How To Make An Ice Fishing Hole

If the idea of spending the afternoon in freezing cold temperatures, hoping that later you will get to gut and de-bone a small lake fish, then pick up your auger, put on some thick clothes and learn how to make an ice fishing hole. Ice fishing is a tradition for many parts of the north, where the lakes will consistently freeze over during the winter. Once you have the right tool, specifically an auger, making an ice fishing hole will only take a few seconds worth of hard work. An auger is designed to cut through the ice and deliver the cut ice to the surface, making a straight, smooth hole directly down to the water level. This guide on how to make an ice fishing hole will focus on using a hand auger, since using a power auger is fairly self explanatory. One thing to note, however, is that if you are using a power auger, let the auger do the work as putting too much downward pressure can kill the performance of the auger.

Things you will need:

• Manual Auger
• Shovel

1. Walk to the spot where you want to fish and clear away the area. You will often find snow on top of the ice, and you will have to shovel away the snow before you can start using the auger.
2. Place the bottom of the auger over the exact spot where you want to make the hole. Place your right shoulder, or right hand, on top of the auger and grab the handle with your left. It is preferable to put your shoulder on top of the auger, but this is not always possible due to the size of the auger.
3. Use your left hand to rotate the auger in a clockwise direction. While you rotate the auger, apply downward pressure with your right shoulder or hand. Don't push too hand, just use enough force so that the auger continues to dig into the ice.
4. Pull the auger out once you are done making the hole. Then stick it back in and rotate it a few times to ensure the bottom of the hole isn't jagged. Now your hole is ready for you to do some ice fishing.