Multi-Species Ice Fishing
By Tim Moore
For ice anglers in search of a multi-species ice fishing destination, New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee might have just what you’re looking for. The lake offers not only picturesque views, but has a diversity of fish species including wild lake trout and world-class white perch, both of which can often be caught in the same areas. Winnipesaukee has long been a summer destination for celebrities and professional athletes, but its winter fishing has been gaining popularity within the ice fishing community.
The white perch in Winnipesaukee are renowned for their size and strength. Anglers can expect them to average 2 pounds with jumbos pushing 3 pounds. White perch are nomadic and feed much like striped bass, in that they work together to corral bait (smelt) and then explode in a feeding frenzy. Find one of these schools and you will be in for non-stop action with some of the biggest white perch in North America.
There are also times when they will rest in basins, usually 30 feet deep, and move little. This typically occurs during the middle of the day. If you can find a school that has been at rest for an extended period, you may be able to trigger the entire school to feed all at once just by convincing one to bite.
A unique aspect of fishing for white perch on Lake Winnipesaukee is that lake trout often inhabit the same areas of the lake. A white perch feeding frenzy leaves the water full of dead or dying baitfish, which attracts lake trout. Therefore, it’s not uncommon to have several lake trout following a school of white perch. The lakers will cruise along the bottom and let the perch do all the work, then eat whatever falls or swims their way. The average lake trout isn’t huge in Lake Winnipesaukee, but the numbers are there and the potential for 10- to 15-pound fish is real.
Make sure your gear is matched correctly for the fish you will be targeting. A 28-inch spinning rod with 6-pound-test line will handle most of the fish you can expect to catch. Favorite jigs for both species on Lake Winnipesaukee include a white Epoxy Drop or Blade Spoon from Clam Pro Tackle tipped with spikes (maggots) or a small piece of worm.
The excitement of a frenzied school of white perch keeps anglers returning to Lake Winnipesaukee year after year, and the chance of catching a lake trout at the same time is icing on the cake. If you’re looking for someplace new to fish, or just a way to shake off the winter blues, give Lake Winnipesaukee a try. Most anglers who visit the area for the first time are pleasantly surprised at the beauty of the surroundings and the quality of the fishing.
Tim Moore is the owner of Tim Moore Outdoors LLC. He is a full-time ice fishing guide on New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee. He is a member of the New England Outdoors Writers Association and the producer of Tim Moore Outdoors TV. Visit www.TimMooreOutdoors.com or call 603-842-3572 for more information.