Do Underwater Lights Work For Ice Fishing?

Whether you are new to fishing or you are an experienced angler, you will benefit from using an underwater light, particularly if you are going ice fishing. This is because as a lake or river ices over, identifying any game fish swimming beneath the surface becomes increasingly difficult.

As such, you may find that you waste more energy and face more disappointment due to an inability to catch the fish you are targeting.

Generally, fish are attracted to food hence why submersible lights are used because their prey will typically swim in the direction of the light. Once they have set their eyes on their prey, the baitfish tend to follow the beam of the light.

Whilst they are primarily used in the summer, they can also be used in the winter for ice fishing, although this is unknown to many fishermen. This is because the light will attract the fish regardless of the season. 

Now you may be wondering how an underwater light works during the winter and summer. Simply put, once the light is submerged into the water it will trigger the start of the food chain. The majority of baitfish feed on plankton.

As the plankton travels towards the light, the fish will then follow. During the winter months, you will find that fewer baitfish travel towards the underwater light, however, there will be a few larger, hungry species that are in search of their next meal. 

During the winter, you will need to create a hole for the light. Remember to set it up near some sort of structure because this is where most of the fish will typically be found.

Next to this hole, you will need to create a second hole using an auger as this is where you will fish from. 

You will benefit hugely from using an underwater light on a lake that is covered by snow. This is because the snow prevents the water beneath the icy surface from accessing any natural sunlight. Introducing an underwater light will ensure that the fish travel in the direction of their food source. 

What color underwater light attracts fish?

Fishing lights are available in an array of colors. This includes blue, green, and white. A green light tends to be the most effective option when attempting to lure fish due to the intensity and brightness of the light.

This makes it more effective in reaching a greater distance. Aside from this, you will typically find that baitfish are more attracted to green light and they will move towards it in search of a food source. 

A white light can also be an effective option. Similar to a green light, a white light typically attracts plankton. The plankton will migrate towards it to reproduce.

Furthermore, a white light will also lure the baitfish. Although a white light will be effective, it tends to get quickly absorbed.

As a result of this, you will discover that it fails to penetrate through the water very deeply. Moreover, the beam of a white light will not reach as great a distance as a green light. 

A light blue light can also attract fish but it depends on the type of water that you are going to be fishing in. If you are going night fishing in saltwater, a blue light will prove effective.

However, if you are going to be fishing in freshwater, it is unlikely that you will find a blue light to be effective in attracting any of the baitfish. 

It is important to select a light color that attracts the baitfish because the larger game fish that you will want to catch will then swim in the same direction. As such, you then have a better chance of catching them.

Remember that the color of the light can influence the success of your fishing expedition. For this reason, you may benefit from experimenting with different colored lights before arriving at a decision regarding the type that is best for your fishing needs and the nature of the water that you typically fish in.

Are underwater fishing lights legal?

To gain an understanding as to whether underwater fishing lights are legal, you will need to check the laws of the local area that you are going to be fishing in as well as the laws of the state. This is because the laws and regulations can differ from state to state and there isn’t one rule that is set in place for all areas. 

In the majority of states in the US, the use of an underwater fishing light is permitted. Despite this, it is worth double checking the matter for clarification. More to the point, in some instances night fishing and ice fishing are illegal. Again this can vary depending on the state. 

Night fishing is legal in the majority of states, however, you will find some that have stricter rules and regulations in comparison to others.

For example, in some states, you may be able to fish at any time of the day but in others, the time frame in which you are allowed to fish during the night may be a little more stringent. Aside from this, you will need to check the rules and regulations of the water body that you are intending to go fishing in. 

In regards to ice fishing, it is permitted in most states, but not all of them. Just like you will need to check the regulations for night fishing, it is important that you check the rules of your state to see whether ice fishing is allowed there.

Again, there are some states where it is allowed and others where the rules are much stricter. You will only be allowed to use an underwater light in waters where fishing is permitted.

If you end up near a river or lake where fishing is not allowed, you may run into some issues when attempting to use an underwater light to attract your target fish.