Fishing season is coming. If you’re one of ice fishermen, then you know that drilling ice fishing holes is a necessary part of the process. But if you’ve ever had those holes freeze over, you know just how frustrating it can be! In this blog post, we’ll teach you how to drill ice holes and keep them from freezing solid. By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to enjoy a day of ice fishing in sub zero temperatures without having to worry about your holes freezing shut!

Tips For Drilling Ice Holes

1. Scout For The Best Fishing Spots

One of the best ways to ensure that your ice holes don’t freeze and you get your favorite ice fish is to scout out your spot ahead of time.

Drilling an ice hole can be a difficult task if you don’t have the right equipment. And even if you do have the right equipment, it can still be tough if you don’t know where you’re going.

That’s why as a general rule it is important to scout out your spot ahead of time. You can do cluster drilling. You may have a few holes to check where most fish can be found. Apart from that you want to make sure that there’s enough ice to support your weight, and that the area is clear of any obstacles.

Once you’ve found a good spot, mark it on your map so you can easily find it again later. By checking the ice conditions and making sure that there’s enough ice to support your weight, you’ll be less likely to run into problems later on.

With a little planning and preparation, you’ll be able to enjoy a successful great outdoors ice fishing.

2. Clear Away Snow Before Drill

After you’ve found a good spot to drill your ice hole, it’s important to have a hole clear by clearing away any snow that might be in the way.

If there’s too much snow, it can make it difficult to get a good grip on your ice augers. And if there’s too much snow on the ice, it can make it harder for the hand augers to penetrate.

So, before you start drilling, take a few minutes to clear away any snow that might be in your way. You’ll be glad you did when you’re able to easily and quickly drill your ice hole!

3. Know Your Auger

Drilling an ice hole is a simple task that can be easily accomplished with the use of a power auger. However, it is important to take the time to familiarize yourself with your auger before heading out onto the ice.

The type of auger you have will determine the size and depth of the hole you are able to drill. For example, a hand auger is well suited for drilling small holes, while a gas-powered auger can drill much larger hole or large walleye.

In addition, it is important to pay attention to the condition of your auger blades and spud bar. Dull blades will make drilling more difficult and can cause the hole to be less than perfect. Taking the time to know your auger will pay off when you are out on the ice trying to catch that big fish.

4. Secure The Right Footing

The first thing you need to do is make sure you have secure footing. You don’t want to slip and fall into the cold water!

The best way to do this is to wear warm, waterproof boots with good tread. Once you’re feeling confident and stable, it’s time to start creating your first hole. If you have a power drill, that will make the job easier.

But if not, a hand auger will do the trick. Start by boring a small pilot hole in the ice. Then, switch to a larger auger and widen the hole until it’s big enough to fish through. With a little practice, you’ll be an expert at creating ice holes in no time!

5. Use The Right Drill Bit

If you want to drill a successful holes, it’s important to use the right drill bit. There are two main types of ice augers: manual and power. Manual ice augers are great for small holes, but they can be difficult to use if you’re trying to drill a line of large hole in the lake. Power ice augers, on the other hand, are much easier to use and can make quick work of even the 8 inch hole.

6. Drilling The Perfect Ice Fishing Hole

Now that you’ve found the perfect spot and have the right equipment, it’s time to start creating your drilling holes.

First, clear away any snow that might be in your way. Then, take a few minutes to find the right drill bit for the job. Once you have the right bit, attach it to your ice auger and get ready to start creating your inch hole fishing holes.

When you’re creating your hole, be sure to keep an eye on the depth gauge. You want to stop it when the depth gauge reaches about 18 inches.

Once you’ve reached the desired depth, remove the bit from the ice auger and start clearing out any ice chips that might be in your way to find fish.

Now, it’s time to start fishing! Keep your ice drilling holes from freezing over. Upon lake fishing, prepare a live bait. To do this, simply make a small 8 inch hole next to your main ice fishing hole.

Then, drop in a few live smaller fish. The minnows will keep the ice from freezing over and will also attract more fish or larger fish to your area. Even if you follow all of these tips, there’s still a chance that your ice fishing hole might freeze over.

How To Prevent Your Fishing Hole From Freezing

Use An Ice Skimmer

Just like in the summer when you use a pool skimmer to remove leaves and debris, in the winter you can use an ice skimmer to help prevent your holes from freezing over. By continually moving the skimmer around the hole, you will keep the water circulating and prevent ice from forming.

