Quick Visual Guide to Ice Fishing

This is quick start guide for anyone new to the game or sports of ice fishing.

Basics

Competitions

Competitions are the basic game mode in Ice Lakes. Every competition starts from a starting zone, or a weighing zone as it is called in ice fishing contests. This area is the green circle in the first picture. At the end of every competitions players must return back to this area or they are disqualified.

Moving around maps

Drilling a hole is possible anywhere on ice. The water areas can be seen from the game map on the upper right corner of the screen. The minimap can be opened by clicking the map on the screen or by pressing "m" button.
The important feature is the depth map. You can switch between map modes from the small button beside the minimap. Depth gradient shows how deep it is. The darker the color the deeper the water.
You can use the basic WASD controls for moving. Turning the camera can be done with arrow buttons or holding the second mouse button and moving the mouse sideways. Alternatively, the left mouse button can be clicked anywhere on the terrain and player character will move to that point.

Drilling can be done by pressing the drill button on the lower right corner of the screen or by pressing the "e" button on your keyboard. Also clicking the secondary mouse button can be used for drilling if this option is turned on in the game settings.

After drilling a hole the view changes to fishing view where the actual fishing happens.

Basic controls of the fishing view

There's a lot to do in the fishing view. All buttons do something or open a menu where equipment can be changed.

Remember to use worms whenever possible. They will increase the probability of catching a fish.

Moving a rod

To lure fish the rod must be moved around. Hold down the left mouse button and drag the mouse around the screen to move the rod. It can be moved in all directions. Make calm motions in different directions to lure fish closer to take a bite. Different jigs must be moved in different ways to have the maximum effect.

When you see the tip of the rod bend quickly, you know that there is a fish at the other end of the line. Make a fast countermove upwards and release the left mouse button so that the jig bounces out of the water. If you timed this right the fish comes up if it fits through the hole or if the line does not break. The countermove can also be made by pressing the "f" key on your keyboard or by clicking the button on the lower right corner of the screen.

Fish market

In every map there is a fish market somewere. It is also indicated with a small icon on the minimap. In fish market all items can be bought during competitions. If you forget to buy baits before going to competitions, this is the place to get them.

In the free fishing mode you can also sell your fish to earn coins.