Gill Nets Under the Ice

Gill Nets

Because a gill net is like a long, vertical curtain of mesh, this simple gear is easily set, usually by boat, in liquid water. Although gill nets also fish well in winter, the problem with setting them stretched out under the ice is obvious. Innovative solutions exist, however.

A necessary step to gill netting under the ice is to extend a rope down one hole made through the ice and out another, and then tie the net to the rope and pull it between the holes. The trick is in getting the rope passed through the holes.

The simplest way is to make numerous holes in a line, and to pass a rope from one hole to the next using a long, pliable stick. A marginal advance on this approach is the Murphy stick method, a less than auspicious name based on Murphy’s Law – the idea that if something can go wrong, it will.

The Murphy Stick

A Murphy stick is a contraption consisting of an aluminum pipe with a pivot connecting to a longer length of pipe with a float and an eye on it. The fisherman passes the rope through the eye, and then passes the longer pipe section through the hole and aims it toward the next hole. When he spots its end there, he snatches the rope with a long hook.

The Ice Jigger

The real advance in setting gill nets under the ice was via the ice jigger (gill netting), an apparatus designed to walk a line under the ice. The ice jigger, invented around 1912 by a fisherman-blacksmith for use on Lake Manitoba in western Canada, consists mainly of a plank and two levers so arranged that a backward pull on an attached line translates into a forward thrust that pulls the plank along beneath the ice. When the jigger is placed under the ice, the buoyancy of the plank causes it float against the ice cover.

A metal arm assumes a vertical position; a wooden arm in the slot of the plank remains horizontal. When the fisherman pulls the running line, the metal arm us pulled backward, the wooden arm us thrust upward, and a spike at its tip penetrates the ice, preventing backward movement of the jigger equals effective gill netting.

Using a jigger requires teamwork. A second operator has to try to follow the progress of the jigger by listening for the sound of the spike ticking against the under surface of the ice in order to make a second hole to retrieve it.

For night work, a mounted flashlight can provide a visible glow to the gill nets. The beauty of this approach is that only two holes have to be made; this is no small advance in a region where ice could be six feet thick. So successful was this device that following its invention, it was soon being used across most of Canada.

Ice Safety Checks for Gill Net Under the Ice – Monitoring Thickness and Cracks

Before every deployment, step-by-step ice safety checks are essential for safe gill netting under the ice. Drill test holes along your planned track to monitor thickness, recording results to spot weak spots or thinning areas. Use ice chisel and auger to confirm consistent depth; slush, ridges, and open leads may hide cracks that could widen under load.

Inspect nearby shorelines for refreeze seams, and place visual markers or flagging tape to map tension fractures. Carry a weighted rope or sonar device to double-check cavity depth where cracks appear.

Always work with a partner and brief them on your monitoring findings so everyone knows which sections remain solid enough for net handling. Staying proactive with ice thickness and crack surveillance greatly reduces safety risks while managing under-ice gill nets.

Weather-Wise Gill Net Strategies: Wind, Snow, and Freezing Rain Impacts

Weather significantly influences gill net performance, so adapt your strategy to wind, snow, and freezing rain. Strong winds can drift nets or pile snow against them; compensate by reinforcing anchor points and tightening lines to prevent flips or tangles. Fresh snow adds weight and dampens the net; clear it regularly and elevate the upper floats to stay visible.

Freezing rain creates ice buildup on netting and rigging, so keep portable scrapers and de-icing sprays handy and inspect all hardware after a storm. For drift-prone conditions, adjust deployment locations closer to sheltered bays or leverage windward buffer zones.

Monitor forecasts hourly, since quick changes can stress nets or delay retrieval. Choosing weather-wise tactics ensures your gill net gear remains functional and catches stay productive despite Mother Nature.

Historical Evolution of Ice Gill Nets: From Traditional Catches to Modern Methods

Ice gill netting has evolved from basic artisan techniques to highly efficient modern practices. Indigenous fishers once relied on hand-laid nets, woven from natural fibers, guided by intimate knowledge of seasonal fish movements. Over generations, innovations introduced nylon mesh, floatation collars, and mechanized winches, enabling longer, deeper deployments beneath thicker ice.

Today’s fishers blend GPS positioning, sonar, and weather data with traditional observation to optimize net placement and minimize bycatch. Today’s sustainable regulations also drive selective mesh sizing and retrieval protocols that keep spawning stocks healthy.

Highlighting this historical arc—traditional craftsmanship merging with modern navigation and ecological awareness—adds richness to ice gill net discussions while keeping the focus practical for today’s operators.

Regional Ice Gill Net Practices: Comparing Great Lakes, Arctic, and Nordic Techniques

Ice gill net practices shift across regions to match local climates and species behavior. Great Lakes crews often target perch or whitefish, using wide, durable nets anchored with ice screws and snow stakes to handle shifting lake winds. In the Arctic, teams focus on charr and trout, so they rely on short-haul lines and small blockhouse shelters because extreme cold demands frequent net checks and rapid recovery.

Nordic fishers often deploy modular, high-strength nets that work through seasonal freeze-thaw cycles, combining ice augers with mechanized winches to reduce exposure time.

Across all regions, anglers layer safety gear, communicate via VHF radios, and study local ice maps before heading out. Comparing these techniques helps readers adapt methods from one region to another while keeping safety and species needs front and center.

Routine Maintenance Tips for Ice Jigging Systems and Gill Net Gear

Routine maintenance keeps ice jigging systems and gill net gear reliable throughout the season. After each use, rinse nets and jigging components with fresh water to clear salt or grit, then air-dry to prevent rot or corrosion. Check knots, swivels, and float lines for wear, replacing frayed sections before they fail under ice tension.

Lubricate winches and pulleys with cold-weather-safe grease to keep retrieval smooth, and ashore, keep spare clips, hooks, and rigging tools organized in a waterproof kit. Inspect batteries and light rigs for jigging setups, ensuring full charge before long outings.

Incorporating these quick checkpoints into a daily checklist extends gear life and keeps catches consistent, even when weather or ice conditions are challenging.

Ice Thickness Guidelines for Safe Gill Net Deployment and Recovery

Respecting ice thickness guidelines is critical when deploying or recovering gill nets. For single anglers, start with at least 4 inches of clear, solid ice; for small teams handling long net sections, 6–8 inches provides a safer margin. Mark thicker ice near inlet currents or springs where stability is lower despite visual clarity.

Use a weight-dropped gauge or auger every 10–15 feet as you move outward to ensure uniform thickness along the net’s path. When retrieving nets, move slowly to avoid overloading thin spots or creating new cracks—don’t pull from the same hole repeatedly.

Always keep ice picks, throw ropes, and flotation vests accessible in case a section unexpectedly gives way. These steps let you deploy and recover gill nets with confidence while preserving crew safety.