Why Ice Fishing Works in Winter

Ice fishing isn't just about dropping a line through frozen water. The fish below actually

become more active and easier to catch during winter. Here's why. When lakes freeze

over, oxygen levels drop and fish metabolism slows down, making them conserve

energy. They gather in specific depths where oxygen is optimal, usually near underwater

structures. This concentration means you're fishing in a smaller area with more fish packed

together. Plus, their slowed metabolism makes them less skittish and more

likely to bite at slower moving bait. The ice itself acts as a ceiling that traps fish in predictable

zones. Ancient civilizations discovered this thousands of years ago,