In addition, the skimmer will also remove any snow or slush that has fallen into the hole, keeping your line clear and giving you a better chance of making a catch. So next time you head out on the ice, be sure to bring along an ice skimmer to help improve your chances of a successful day of fishing.

As an ice angler, you can try Polog Pool Net, Pool Skimmer, it is very useful. This lightweight pool skimmer net comes with an aluminum pole that makes it easy to scoop up all the debris floating on top. You can also use that to scoop the lake trout you catch as fish tend to slip away.

Invest In A Thermal Hole Cover.

Ice fishing holes can be a pain to keep open all winter. If you’re not careful, they can freeze over quickly and become unusable. One way to prevent this is to invest in a thermal hole cover.

These covers are made of durable material that helps to insulate the hole and keep it free of ice. They can be placed over the hole when you’re not using it, and they’ll help to keep the hole open for days or even weeks at a time.

In addition, they can also be used to cover other types of holes, such as those made by animals. So if you’re looking for a way to keep your fishing holes from freezing over, a thermal cover may be just what you need.

Northeast Products Therm-A-SEAT Ice Fishing Hole Insulator/Cover is the best way to keep your ice fishing hole clean and avoid frozen fingers is with the help from a high quality cover.

Made in America, this product will provide you 12 inches of coverage around all sides (except up) which helps prevent dirt build up as well!

You can also install it without any batteries or chemicals needed – simply set over an standard size auger hole before inserting tip-up through slot at bottom edge so that when fully inserted stem hits against side wall; there’s no need for excessive force because these covers are designed strong enough not only withstand rough conditions like heavy snowfall but also to provide years of ice fishing fun!

Ice Shelters

Most ice fishermen use ice shelters are lightweight tents that are designed to insulate the heat from your body and keep the wind out. They typically have clear windows so you can see your line, and they come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different groups of people.

Some even have heating elements to keep you warm while you wait for a bite. If you’re serious about ice fishing, an ice shelter is a worthwhile investment. Not only will it help you stay comfortable, but it will also increase your chances of success.

Eskimo QuickFish Series Pop-Up Portable Ice Fishing Shelter. Hub design makes set up and take down quick and easy. The shelter fits 3 people with a size of 5800 L x 3800 W, has extra elbow room measuring 7500 sq ft!

You’ll be able to stay protected from the elements while ice fishing thanks to the Eskimo QuickFish Series Pop-Up Portable Ice Fishing Shelter.

Ripple Pack

One of the best ways to prevent ice fishing holes from freezing is to use a Ripple Puck. The Ripple Puck is a small, round disc that is placed on top of the hole.

The disc produces vibrations that create ripples on the surface of the water. These ripples help to keep the water moving, which prevents it from freezing.

The Ripple Puck is battery-operated and can be used for both fresh and saltwater fishing. It is also adjustable, so you can control the intensity of the vibrations.

Whether you’re an experienced ice fishermen or just getting started, the Ripple Puck is an essential tool for preventing your holes from freezing.

Boil Water

One way to prevent ice fishing holes from freezing is to keep a bit of water boiling on a propane heater. By doing this, you will create a small pocket of warmth that will help to keep the water from freezing.

Additionally, you can use hot water to clear any ice that does form in the hole. This method is effective, but it does require some careful monitoring to make sure that the fire does not get out of control.

Nevertheless, keeping a pot of boiling water on hand is a simple and effective way to prevent your ice fishing holes from freezing over.

Safety Tips For Fishing

Fishing lake trout can be a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors, but it’s important to stay safe while you catch fish. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind to have a successful outing with the family:

-Wear a life jacket when fishing from a boat

-Use caution when walking on ice or going different locations

-Be aware of your surroundings

-Don’t drink alcohol while fishing

-Supervise children closely

If you are going to make more than one hole in your fishing spot, always have at least two other anglers with you. One person can watch the ice while the other drills the hole at different depths. This will help to ensure that the ice is thick enough to support your weight and that no one falls in.

By following these safety tips, you can help ensure that your ice fishing trip is enjoyable and safe.

Final Thoughts Ice Fishing

Winter is a great time to go ice fishing, but if you don’t know how to drill holes that won’t freeze over, you’ll be spending more time trying to get the hole drilled than actually fishing. By following these tips for creating ice fishing holes and keeping them from freezing over, you’ll be able to spend more time catching fish and less time dealing with frozen holes.