Ice Fishing with Worms (Complete Guide)

Worms are one of the most reliable types of bait you can offer freshwater fish. Natural living worms consistently catch fish during warmer months but using them for ice fishing can seem foreign to many ice fishermen. 

Although worms are not the best live bait option for ice fishing, an earthworm on a jig can catch crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, trout, whitefish, and even small bass. If worms are what you have for bait, you can absolutely catch some fish using them.

Table: Worms as Ice Fishing Bait

Type of Worm	Effectiveness for Ice Fishing	Best Suited Species	Best Applications
Nightcrawlers	Low	Panfish, Trout (limited)	Used with jigs or as scent attractor
Red Wigglers	Moderate	Perch, Sunfish, Trout	Effective in clearer water, on smaller hooks
Waxworms	High	Perch, Bluegill, Crappie	Used on teardrop jigs or small spoons
Mealworms	Moderate to High	Trout, Perch, Sunfish	Used on small jigs, effective in clear water
Euro Larvae (Maggots)	High	Perch, Bluegill, Crappie, Trout	Ideal on ice jigs, teardrop lures, or in combination with artificial baits
Spikes (Maggot Larvae)	High	Bluegill, Perch, Crappie	Used on small jigs or teardrop lures

Ice Fishing with Worms

Earthworms are some of the most versatile worms you can use for many kinds of fishing – ice fishing included. You’ll likely find them being sold in two different forms: “wigglers” or “nightcrawlers,” but don’t get too caught up in the choice. Any type of earthworm will catch some fish through the ice.

On the other hand, earthworms can also be used to catch heavy hitters like catfish and bass. You will need a stouter ice fishing rod and reel combo but these stronger fish can be hauled through the ice using worms. 

Ice fishing with an earthworm is one of the most natural choices, as many fish instinctively hunt for earthworms in the substrate after they’ve been washed into a body of water from adjacent land.

When using earthworms as bait for ice fishing, the most important thing to remember is that you must keep them alive until you intend to use them. An old, dead worm is not as attractive to fish as a freshly, wriggling one.

Protect your earthworms from being exposed to the very cold conditions associated with ice fishing. Try to keep your can of worms in your jacket, insulated within your fishing storage gear, or in a warm car until ready for use. 

Find out all about ice fishing holes in this helpful guide.

Are Worms a Good Ice Fishing Bait?

Worms are not the most effective bait for ice fishing, as fish in cold water typically prefer smaller, more active prey like minnows, waxworms, or artificial jigs. Worms may be used, but they are less likely to attract fish under icy conditions.

Worms are not typically the top choice for ice fishing due to the cold water conditions, which reduce their activity and attractiveness to fish. In winter, fish often prefer baits that mimic their natural diet, such as small minnows, waxworms, or artificial jigs.

Click here to learn all about small ice fishing rods for jigging.

Worms can sometimes be effective when combined with these lures to add a scent attractor. However, for optimal results, anglers usually opt for bait that matches the typical winter forage of target fish species under the ice.

Pros:

1. Availability: Worms are widely available and can be easily obtained from bait shops or even found naturally.
2. Versatility: They can be used to catch a variety of fish species, making them a flexible option in different fishing situations.
3. Ease of Use: Worms are easy to rig on a variety of hooks and can be used by anglers of all skill levels.
4. Natural Bait: Being a natural food source, they can be more appealing to fish in situations where artificial lures are less effective.
5. Scent Attraction: Worms emit a natural scent that can attract fish, especially in clearer water conditions.

Cons:

1. Reduced Activity in Cold Water: Worms become less active in cold water, which can make them less attractive to fish compared to more active baits like minnows or jigs.
2. Freezing Issues: In extremely cold conditions, worms can freeze, making them difficult to use and less effective.
3. Limited Effectiveness for Some Species: Certain popular ice fishing species, like walleye or pike, may prefer live fish or more active baits over worms.
4. Mess and Maintenance: Worms can be messy to handle and require maintenance to keep them alive and fresh.
5. Not Ideal for All Conditions: In murky or very deep water, the visual appeal of worms is reduced, possibly making them less effective compared to brightly colored or luminous artificial lures.

What Fish Bite Worms & Nightcrawlers through the Ice?

Earthworms can catch a wide variety of fish. It simply depends on where you are and how you configure your rig. Fish are not picky in the type of food they are willing to eat and are primarily attracted to two things are scent and action.

