When planning an ice-fishing trip for togue, it’s especially important to keep an eye on the weather. Try to pick a cloudy, low-pressure day, with snow falling or on the way rather than a sunny, cold, high-pressure day.

You’ll increase your chances of success by choosing a low-pressure day as togue usually bite much better on such days. Rig several traps with a dead bait on bottom.

Cut or squeeze your bait so some body fluids ooze out as you lower it down the hole … togue have a keen sense of smell and are attracted to such a bait, even though it’s lifeless.

Also try some jigging as this proven technique is worth the minimum effort required.

Simply spend 5-10 minutes jigging at several holes off and on throughout the day. Good lures to try include a yellow green Weeping Willow, a silver Swedish Pimple or a silver Leadfish.

Too many ice fishermen still head out to a trout or salmon lake with their “pickerel” rigged traps in tow, i.e. heavy 18- to 25-pound test braided ice fishing line with a short 6-inch snelled leader affixed along with a large sinker or split shot. While this set-up works OK for pickerel, you’re wasting your time for salmon or trout.

You’ll have better luck catching salmonids if you rig up like this: 1) attach a swivel to the end of your heavy ice fishing line; 2) tie on a 5- to 9-foot section of 6- to 8-pound test monofilament; 3) affix a small hook, either size 6 or 8 … I prefer an 8; 4) to complete the rig, crimp on one small split shot about 10 to 12 inches above the hook.

Too much weight will “deaden” your bait and reduce its effectiveness. If in doubt, it’s better to go light unless you are fishing on bottom in 25 to 40 feet of water for togue.

Ron Brokaw, regional fisheries biologist, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

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