Ice Fishing and Fish Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

Ice fishing raises specific welfare concerns related to cold-water fish handling, catch-and-release practices, and bycatch of non-target species.

Key Facts

Ice fishing is practiced across North America, Scandinavia, and Russia
Fish caught through ice fishing are often kept alive in water holes until removed
Cold water slows fish metabolism but does not eliminate pain responses
Catch-and-release in ice fishing carries high mortality risk from cold air exposure
Bycatch of small fish through tip-up rigs is difficult to minimize in ice conditions

Welfare Considerations

Ice fishing presents specific welfare challenges compared to open-water fishing. Cold air temperatures cause rapid stress and injury when fish are removed from water, and return-to-water after cold air exposure carries high mortality rates even when the fish appears to recover. Welfare-conscious ice fishing minimizes air exposure time, uses appropriate dehooking tools, and accepts that catch-and-release in cold conditions may cause higher welfare harm than immediate dispatch. The welfare of non-target fish brought up through small holes also deserves consideration.

What You Can Do

Minimize fish air exposure time when ice fishing
If catch-and-release ice fishing, learn techniques to minimize cold air exposure harm
Consider swift dispatch rather than release when catch-and-release mortality risk is high
Use appropriately sized hooks and gear to reduce bycatch of small fish
Support fishing education programs that include welfare components