Tip-ups + Jigs for Pike

Over two of pike caught in a yearly basis in Wisconsin and Minnesota are caught ice fishing.  Of those fish caught ice fishing, tip ups account for more of those pike than any other method.  Tip ups are a highly effective way to target northern pike because they allow you to keep several baits in the strike zone for long periods of time, being fished effectively with minimal attention.  In addition, you can use maps and depth charts to place your tips ups in spots that you know are likely to hold fish.  But jigging is also a highly effective and overlooked method for taking winter pike.

In Minnesota, it is legal to fish two lines per person.  If you have a few people along for the trip, you can put out a bunch of tip ups and jig as well.  I like to put out two or three tip ups and then drill another hole right next to each of those tip ups.  I'll get an ice rod with 12 lb test, a wire leader, and a lure like a Lindy Darter or Rattletrap - something that makes sound.  I'll jig this lure next to the tip up and what often happens is that the sound of the lure attracts fish to the area, but they then see the bait on the tip up and take it.

There are a few different ways you can set up a dual jig approach.  If you have enough people to be fishing multiple tip ups, then you can drill holes in between the tip ups so pike attracted to the sound have to pass the bait on their way there.  You can also set up the tip ups in a circle and jig right in the center of the circle to "call the fish in".  Or do the opposite if you are by yourself and can only have one tip up - set up a tip up and then jig at four different holes surrounding your one tip up.  If possible, set these surrounding holes up on pike structure (rocks, saddles, weedbeds) as well.

For this "call em in" approach, you'll want a lure that makes sound.  That's crucial.  Try to have it also mimic the natural forage in the lake - often perch in the metro area. Or you can tip it with a bit of minnow.  Although your lure is helping to boost the effectiveness of the tip ups, you'll often find that you take pike on the jigging rod as well.