This is another reason why you want your worm to be alive and as fresh as possible when using it as bait. The worm needs to smell healthy which is attractive to the fish in the surrounding water and wriggle just enough to catch their attention when nearby.

They also resemble aquatic worms, another reason why fish such as catfish, in particular, are attracted to the bait. 

You can catch almost any fish when using earthworms as bait. The species you are most likely to catch with worms through the ice include catfish, bullheads, trout, crappie, yellow perch, walleye, rock bass, bluegills, and suckers.

It’s important to realize that it’s not specifically the earthworm that many of these fish are attracted to, however (although it does perform much better than many alternatives). Bass are attracted to plastic worms much more than most other baits.

Plastic worms actually resemble baitfish in the water rather than earthworms which is why they are so effective for largemouth bass. As a result, bass won’t be a great option to ice fish with earthworms.

Worm Rigs for Ice Fishing

Nightcrawler Rig for Walleye

Use a size 8-10 treble hook for greater hold. Attach a small split shot 12-18 inches above the hook to keep the bait near the bottom. Thread a nightcrawler lengthwise onto the hook, leaving the ends to wriggle enticingly. This method mimics natural prey on the lakebed, ideal for targeting walleye. Fish this rig near underwater structures or drop-offs.

Wiggler Rig for Panfish

Opt for a size 12-14 single long-shank hook. No additional weight is necessary as wigglers (or euro larvae) are light. Hook the wiggler through the middle to ensure lively movement. This setup is great for bluegill and crappie, who are attracted to the subtle movements. Fish this near weed lines or in shallower waters.

Red Worm Rig for Trout

Use a size 10-12 single hook. Place a small split shot a few inches above the hook. Hook the red worm once through the thicker end. Trout are attracted to the natural, wiggly motion, especially in streams or near inflows where trout naturally feed. Fish at varied depths depending on where the trout are schooling.

Mealworm Rig for Perch

Choose a size 12-14 single hook. Attach the mealworm by threading it onto the hook from head to tail. This method replicates the look of small insects perch feed on. Use this rig near the bottom or mid-water, especially around submerged structures where perch congregate.

Wax Worm Rig for Trout

A size 10-12 single hook is suitable. Hook the wax worm through the middle, ensuring it remains alive for natural movement. This setup is effective for trout in deeper waters. The wiggly action of the wax worm, especially when jigged gently, is irresistible to trout. Fish this rig in deeper areas with varying terrain.

Waxworms

Wax worms are highly effective as ice fishing bait, primarily due to their high-fat content and lively wriggling action, which makes them especially appealing to fish under the ice. Here’s a breakdown of their effectiveness, targeted species, rigging techniques, and comparison to other worms:

• High Attractiveness: Their creamy color and vigorous movement under water are visually enticing to fish.
• Versatility: They can be used in various ice fishing conditions, making them a versatile choice for many anglers.

Targeted Species

• Panfish: Species like bluegill, sunfish, and crappie are particularly attracted to wax worms.
• Trout: Both rainbow and brown trout respond well to wax worms, especially in areas with less natural food availability.
• Perch: Known for their preference for small, lively baits, perch are effectively targeted with wax worms.

Best Rigs and How to Rig Them

1. Single Hook Rig: Use a small, single hook (size 10-14) to maintain the natural appearance. Hook the wax worm through the middle to allow for maximum movement. This setup is ideal for jigging or stationary setups.
2. Teardrop Jig Rig: Attach a wax worm to a teardrop jig, a popular ice fishing lure. This combination creates an irresistible target for fish, combining the lure’s visual appeal with the natural movement of the wax worm.
3. Tip-Up Rig: For larger species like trout, rigging a wax worm on a tip-up setup can be effective. Use a slightly larger hook and consider combining the wax worm with other baits like minnows for added attraction.

Comparison to Other Worms

• Nightcrawlers: Larger and more suited for bigger species like walleye. Wax worms are smaller and better for panfish and trout.
• Red Worms: Similar in size but less fatty than wax worms. Red worms are more durable but wax worms often have more immediate attraction due to their lively motion.
• Mealworms: Also effective for ice fishing, mealworms are more rigid than wax worms. Wax worms tend to have a more enticing wriggle, especially in colder waters.

