The snow softly settles on the ice in fluffy flakes, presenting a stark, beautiful landscape.

Watching a 6-pound northern pike move up on a jig/minnow and then flare his gills to inhale it, must be one of the big attractions to ice fishing from a spearing shack. The darkness of the windowless spearing shack makes the water beneath the ice light and clear.

Here on a large northern lake the long fish moves along the bottom and then lies still. Looking down into the water, seeing it against the bottom is difficult. He is there because the electronics say he is there.

Suddenly he is visible, as he flares those gills and the minnow disappears into his monstrous mouth. A quick yank of the line hooks him.

The fish thrashes back and forth under the ice flaring his gills in a vain attempt to spit out the hook that came with the minnow. It is no use, as he is well-hooked and will grace the dinner table this evening.

Ice fishing is a relaxing and social experience. There is no pressure to catch a lot of fish or to catch that big one. Both do happen, but no one gets excited if it does not. This solitude of a northern lake in winter is a welcome respite from the pressures of daily life. The weather can be frigid and forbidding. But if one wears modern winter clothing, it is no problem.

There is a saying among ice anglers that 90 percent of the fish are in 10 percent of the water. Anglers who find fish know the seasonal movement of their quarry and know how to use electronics to locate them.

Fish move to areas with food sources. Northern pike prefer bays full of perch. The big ones tend to stay near deeper breaks.

Another consideration in finding fish is when they are not eating; they go to the warmest water available. That is generally right on the bottom of the water column. If you have a map of the lake and know where the deeper holes and drop-offs are located, you can make the knowledge work in your favor.

Rigging the minnow can also improve one’s chance of luring in a fish. Once dropped into the water, the minnow is competing with all other baitfish. Once hooked a little differently, it may attract a predator fish. Because of rough conditions, small, subtle changes in the rig may make a difference. Other anglers often do not go the extra mile, and this puts you ahead of the game.

Once you have the depth of the fish with the use of electronics or video cameras, it is a simple matter of dropping a minnow on a jig to the bottom. Then raise it up about 2 to 4 inches and jig it. Let it sit motionless for a few seconds and repeat the jigging activity. It helps to vary the speed and rhythm movements. When the minnow stops moving, it attracts predator fish.

Shiner minnows are universal perch bait. Northern pike and walleyes also love them. However, artificial grubs can result in action.

Ice fishing on a big lake is usually out of a resort. It is not expensive as fishing trips go. There is no stress to go out and cut holes. The guides do it for you in advance. Many resorts also provide ice houses that are large, warm, and comfortable.

Thinking of trying a new fishing destination this year? You’ll find plenty of suggestions in every issue of MidWest Outdoors, available by subscribing on our website.