Minnows Will Catch Everything

There's not a fish swimming under the ice that won't take a minnow. Very small flatheads are required for crappies and bluegills while slightly larger ones will suffice for yellow perch and walleyes. Northern pike prefer 6-inch chubs or suckers, or even larger minnows. Hook a minnow through the lip or behind the fin on its back. Avoid the backbone to keep it lively. Minnows can be allowed to swim freely on a tight line or under a float to keep them at a particular depth. Just make sure the presentation is natural.