It’s the time of year that the snow is melting and little green buds are starting to pop up through the earth. For those of us who really enjoy days out on the ice, the greenery of spring is a sad reminder that ice fishing is almost over for the season. On one hand, it means more opportunities to get out on open water are coming our way. On the other, it means there are so few days left to get out and enjoy the great atmosphere of a day on the ice. As we approach the end of the season, keep these ice fishing tips in mind to wring out as much enjoyment as you can!

1: Beware Slushy Ice

As any seasoned angler knows, getting out on the ice comes with an additional element of concern as the temperatures get warmer. We know you take the time to check ice thickness any time you go, but this is especially important as everything starts to thaw. Keep in mind that different areas of a lake can have differing ice conditions, so proceed with caution and check for at least a 4-inch thickness before proceeding. If you usually take a vehicle on the ice with you, this is the time of year to leave it on shore to prevent a truly expensive mistake.

2: Gear Up Appropriately

Ice fishing during the spring can be an interesting play in contradictions. The ambient temperature feels like it’s warming up, and many days, the sun is shining down. However, once you get out on the ice, it can still be chilly — as you might expect given that it’s still cold enough to maintain that layer of ice. This is the time of year to dress in layers so you can add or remove as necessary. Despite the warmer temperatures, you may find you still want a windbreak or shelter just to cut the bite from the wind.

3: Be Prepared To Move

Late-season ice fishing can yield some of the best action, but you have to be willing to put in a bit of effort. The idea is that, if you can find fish, they’re pretty much guaranteed to bite. You may need to make a few attempts to find them, though. Pop a few holes, and move around until you find one with fish under it. This time of year in particular, tools like an underwater fishing camera or sonar can help you find the best point to settle in.

4: Adapt to The Fish's Changing Habits

This is the time of year that many start packing away their ice fishing gear, but there are still some great opportunities to be had! The action just might not be exactly what — or where — you'd expect it. You may find crappies hugging the bottom, or they might be lurking 12 feet above that. As the temperature changes, so will the fish's habits. Using your sonar or underwater fishing camera can help you quickly figure out what’s out there, what they're feeding on, and where in the water column they're hiding.

No mater what time of year you’re getting out there, capture all the action with the GOFISH CAM® underwater fishing camera. Learn more and shop online to records all of those moments, big and small! Check out our other blog posts for more late season ice fishing tips.