Ways to Keep Ice Fishing Holes Open

Ice fishing holes are cut into the ice with augers and chisels. When this exposes the water to air which is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, periodic freezing will trap any line or bobber the fisherman puts into the hole. Fishermen use many methods to keep ice fishing holes open, ranging from windbreaks to patented plugs, covers, heating devices and cutting-edge technologies that move warmer water toward the opening.

  1. Fishing in the Open

    • According to U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) documents, a common way to keep an ice fishing hole open is to use an ice scoop to lift out the ice as it forms. An ice scoop has holes in the spoon end to let water drain out. "The Ice Shanty" recommends a simple technique that keeps ice from forming while you are away from the hole: Fill a cloth sack with rock salt, tie the sack closed and put it down the hole. The salt mixes with the water, keeping it from freezing. Angling sportswriter Steve Ryan advises against keeping the hole entirely free of ice while fishing outdoors in the shallows because the bright light entering open holes alerts the fish to potential danger. Mr. Ryan spreads ice shavings across the water in the hole to block the light.

    Ice Shelters and Ice Shacks

    • Fishing in an ice shelter or an ice shack helps keep the hole open. Both retain heat generated by bodies, hand and boot warmers, solar radiation and heaters. Using a heater, located as close as possible to the hole, makes the structure more comfortable and retards the formation of ice. Hot Spot Outdoors cautions that, if heaters are used, make sure you have adequate ventilation to prevent asphyxiation.

    Modern Ice Prevention Technology

    • "Fresh Patents" reports that many patents have been granted for plugs and covers to be used to isolate the water from the ambient air. Devices using electric heaters, propane cartridges and gelled fuel cells have also been awarded protection by the U.S. Patent Office. These methods have been criticized for interfering with fishing or being inherently dangerous. An invention by Charles Gifford captures water from lower, warmer depths and then circulates it through the area of the hole. The resulting motion, as well as the warmer water, keep ice from forming.

    Ice Prevention Lore

    • Ice fishermen share methods they use to clear ice on the Hot Spots Outdoors Forum and on the Ice Shanty Tips Board. One suggestion is to put a live minnow into the hole, and add a new one every two minutes. Another angler advises putting alcohol directly into the water to keep it from freezing. He quips that he uses a ratio of one shot for the hole, one for him; one shot for the hole, two for him, etc.. A pair of fishermen favor drilling a 1 1/4-inch auger hole next to the fishing hole to hold a coffee can to burn charcoal. They dig a little trench from the can hole to the fishing hole for warm water to enter. Holes are made just above the bottom rim of the can to permit air to enter.

      One fisherman says that he just uses his auger to keep the hole open. An air bubbler was also recommended. Yet another angler covers the hole with a black pan of the type used for gold prospecting. The Sun warms the pan, thus keeping the water ice-free. When a fish is hooked, he simply sets the pan aside and reels it in.