Smallmouth Ice Fishing

[kayakn]

I hear about Deer Creek being a smallmouth haven. Is there a successful approach to ice fishing for Smallies? I'd love to do my boy scout best to make room for more perch.

[fishnate]

You've got a big challenge ahead of you. Bass are typically much less active in winter. Their metabolism doesn't require them to feed much. If you can find them, they can be caught, but it will likely take some effort to get them to bite. I would start in areas where you have caught them in late summer or fall (off rocky points) only deeper, like 20' to 45'. One advantage you might have at Deer Creek is the population is high so with more competition you're more likely to get some bites if you can find them. Good luck!
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[SkunkedAgain]

Have to admit I was hoping for a how to when I seen the title.. Smallies have been very elusive for me as soon as the ice deck shows up... However, I have caught them in late November just before ice up, but I've yet to figure them out through the ice, so I typically fish trout and kokanee this time of year... I'm sure it's a technique thing and since I can't cover a lot of area like I do on the soft water, I don't know if I'm not finding them or just can't make them bite.. Anyway after four or five attempts last year all ending in skunks, I haven't wasted any time after them this year... I have caught the LMB through the ice, but I'm still after my first smallie iced... I'd be happy to read about it, when you figure it out... Good luck... J
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[a_bow_nut]

I have watched them swim by on the camera while ice fishing.

Not one of them have ever even looked at my baits.

Not saying it can't be done but it will be a tall order to fill.
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[Springbuck]

I have caught exactly two SM through the ice, both while fishing Pineview for perch, on deep, rocky points out from Cemetery Point. They took what the perch were eating, and I think one time that was a night crawler on a jighead, and the other was a waxie on an ice fly.
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