Ice Fishing Adventures with Zach Wilson

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‘Zach Wilson's love for fishing took root in Sherwood Park, Alberta, where he found solace in nature after his father's health crisis. From childhood dreams of marine biology to guiding fishing trips in northern Saskatchewan, Zach shares his adventures on his YouTube channel, "Zach The Fisherman." Join us as we explore his journey, favourite spots, and aspirations in the world of fishing.’

Background

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I grew up in a town outside of Edmonton growing up called Sherwood park. My dad had a brain aneurism when I was a year old & was disabled my whole child hood so I was raised by my mom. I never felt like I fit in with the people I went to school with I liked fishing and outdoors while a lot of the people I went to school with were more into I don’t know how to explain it other than city life.

Can you tell us about your journey as a fisherman? How did you get started?

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So ever since I was a kid like 2 years old, I was crazy about fish not sure what it was about them but I wanted to be a marine biologist when I was 4 years old. My mom made sure to get me out fishing just because of my love for fish, I was hooked. Reeling in my first fish I yelled out “oh crikey” because I was a big Steve Irwin fan when I was a kid.

Thoughout my child hood id go fishing with my uncles on long weekends but not very frequently.

I remember my uncle mark was telling me while we were trolling around a lake how some guys get so good into fishing how they could control how fast, how deep and get the fish to bite just like that and that stuck with me. I wanted to be like that.

I turned 16 and got my driver’s licence & a truck & I was gone. Every weekend fishing with my friends. I may have even missed a few classes to get onto a good bite.

After graduating high school I was lost as a lot of people are. I ran to the lake & fished. I was a fish bum basically camping out, eating fish & learning more about fish behaviours. Had a bunch of odd jobs that taught me things that you need to know like how to fix things on the fly if need be which in hindsight were a great learning experience but at the time I just wanted to fish.

I started a YouTube channel while working for a waterfowl outfitter at the age of 19 because I wanted to learn more things about hunting, I worked there for 7 years I learned a lot but my last season working there I was asking to be more than a bird cleaner I was told “you’re just a fisherman not a hunter” crushed my dreams of hunting. But I think I’ve got the drive to figure out some things about hunting one day.

Zach Wilson’s YouTube Channel ‘Zach The Fisherman’

What do you love most about ice fishing compared to other fishing methods?

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I love ice fishing because I guide at a fishing lodge in northern Saskatchewan all summer. I love guiding but ice fishing is kind of my season for me, my time to explore and learn new techniques and hopefully have some new techniques and fishing story’s to tell to my guests!

Can you describe your favourite ice fishing spot in Alberta? What makes it special?

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I love targeting anything that swims even if it’s a non-game fish. It really depends on the time of year but I’d have to say I fish for walleye the most! Early winter November/December I want to fish for whitefish and then come into January/February I’ll chase yellow perch, northern pike and lake trout. That’s the time of year I like to go ice camping on the lakes over night and fish for a few days straight! Then mid February/march burbot start to spawn a greasy unique fish but they’re a really fun fish to catch!

What species do you typically target while ice fishing, and why?

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I love targeting anything that swims even if it’s a non-game fish. It really depends on the time of year but I’d have to say I fish for walleye the most! Early winter November/December I want to fish for whitefish and then come into January/February I’ll chase yellow perch, northern pike and lake trout.

That’s the time of year I like to go ice camping on the lakes overnight and fish for a few days straight! Then mid-February/March burbot start to spawn a greasy unique fish but they’re a really fun fish to catch!

What essential gear do you use for ice fishing? Any specific brands or tools you recommend?

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I like using my forward facing sonar, it’s like a video game for fishing it shows you how far a fish is away roughly how big it is and it’s an amazing piece of technology!

I’ve been fishing with fish frostbite fishing rods & tackle for the past few years and I’ve supporting a local Canadian company called High Caliber Lures for fishing everything from little yellow perch to big lake trout they make some amazing gear!

Can you walk us through your typical ice fishing setup? What strategies do you use to attract fish?

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I would say there is 2 different ways i typically fish. jigging & having a dead stick.

Jigging is what it sounds like, actively moving a bait. If that’s a jigging spoon, minnow jig, rattle bait or just a simple jig and a minnow each lure has its on unique jigging methods and a time to use it!

A dead stick is a waiting game. I like to use tip ups or automatic hook setters. All it is, is leaving bait in the water waiting for a fish to come to eat. Can be fun to sit around waiting for a flag or a bell to go off!

I’ll use both methods and if I find one is working better than the other I’ll change things up but I usually start with doing both then move on from there.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face while ice fishing?

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Staying warm. It’s critical can’t let your feet get cold, a good heater is your best friend. I’ve holes freeze up and freezes your line in but you just have to keep on top of it scooping the ice out!

Can you share a memorable experience or catch it while ice fishing? What made it stand out?

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This may sound corny, but it was the first time I went ice fishing with my uncle mark. I had grabbed 2 sticks on the shore line and wrapped about 15 metres worth of line and each one of them tipped them with a worm and set them up away from the guys laughing & having a good time. I caught the most fish on the trip doing that.

I found I had to get my lines away from all the loudness one of the things I learnt that sometimes a dead stick was the way to go. Also at the end of the trip I had stepped in a hole and my whole leg went in. I haven’t done it since so I learned a lot. It was a trip that got me into ice fishing.

You mentioned traveling to catch multiple species. Which locations have been your favourites, and what species did you target there?

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I’ve travelled all over western Canada to fish. I’ve caught Pike Minnows on a work trip in Vanderhoof, BC. I guide in northern Saskatchewan catching big lake trout & northern pike on lake Athabasca & Ena Lake. But I would have to say my favourite adventure was fishing the Red River for monster Channel Catfish!

How do you prepare for a fishing trip to a new location? Any tips for fellow anglers?

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Make lists and pack the night before even days before prepare. I always keep a survival kit & emergency non perishable food in my truck and a big bottle of water that freezes but I’ll always have fresh water just incase I get into a situation.

How has the fishing community in Alberta influenced your experience as a fisherman?

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Alberta is a unique place that has an abundance of opportunity to creek trout fishing to big lake monster northern pike. When I was 16 I’d go on different forums & ask different ways & techniques I could learn to help me catch more fish.

What are your future goals as a fisherman? Any specific species or locations on your bucket list?

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I just want to be a fisherman, I don’t necessarily want to be a Youtuber but YouTube allows me to share my adventure and it’s cool to see how I’ve grown up over the years. I hope one day I can get the opportunity to be a true fish bum and do YouTube full time & guide in the summers to share my knowledge & growth with other people.

I want to one day get to the ocean & catch something that swims there. I’m not picky if it swims I’m going to be stoked to catch it!. But I also thing it would be fun and maybe unique to catch Alberta’s only catfish the stone cat. They only grow a few inches & only found in one body of water but like I said if it swims I want to catch it.