What is the most effective time for ice fishing for rainbow smelt?

The most effective time for ice fishing for rainbow smelt is at night because rainbow smelt are known to be more active during the dark hours. In cooler water conditions, which are typical when ice fishing, smelt often rise to shallower waters to feed, usually during nighttime. This behavior is connected to their feeding patterns, as they utilize low-light conditions to avoid predators while foraging for food, making the night the optimal time for anglers to target them.

Fishing during the day may yield lesser results as smelt tend to be less active and more cautious, retreating to deeper waters. Dawn can sometimes see a rise in activity as light begins to filter in, but it doesn’t reach the same intensity as nighttime. Afternoon hours might also see diminished numbers as temperatures rise, making this time less productive compared to the cooler and darker conditions experienced during the night. Thus, for those pursuing rainbow smelt through the ice, nighttime fishing typically provides the greatest chances for success.