Brook Trout fishing in Lakes-A great ice fishing opportunity

Depending on your state laws brook trout fishing in non designated lakes can really pay off. Here in Michigan if a lake is not designated it is open to fish trout year around. This creates an excellent opportunity to go ice fishing for trout. Also be sure and check the size limits for your state. Here the limit is different for a lake then it is for creeks and rivers. Lakes to look for are the ones that have trout creeks running into them to populate the lake. In the winter time the water temperature and the feed will draw them in. Summer or winter these fish really know how to scrap. It is best to use an ultra light spinning or casting reel on your ice fishing rod. This way you have a drag you can work with. I use a mini casting reel on mine, it works very well. For line weight, as usual - use the lightest you feel you can get by with. I use 6# mono. This will handle a pretty good size fish tough the ice.For bait, pan fish jigs along with a wax worm works well. Night crawlers or spawn bags also can be used with some success, it is best to take an assortment of bait along with you. If you have small live minnows available these work very well. Don’t be afraid to try something different. I remember one time I couldn’t get a bite. I put on a pink and white crappie jig. I could see the brook trout following the jig up to the bottom of the whole, but they would not hit it. I rigged another line with a wax worm and set it at the same depth as the jig. When the fish came in to look at the jig they would see the wax worm and take it. I walked off the ice with my limit that day.These fish are a lot of fun to catch and some great eating.So get out your state rules and regulations and if you can fish brook trout in non designated trout lakes year around. Go for it. I think you will be surprised at the results. Tags: ice fishing, trout fishing, brook trout, trout lakes, fishing tackle