What technique is used to catch trout through the ice?

Fishing live baitfish under tip-ups is a highly effective technique for catching trout through the ice. This method involves using a tip-up, which is a device that can hold a fishing line and alert the angler when a fish bites. The live baitfish attracts trout by simulating natural prey movements beneath the ice, making it more appealing to them. This strategy is especially advantageous in colder conditions where fish tend to become less active, as live bait can provoke a response from lurking trout.

Using only artificial lures, spear fishing, or only shallow jigging may have their uses in certain conditions, but they do not match the effectiveness of live bait under tip-ups in the context of ice fishing for trout. Artificial lures may not always mimic the fish's natural prey effectively enough in the winter months, while spear fishing typically targets certain species in specific situations and is less common. Shallow jigging can be effective, but it may not provide the same level of success in enticing trout as having live bait suspended in the water column under a tip-up.