Which Trout Bait Is Most Effective When Ice Fishing For Rainbow Trout?

There is no doubt that in many areas during the winter season, ice fishing becomes many anglers only outlet ice fishing for rainbow trout, so in this post I will outline my "top 3" as far as "fishing" is concerned.   I know for sure that this is the case here in Northwest Montana, where I have learned that fishing through the ice is my best bet for landing a few hungry rainbows during the months of January and February.  For me the main question becomes what bait to use while

 The bottom line is that if you want to head out onto your local lake or pond, drill a few holes in the ice, and catch a few rainbows, you should have one (or all) of the following trout baits available to you. For the most parts these 3 baits have almost never let me down when it comes to ice fishing for rainbow trout.

1. Live Meal worms and/or Maggots - Everyone knows that small jigs, both twister tail and marabou style, are an excellent way to land a few rainbow trout when fishing through a hole in the ice. Well, "tipping" said jig with a live meal worm or maggot or two makes the offering that much more enticing to the trout you are attempting to catch. When using an ice fishing jig you want to remember to not "jig" too much. "Less is more" when it comes to moving your jig when fishing for rainbow trout through the ice.  As a matter of fact I will often only "jig" my maggot tipped jig every few minutes or so. 
2. Powerbait Is Effective Under The Ice - Most trout fishermen are aware of the trout bait known as Powerbait, yet many people forget to use this unique bait when ice fishing. Powerbait is quite effective when fished under the ice, whether it is fished by itself on a treble hook, on a set of gang hooks,or even "tipping a jig". The bottom line is that the trout bait known as Powerbait is very effective when used under the ice.
3. Puppet Minnows - North land tackle Puppet Minnows which are jigs with "wings" protruding off of each side are an effective trout bait that can be used when ice fishing.  This unique ice fishing jig will move in a circular motion underneath the hole in the ice as it is "jigged".  The circle that the jig travels through in the water is often much larger than the hole itself.  These jigs can be tipped with a maggots to make them that much more attractive to trout beneath the ice, although the maggots have a tendency to fall off of the hook sometimes. These jigs mimic a bait fish quite well and are many ice fishing rainbow trout anglers "go to" ice fishing lure.

It's impossible to say what the best bait for ice fishing for rainbow trout is, but there is little doubt that the winner could easily be among the aforementioned trout bait choices. As I said before, if you are going to be ice fishing for trout one (or all) of the trout bait choices mentioned above should be in your ice fishing box, bag, or bucket.