Winter fishing in put and take

Winter fishing means different things depending on where in the country you stand. Where ice has formed you ice-fish for rainbow and arctic char. On southern waters that often stay ice-free all winter you fish as usual, with spin, bait and fly. In other words: “in winter you ice-fish” does not apply everywhere — it depends entirely on the ice where you are.

Safe ice first. Never walk on uncertain ice. Black ice should be at least about 10 cm for one person, the ice even and checked, and you should never go alone. Carry ice claws and an ice pike, and always check local ice. More under safe ice.

On ice and on open water

When the ice bears, ice-fish for salmonids. Rainbow is an active hunter that likes a jigging spoon at pace, and a short 2–3 foot ice rod with a small reel is an advantage because it can run far under the ice. Char often takes a char spoon with cooked shrimp or maggot, or a mormyshka fished with small, controlled movements off the bottom. Drill several holes and search different depths instead of sitting on one hole all day.

Many southern put-and-take waters in Skåne, Blekinge and Halland stay ice-free much of the winter. Then you fish as usual, only slower. Leave summer dry-fly fishing at home — winter is slow streamers and nymphs. Dress in proper layers, windproof on the outside, and bring a warm thermos. Peak times are spring and autumn — see spring fishing and the season overview. More on winter’s star: arctic char.