Vehicles on the ice.

[Fish Monger]

Does anyone think that wheelers and snow machines ruin the fishing on a lake? Especially on derby days when there are 100 times the people on the ice? I swear that derbys are the worst fishing days because of impatient people who have to ride around zinging in between your traps like they are markers for the raceway.

[Jim_C.]

Andrew, no doubt in my mind that traffic on the ice will mess up the fishing.  A snowmobile, etc. racing up when you are fighting a fish seems to also cause it to run again.....could easily cause lost fish.  I get a kick out of people that chase flags on a snowmobile, etc. rather than on foot.  

Jim C.

[Fish Monger]

I don't even run to my holes. A nice easy walk seems to be the best. I can't count the times I took off on the run only to get to the hole and see the spool stop dead in its tracks.

[grumpymoe]

dont necessarily agree with the noise. if its extremely quiet for extended periods, yes then its a factor, but if theres alot of activity on the ice, they generally continue feeding. fished a derby and picked a spot right by the main entrance to the fenced fishing, and caught my first fish 15 minutes from the start. so go figure!!  grrrrrumpymoe

[TJC]

Depends on the thickness of the ice. I think thick ice will block most sound from getting to the fish.

[mullen2525]

I agree with grumpymoe  sudden bursts of noise may startle a fish but if its constant than its more likely the fish will almost get used to it. so on tournament days probably not a huge problem 1 guy riding around bein an ass probably not good.

[mooseslayer]

ON THE OTHER HAND IVE SEEN TIMES I WAS THE ONLY PERSON ON A LAKE FISHING LESS THAN 10FT. OF WATER AND COULDNT GET A BITE FOR NOTHIN' UNTILL I MADE A TURN AROUND THE HOLES WITH MY SNOW MOBILE. WOULD GET AT LEAST ONE FLAG EACH TIME. BUT ON HEAVY USE LAKES I HAVE SEEN IT TURN OF THE BITE.

[kingfshr16]

I agree with jacksmelt.....on chaimplain we sometimes fish shallow (5-15ft) for perch walleyes and pike and when the train goes by or we take a run around on the wheeler we ALWAYS get flags.

[WhiteGameHunter]

I think that it helps the fishing when it gets slow, it moves the fish around and gets them to maybe strike.  Especially during derbies since there is so much noise around and the fishh stay actice.

[hard_waterer]

I think when fish are hungry they eat noise or no noise

[broomballboy]

I would have to say noise dosen't matter at all up here in Alaska.  The lake I fish at also doubles as the local snowmachine racetrack and it doesn't seem to matter at all to the fish.  In the summer there is an active gravel mining operation at one end of the lake and that doesn't seem to bother them either.

[TroutFishingBear]

I agree with jacksmelt.....on chaimplain we sometimes fish shallow (5-15ft) for perch walleyes and pike and when the train goes by or we take a run around on the wheeler we ALWAYS get flags.

A reason for this could be that the noise stirs up the bottom slightly, knoccking up food, making the fish know that it's snack time

[Germ]

I agree with Stiring up the Bottom with Making noise for perch and Waleye and such Or even Pike...But if im fishing FOr brooks THen its a Stealth Mission for Sure...Just depends on what your after and the depth in which your fishing. I.E i've fished In 5-7 FOw for perch and had the Stereo Blaring out of my Ying yang and i swear i catch more Perch when the Music is going..LOl SO go figure...ANyhow If it Works then try it if your not liking the noise Bring a Gun...Always Makes the noise makers think twice...LOL...Tight lines!

[troutinator]

I know for a fact it hurts salmon fishing,I'm only fishing 12" to 12' under the ice,they can't help!!!I have no problem with using them to get to were they fish & get off the ice,but as far as screwing around by were I fish,I DON'T LIKE IT!!!

[Big Dawg]

during fishing derbies, i like activity on the ice. i think it makes fish wonder around more.  the winni derby here in NH i was fishing up on Winnipasaukee at my bobhouse and we had flags flying all day(and weekend for that matter!)  we ended up catching around 20 lakers that weekend and one of em made the board, good for $60.  the weeks before and after the derby, we were lucky if we had 2 flags in a day. so im a believer that sumtimes activity can be good!