Mealworms

Mealworms are another popular choice for ice fishing bait, known for their durability and effectiveness in attracting a variety of fish species. Here’s an overview of their utility, targeted species, rigging methods, and comparison to other worms in ice fishing:

• Durability: Mealworms are tougher than many other live baits, making them last longer on the hook, even in frigid conditions.
• Subtle Movement: They offer a more subtle movement compared to wax worms, which can be advantageous in clear water or when fish are finicky.

Targeted Species

• Perch: Known for their preference for small, insect-like baits, perch are highly attracted to mealworms.
• Trout: Both rainbow and brown trout can be enticed with mealworms, especially in areas where they are accustomed to feeding on larvae.
• Panfish: Bluegill, crappie, and other panfish species respond well to the natural appearance and movement of mealworms.

Best Rigs and How to Rig Them

1. Single Hook Rig: Use a small hook (size 12-14) and thread the mealworm onto the hook, either through the side or from head to tail. This method allows the mealworm to move naturally, attracting fish.
2. Jig Head Rig: Pairing a mealworm with a small jig head can be particularly effective. The weight of the jig helps get the bait down to the desired depth, and the mealworm adds a natural element to the lure.
3. Drop Shot Rig: For deeper water or targeting bottom feeders, a drop shot rig with a mealworm can be very effective. This setup allows the mealworm to hover just above the bottom, presenting a tempting target for fish like perch.

Comparison to Other Worms

• Wax Worms: Mealworms are less fatty and offer less immediate visual attraction but are more durable and can withstand more nibbles. Wax worms, on the other hand, are softer and have more active movement.
• Nightcrawlers: Much larger and more suitable for targeting bigger species. Mealworms are smaller and more appropriate for smaller species like panfish and trout.
• Red Worms: Similar in size to mealworms but softer. Red worms tend to wriggle more, while mealworms have a more rigid body, making them last longer on the hook.

Ice Fishing with Worms Tips

1. Temperature Management: Keep your worms at a consistent temperature. Extreme cold can lessen their movement; a small, insulated container can help maintain their liveliness.
2. Scent Enhancement: Enhance the natural scent of worms with fish attractants or by marinating them in coffee or garlic overnight. This can make them more appealing to fish under the ice.
3. Color Contrast: In snowy conditions, visibility is key. Dyeing worms in bright colors (like red or chartreuse) can increase their visibility against the predominantly white and blue background.
4. Combination Baits: Combine a piece of worm with an artificial lure or jig to create a more enticing presentation. The worm adds natural movement and scent, while the lure provides flash and additional movement.
5. Segmenting Worms: Instead of using a whole worm, try segmenting them into smaller pieces. This can be more effective for smaller fish or in situations where fish are nibbling cautiously.
6. Mimic Natural Food: Pay attention to the natural food sources in the water body you’re fishing in. If the fish are used to feeding on small insects, cut the worms to match this size.
7. Depth Variation: Experiment with different depths. Fish may not always be at the bottom in ice fishing; suspending a worm at mid-depth can sometimes be more effective.
8. Use of a Bobber: A small, sensitive bobber can help detect subtle bites that are common in ice fishing, ensuring you don’t miss any opportunity when a fish takes the worm.
9. Gentle Jigging: Rather than aggressive jigging, use gentle movements to make the worm’s action more natural. This can be particularly effective in clear water or when fish are less active.
10. Hook Choice: Select the right size and type of hook. A smaller hook can be hidden more easily inside the worm, making the bait appear more natural and less intimidating to the fish.

Fish that Won’t Bite Worms

Live worms, while versatile, are not the ideal choice for targeting predatory and larger game fish species during ice fishing, such as pike or lake trout. These species typically prefer larger and more active prey like minnows or artificial lures that mimic the movement of fish.

The relatively small size and subtle movement of live worms may fail to attract the attention of these aggressive hunters, which are more stimulated by the sight and motion of bait that resembles their natural prey in size and behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mealworms vs. Wax Worms as Ice Fishing Bait

When it comes to fishing bait, wax worms and mealworms are popular choices. Wax worms are soft and fatty, making them enticing to fish, while mealworms are firmer and have a higher protein content. Both can be effective, but some anglers prefer wax worms for species like panfish, while mealworms are better for larger fish like bass. Ultimately, it depends on the target species and fishing conditions.

What is the best live bait for ice fishing?

The best live bait for ice fishing is typically maggots or wax worms. These small creatures are highly effective in attracting fish such as bluegill, crappie, and perch. Anglers should use a small hook and fish them near the bottom of the ice hole for optimal results.