Ice fishing

[The Provider]

I have a question that I've asked many other ice fisherman and recieved several different opinions. Does snowmobile activity and drilling holes with a power auger scare fish? I've fished with guys that go out and drill a pile of holes right off the start because they swear firing up the auger will scare the fish away. These same guys throw an absolute fit if snowmobilers drive up to see how the fish are biting. I don't think it seems to make a difference but my ice experience is sorely lacking compared to some of the people one this site. So there it is. Does noise on the ice scare the fish or not?

[fish_on!]

I've never noticed a major drop off in bites if fresh holes are drilled.... last year I was grabbing a drink for the car, and didn't have my drag loose enough, and my rod went down the hole... we had to drill a bunch of holes into one big hole to get at the rod...and no more than 5 feet away buddy was still pulling up fish.

[dagdagger]

If you are in shallow water then yes you think it would for sure but out in 25-30 feet of water could no see much effect on the fish

[.35 Whelen]

Originally Posted by dagdagger

If you are in shallow water then yes you think it would for sure but out in 25-30 feet of water could no see much effect on the fish

I agree

[tracker]

I think it does affect them. We were watching fish on the camera in about 20feet of water some guys went flying by on snowmachines and the fish scattered. They did come back after a while though....

I do notice a difference between a gas boat motor and my electric trolling motor when fishing as well.....

[Bassbuster]

They don't scare the fish, if anything I think the noise on top of the ice helps. We were fishing Lake Of The Woods last year and everytime their snow vehicles came near us the bite got hot and heavy. And when they left the bite slowed down again.

[Hunterforlife]

Next time the fishing slows Drill a few holes on the outside area of where you are fishing. More that once I have started to catch fish again. I Know it moves fish but also moves them to your hooks. Good luck.

[Ice Fisherman]

I agree i think alot of it has to do with the depth you are fishing and how agreesive the fish are, if the fish are agressive they may leave momentarily but will often come back

[outdoorgirl]

I know on open water here on the river noise helps. It's a contraversial issue tho. I cast into a wake of a boat moving by or if a kid is throwing rocks into the river that's about 3 - 5 ft. deep many times it will cause a bite. It will stir the fish. If they're agressive is the key....it will cause a bite. I wouldn't see a difference with ice. Seems if they're hungry, noise makes them connect.

[ttaylor99]

Originally Posted by Hunterforlife

Next time the fishing slows Drill a few holes on the outside area of where you are fishing. More that once I have started to catch fish again. I Know it moves fish but also moves them to your hooks. Good luck.

I used this technique today! I love to drill holes I think it gets them moving around the area! This is a great tip hopefully people are paying attention! I wouldn't have offered it up though! Tim you are way nicer then me!