Introduction and History

Ice Fishing - Fun for All Ages!

Whether it's just for recreation and you opt to catch and release your fish, for sustenance, or maybe a bit of both, with a little preparation, ice fishing can be a fun, rewarding activity for all ages. Ice fishing involves drilling a hole in the ice and, in one form or another, dangling a line with a hook or lure with bait and catching fish.

In his article, How Long Has Ice Fishing Been Around?, Rick Windham gives some background on ice fishing. He notes that archeological evidence suggests that ice fishing began as far back as 2000 years ago by native peoples in what is now the United States and Canada. It probably began as a way of survival in those periods when ice covered the water. The people knew the fish were there, but they had to figure out how to get to them. Early humans used spears or harpoons to nab fish in holes they chopped in the ice. Later, someone figured out that a structure placed over the hole would block out light so the fish couldn't see them. Now we sometimes use structures (ice huts) for shelter from cold and wind.

Ice fishing can be partaken as simply or in as complex a manner as your time, energy, interest and budget allow. So, if you aren't prepared or able to invest much time and money in this activity but are curious and want to give it a try, you can buy some inexpensive ice fishing poles, a few hooks and bait, and rent a hut at one of the area's lakes. These are also places like the Chena Tool Library where you can borrow ice fishing equipment.