Video: Sight Fishing Tips for Winter Trout in Manitoba

Ice fishing for rainbows, browns and brook trout is fun, but it’s off-the-charts thrilling when you watch the fish chase your lure in shallow water through a massive sight fishing hole.

January 21, 2019 | by Tony Capecchi |

As Grand View Outdoors Senior Editor Dave Maas wrote in his Ice Fishing 101 gear guide article, it’s possible that no outdoor activity has changed more in the past 35 years than ice fishing. Anglers across the ice belt are using technology and cutting-edge equipment to catch more fish, more ways than ever before on the hard water.

Want supporting evidence? Check out the new video below from Jay Siemens as he targets rainbows, browns and brook trout through the ice on Lyons Lake in eastern Manitoba. It’s got all the key components you want in a good YouTube fishing video these days.

Cool aerial drone footage? Check. Practical pointers on developing your plan of attack plus on-the-water tips? Check. GoPro selfie video? Check. Humor, especially of the self-deprecating variety? Check. Action? A decent amount, but not the crazy unrealistic 4-days-of-fishing condensed into 60 seconds of non-stop catching.

FYI: This video is 17 minutes in length, and if you’re in a rush, the biggest fish, which is later identified as a brook trout, doesn’t show up until the 13:58 mark.

Aerial view of Lyons Lake in Eastern Manitoba — Lyons Lake in eastern Manitoba is known for producing beautiful trout during the open- and hard-water seasons. Can you find Jay Siemens’ ice fishing shelter in this photo?

Winter Sight Fishing Tips

Jay Siemens has an effective approach, he has a story to tell, and he shows you the scoop in a creative way. It’s also practical, as Siemens shares three tips on winter sight fishing.

Sunny days are the best.

Set up on glare ice for best visibility — and you’d be surprised how shallow you can find active trout.

A black ice shelter helps to block outside light.

As for how to entice trout and trigger bites right in front of you? That’s the best part of sight fishing. To see exactly how Siemens does it – and copy his jigging techniques next time you’re out – you’ll have to watch the video.

Game on!

P.S. If you’re interested in purchasing the type of ice saw shown in the video, according to GVO Senior Editor Dave Maas, the best one on the market is made in his home state of Minnesota. It’s called the Fish’s Ice Saw and retails for $124.95. Click here to learn more.

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