for winter fishing is 4-5 meters. To avoid searching for a long time, you can pay attention to the presence of other fishermen in the area and simply ask. When you find a hole, take your time. First you need to take a closer look and find the deepest and shallowest place. When you notice, drill the ice in the middle, as the fish like to gather at the drops.

How to drill a hole

When you find a suitable place, it’s worth looking around; if the current is small, it’s better to drill a hole perpendicular to the current. If you drill a hole with the current, the bait may be carried into the last hole, which is undesirable. The fish may overeat and not bite. Also, the food may begin to rot, scaring away the fish.

Lure

If you want to know how to fish properly in winter, you need to know how to apply winter bait.

You need to start baiting immediately after drilling the hole. To do this, use a cone-shaped container into which food is poured. It’s not worth pouring a lot, since the main task is to lure the fish, not feed them.
For successful fishing, you can start baiting in a couple of days. For example, on the first day you feed the fish with boiled and mixed peas and semolina, on the second you do the same, and on the third day you come directly to fish.
A variety of types of bait are used for fishing. Basically, these are all kinds of porridges, seeds ground in a meat grinder, mixed with breadcrumbs, or just pearl barley porridge, but feeding with porridges should occur a couple of days before the fishing itself.
Feeding with bloodworms is optimal and does not require preparation. You need to form the bloodworm into a small ball, similar to a sea mine. You should not overuse it, because in large quantities, bloodworms can attract ruffs, which scare away the rest of the fish. Or the fish will simply overeat and not bite.

Tackle

If you are seriously thinking about how to fish in winter, you, in any case, need to know about winter fishing gear.
Fishing rod - the fishing rod should be a little longer so that you are not visible from the water.
In winter fishing, the thinner the line, the more likely a larger catch awaits you. A line with a section of 0.1 - 0.18 is quite suitable.
Immediately take a rod and reel, as this will make the task much easier.
Hooks and jigs - in principle, it is impossible to give preference to one thing, it bites on both tackles, the main thing is that the hook number does not exceed five.
Float and nod - use what you like. The float is small, light, made of foam, and the nods are long, with a large radius of action.

Bait

The main bait for winter fishing is bloodworm. But sometimes, it’s worth trying summer options - semolina or dough. You can use summer bait if there is no bite for bloodworms. Well, perhaps the main point is how to catch fish in winter, that is, fishing methods:

Float - Hook on your bait and lower it all the way to the bottom. The float should sink 1-2 cm into the water, but at the same time, you should be able to see it. The fish, swimming up to the bait, grabs it and lifts it along with the weight and float. The float rises out of the water and falls to the side, which is a signal to hook. You don't need to hook too hard, as the thin line may break.
Nodding method - the same factors work as with a float, but the nod needs to be tensioned so that it does not sag, but is slightly tensioned by the load of the equipment. It is also possible to play with the nod, raising the rod up and shaking the nod, thus luring the fish.

Nuances

Make less noise, do not sit close to another fisherman who is getting a good bite, as you can knock off the bite with bait, both for him and for yourself. Try sometimes, in the absence of a bite, to play with a float or nod, this may lure the fish. Do not put the change back into the same hole, and do not leave the hole open if you are going to come to the same place again. You can sprinkle it with snow to prevent it from freezing completely. I hope you understand how to fish in winter. A video of how this is done can be seen on websites dedicated to winter fishing.

He cannot be called a real fisherman who is not ready to start his favorite pastime at any time of the year in any weather at any time. A fisherman with a capital “F” is not afraid of rain, snow, heat, or frost. Fishing is like meditation. How to fish in winter. It allows you to relieve nervous tension and at the same time satisfy the hunting instinct. In fishing, what is important, first of all, is the process itself, but if you manage to get a rich catch, it becomes a doubly more enjoyable pastime.

Winter fishing is a special pleasure, but preparing for it requires special attention. It is necessary to provide for many nuances that affect the catch and the convenience of the fisherman. These include characteristics of fish behavior, favorite habitats of certain species, weather conditions, and much more. You just need to remember the simple rules, and success is guaranteed.

What is winter fishing?

What is the secret of loving her? Everyone will have their own answers to these questions. For example, for most it is:

just a good opportunity to communicate with friends;
good rest for the soul;
the opportunity to be alone;
maintaining excellent physical shape;

And few people will answer that this is a chance to catch a large number of fish.

The freshest cold air, the stunning nature of the winter season and the unfading passion of the fisherman - this is what you need to get a charge of good health and mood. People ignorant of fishing will say - what is the point of recreation here? And there is some truth in their words. Often the road to the fishing spot can be long and difficult. It is necessary to overcome the path through snow drifts in heavy warm clothes, carrying with you a box with winter gear, with an ice ax on your shoulder and in your hands with a heavy crowbar.

In addition to all this, active ice fishing is accompanied by the drilling of a large number of holes. This whole procedure is tedious. But it resembles sweet exhaustion - a bliss that brings pleasant relaxation. After such fishing, an ice fisherman seems to be reborn again, experiencing incredible satisfaction with life. These are indescribable sensations; to understand them, you just have to experience it for yourself. And so, when a fishing lover is already tired from the whole day, he will simply need a homely atmosphere, with deliciously prepared fish soup from fresh winter fish.

Is winter fishing worth it? The answer is unequivocally “Yes”!

Preparing to go on the ice

In winter, you can fish both in ice-covered reservoirs and in open ones. In the second case, winter fishing is not much different from fishing at other times of the year. The special pleasure of fishing in winter lies in fishing for prey from the ice hole. This process is associated with some difficulties that require preparatory work. But difficulties make the catch even more valuable.

