Before drilling any holes in the ice you must consult the fishing regulations for the state where you are fishing. Most states have specific regulations related to ice fishing hole sizes allowed.
Ice Fishing hole sizes:
- 4 or 5 inch holes are good for panfish like perch, crappie and bluegills.
- 6 inch holes are good for panfish and small trout. You will have an extremely difficult time landing any fish over 10 pounds.
- 8 inch holes are good for trout, walleye, and northern pike. The 8 inch holes are the standard used with tip ups.
- 10 or 12 inch holes (when legal) are good for all large trout, walleye, and northern pike.
