Private 5 Hour Ice Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Private 5hour ice fishing adventure with heated 6person tent setupTarget rainbow trout, walleye, perch, bluegill, crappie, and bass speciesComplete equipment provided including fish finder and underwater camera
Picture this: you and your crew bundled up on a frozen lake, lines down through holes in the ice, waiting for that telltale tug that gets your heart racing. Our private 5-hour ice fishing trip with ProWest Fishing delivers exactly that kind of winter magic. We're talking serious cold-weather angling here, where the fish are hungry and the action can be non-stop once you find the right spots.
This isn't your typical summer fishing trip – ice fishing is a whole different beast, and that's what makes it so addictive. We'll start by trekking out to my proven honey holes, spots I've been working for years that consistently produce fish. Once we find our setup, we'll get that spacious 6-person ice tent anchored down and fire up the heater so you can actually feel your fingers while you're fishing. The tent comfortably fits 3-4 anglers, but if your group wants to spread out and try different holes, some folks can fish outside – sometimes that's where the best action happens anyway. I've got a quality fish finder and underwater camera that'll show us exactly what's happening below the ice. Trust me, watching fish approach your bait on that little screen never gets old. We'll be targeting rainbow trout as our main quarry, but I'll keep us moving to different areas throughout the day to maximize your chances at walleye, perch, bluegill, crappie, and even some bass.
Ice fishing is all about finesse and patience, but don't worry – I'll have you dialed in quickly. We'll be using light tackle and small jigs, usually tipped with live bait or soft plastics that mimic the tiny minnows and insects these fish are feeding on under the ice. The key is subtle movements – gentle jigging motions that make your bait look alive without spooking the fish. I'll show you how to read your rod tip for those light bites that are easy to miss when you're new to ice fishing. The fish finder is a game-changer here, letting us see fish swimming below and adjust our presentation accordingly. When it's really cold, fish move slower and bite lighter, so we'll use ultra-light rods with sensitive tips. The underwater camera is pure entertainment – you'll see exactly how fish react to different baits and colors, which makes you a better angler for next time.
Rainbow trout are our bread and butter on this trip, and for good reason. These beautiful fish stay active all winter long, and when they hit your jig, they put up a serious fight that'll test your drag system. Most of the rainbows we catch run between 12-16 inches, with some pushing 18+ inches if you're lucky. They're suckers for small jigs in pink, chartreuse, and white, especially when tipped with PowerBait or a piece of nightcrawler. The best part? They taste incredible when prepared fresh.
Walleye fishing through the ice is some of the most consistent action you'll find all year. These golden beauties school up in winter, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. They typically bite best during low-light periods, which works perfect for our longer trips. Walleye average 14-18 inches, with the occasional 20+ inch trophy making an appearance. They prefer live minnows or jigging spoons worked slowly near the bottom.
Yellow perch might be smaller, but they make up for it in numbers and taste. These striped fighters travel in schools and can provide non-stop action when you locate them. Most run 8-10 inches, perfect for the pan. Perch aren't picky – they'll hit small jigs, ice flies, or live bait. Kids especially love catching perch because they bite aggressively and fight hard for their size.
Crappie are the ultimate ice fishing target for many anglers. These paper-mouthed fighters suspend in the water column, often 5-10 feet off the bottom, which is where that fish finder really shines. They school up tight in winter, and once you dial in the right depth and color, you can catch them one after another. Most crappie run 9-12 inches, and they're absolutely delicious table fare.
Largemouth bass might seem like an odd winter target, but they're still catchable through the ice if you know where to look. They move slower in cold water and stick close to structure like fallen trees or drop-offs. Bass fishing through the ice requires patience – they don't bite as often, but when a 3+ pound largemouth grabs your jig, the fight is memorable. They prefer larger baits like jigging spoons or bigger soft plastics worked slowly.
This private ice fishing experience gives you everything you need for an awesome day on the ice – expert guiding, quality gear, heated shelter, and access to productive fishing spots that most people never find on their own. Whether you're introducing the family to ice fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new water, this trip delivers the goods. The 5-hour timeframe gives us plenty of opportunity to move around and find active fish, while the private booking means we can fish at your pace and focus on what you want to catch. Don't let another winter slip by without experiencing the unique thrill of ice fishing – book your trip with ProWest Fishing today and get ready for some cold-weather action that'll have you planning your next ice fishing adventure before you even get off the lake.
Your winter fishing adventure starts with this solid 16-foot Tracker aluminum boat that'll get you to those prime ice fishing spots before the lake freezes over. Built in 2011, this reliable skiff handles shallow waters like a champ with its 60HP Mercury engine pushing you along. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're positioning over those hidden honey holes, while the GPS and fish finder combo helps locate schools of rainbow trout, walleye, and panfish below the surface. Perfect for up to three anglers, this boat's aluminum construction means it can handle the tough conditions of late fall fishing before ice-up. Once winter sets in and the ice is thick enough, you'll be fishing from our heated 6-person tent with underwater cameras to watch the action below. Whether you're working the open water or drilling holes through solid ice, this setup gets you to where the fish are biting.
Perca FlavescensYellow perch are the ultimate crowd-pleaser - these golden fish with dark vertical stripes run about 7-8 inches and are some of the easiest fish to catch through the ice. They school up in huge numbers around weedy areas, docks, and structure, usually in 10-20 feet of water. Winter is prime time since they group together and feed actively. Families love perch because they bite consistently, the kids can catch plenty, and they're absolutely delicious - sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for a fish fry. Secret weapon: when you find a school, work it hard. These fish travel in groups of 50-200, so once you locate them, you can fill your bucket fast.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are perfect family fish - running 7-12 inches and usually under a pound, they're just the right size for kids to handle. These schooling fish love hanging around submerged brush, fallen trees, or any kind of cover in 8-15 feet of water. Winter fishing can be fantastic since they group up tight. People love targeting them because they bite readily, travel in numbers, and make some of the best eating you'll find on the ice. That sweet, flaky white meat is hard to beat. Here's the trick: when you catch one crappie, work that exact spot hard - where there's one, there's usually a whole school waiting.
Micropterus SalmoidesBass are the muscle of freshwater - averaging 12-24 inches and 1-4 pounds, but they fight way above their weight class. You'll find them around structure like fallen trees, weed lines, and drop-offs where they ambush prey. Winter slows them down, but they still bite when you find the right depth. What makes bass special is that massive mouth and their attitude - they hit hard and jump when hooked. The meat's decent eating too, especially from clean water. Pro tip: bass are drawn to red colors, so try a red jig or anything with red accents when other lures aren't working.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are what ice fishing dreams are made of - typically 8-16 inches with that signature pink stripe and fighting spirit that'll surprise you. They prefer clean, cold water and hang around deeper holes during winter, usually 15-25 feet down. The cooler months are actually great for trout since they stay active under the ice. People love them for two reasons: they fight like crazy for their size with acrobatic runs, and the pink meat tastes fantastic - mild and flaky. They're also great indicators of clean water. My best advice: keep your bait just off bottom and use small presentations - these fish can be finicky, so think light line and subtle movements.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the prize catch for good reason - these golden beauties with the glowing eyes average 14-20 inches but can push 30 inches and beyond. They're picky about location, preferring rocky bottoms, drop-offs, and structure in 10-30 feet of water. Winter fishing is prime time since they school up and feed more predictably. What draws people to walleye is the challenge of finding them, plus they're absolutely the best eating fish that swims. That firm, white, flaky meat has no equal. My go-to trick: fish right at dusk or dawn when those big eyes give them the advantage - they'll come shallow to feed when the light's low.
Heber City, UT, United States