It is important not to rush out onto the ice until it is strong enough to hold the fisherman. Lakes and rivers, where there is a large catch in warm seasons, as a rule, delight them in winter. It must be taken into account that when it gets colder, fish begin to migrate to where there are better conditions for wintering, that is, more oxygen and higher temperatures. If these indicators are too low for full life activity, the fish may fall asleep before the thaw begins. When choosing a place for ice fishing, you must first find out as much as possible about the inhabitants of the river or lake and about the reservoir itself. It would be nice to fish in this place before the ice covers it.

Choosing gear for winter fishing

The most popular types of fishing rods among winter fishing enthusiasts.

"Balalaika". This light and convenient tackle, which makes it possible to fish throughout the entire depth, is very popular among fishermen.
Winter zherlitsa. Can easily be made independently.
Float rod.
Mormyshka.
Spinner.

It is necessary to take into account the basic necessary characteristics of ice fishing gear.

What should a winter fishing rod be like?

Convenient.
Easy.
Short.
Equipped with a reel for changing the length of the fishing line.
Made from a material that allows you to hold the fishing rod with your hand without gloves. Fish are not very energetic in winter, so it can be difficult to sense when they are biting.

The whip on the rod helps you determine when the bow starts to swing more, even if the changes are subtle. Thus, even if the fish bites weakly, it is easy to notice. How to fish in winter.

A winter fisherman cannot do without tools for making holes in the ice. You will need an ice drill and a small fishing crowbar (pick).

Let's go fishing for perch

To successfully fish for perch, you need to know that it is best to do this as soon as the thickness of the ice makes it safe to go out on it. Within a few weeks of this icing of the reservoir, the perch will leave its former habitat. Gradually, as the ice layer grows, the fish moves towards the center of the reservoir. Domestic perch bites best until January. If you miss the moment, you will have to chase this fish all over the lake or river. The search will be easier if you know where the perch prefers to spend the winter. This could be an old river bed, a flooded ravine or a coastal dump. The main thing for such fish is that there are more snags and a hard bottom.

If the water gets too cold, the bass will sink to the bottom and become very difficult to retrieve, no matter what bait you use. The fisherman has to be a master at manipulating the fishing rod, as the perch loves it when the bait plays. A vertical spoon or jig will come in handy. Perch has special taste preferences. Dragonfly larva, worm, pieces of fish and bloodworms are best suited as bait.

How to get crucian carp out from under the ice

What distinguishes crucian carp from its counterparts is its ability to live in conditions of oxygen starvation. The usual winter behavior of this fish in places with a small amount of oxygen is to plunge into silt and overwinter in a state of suspended animation, with slowed life processes. If there is enough oxygen, and fish of other species live nearby, preferably predators, crucian carp can actively stay awake and feed all winter.

It is better to look for a wintering place for this heat-loving fish near warm springs or power plants. Crucian carp often coexists with roach and perch. If you purposefully go fishing specifically for fish of this species, it is better to do it during a thaw or in sunny, cloudless weather.

Crucian carp is something of a gourmet. He likes to savor the offered treat for a long time, not always agreeing to peck after that. He does this so carefully and slowly that only a very attentive fisherman will notice the bite. Therefore, you need to catch crucian carp with very sensitive gear.

Carp hunting

Carp- This is one of the most resourceful and intelligent representatives of the fish world. Wherever it lives, in a natural reservoir or an artificial one, the hunt for carp will be active. Like a cautious fish, he chooses places as safe as possible, with a muddy bottom and standing water. Carp can be found near drowned large objects, trees, reed thickets, and near power plants.

For winter carp fishing to be successful, it is better to start preparing in the fall. It needs to be fed so that the fish gets used to an active food supply. In baited areas, carp feed at any time of the day.

As a tackle for catching this fish, it is better to choose a fishing rod with a light-colored spoon or jig. There is an opinion that you cannot catch a large fish with a jig; it will break the line. At the same time, if the tackle is too rough, there is nothing to count on a good bite.

Ice fishing for pike

The main problem that can arise when fishing for pike in winter is the difficulty of finding it, as well as removing it from under the ice. This fish chooses holes near various underwater obstacles, in particular, stones and snags, as its habitat. You need to catch pike as soon as possible after the ice hardens or during thaws. Experienced fishermen assure that the best pike bite is not in clear weather with frost, but when it is cloudy and low clouds. In winter, pike reactions slow down and sensitivity to bait decreases.

Even if the fish bites, another difficulty arises. It is very difficult to get it out of the water. Pike likes to damage the fishing rod or break the fishing line. The bite is sharp and powerful, which requires a certain skill from the fisherman. You need to react in time and hook the fish.
The balancer, similar in appearance to local fish, performed well in hunting pike. Even more preferable is fishing with perch, roach or crucian carp.

How to catch silver bream in winter

To hunt this fish, it is better to find time at the beginning of winter or closer to spring, when melt water arrives. The silver bream loves shallow water. In winter, she often prefers places near springs and river mouths.

There is a sure way to determine whether a silver bream has settled in a certain place. You need to make several holes and feed the fish using dough balls. This way you can only attract silver bream or roach. The weather preferences of the silver bream are unique. It bites best during rain, and even better during thunderstorms, late in the evening.

If the idea of catching silver bream arose in the middle of winter, you need to determine the place where the most oxygen and fresh water comes with a slight current. If the temperature is not too low, you can look for silver bream near the shore. The fishing rods and baits used for this type of fish are the same as for bream.

Winter fishing, in addition to having a bit of extreme sports, can, with proper preparation, give decent results. If the frost is not enough to put you off from an exciting activity, it’s hard to imagine a better weekend pastime than ice fishing.