The hole size I cut depends on what house I take. My portable only has a 24X30 hole. I always try to cut the hole with the bottom a little larger than the top. You get a larger viewing area and you can push the block under the ice easier. My wheel house has two holes a 24 x 36 and a 24 x 48. I drill holes with an eight inch auger as close together as I can with out connecting them. I connect them with a ice saw. Once you get two foot of ice or more, it takes a while to cut a hole. That was not near as much of a factor 10+ years ago. I chiseled 24 x 36 holes through over two foot of ice when I was younger. Once you get over three foot of ice you start to wish you had a young guy along. The bigger the hole the more view and the more work it is. A lot of our ice has a lot of sand and dirt in it from the wind. It is hard on auger blades, they get dull fast. A sharp auger makes a world of difference.

Sure wish we could spear northerns in Wisconsin. Looks like a lot of fun.
Mark, how big of a hole do you cut for spearing? That seems like it could
be a bit of a chore.

Zim

Same goes whether it’s spearing or under ice beaver eh?! I got an ice saw a couple years ago but had kids around the same time so haven’t gotten much chance to use it. We used to always have a designated ice cutting chainsaw for beavering and northern spearing holes. Happy trapping! ScottW

I knew WI had some screwy game laws (OH We do too) but it's just plain wrong not being able to spear pike. I thought it was absurd (well it is) that we can't spear those fresh water coyotes (muskies), but WI takes the cake I guess. I think the guys from Michigan can spear muskies. I wish!

Man you’re killing me tossing out those tasty things! Some drawn butter and boiled in 7 up, they are one of my favorite fish. Makes a great change up from fried fish.. I’m sure they work well in the pile though I guess!!