Every serious sportsman reaches a point when simply hunting or fishing is not enough of a challenge; instead of just filling tags, they need to pursue game in difficult situations or under extreme conditions.

While many of these extreme adventures are destined for a spot on your bucket list, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, there is one such adventure right here in your backyard — chasing trophy musky through the ice.

At first glance, the average angler may not think that ice fishing for a musky is an extreme adventure, but anyone who has chased this mysterious river monster knows otherwise. Known as the “fish of 1,000 casts,” a single musky can be the catch of a lifetime. Catching a trophy with traditional tackle has eluded serious anglers for years; doing it through the ice seems nearly impossible.

During the winter months, many fish species will become almost dormant, hoping only to make it until the spring thaw when food will be plentiful. Muskies are different. As an apex predator, the musky never stops feeding, even in the dead of winter. Knowing this is the key to catching one through the ice.

As temperatures drop, muskies will move to deeper, somewhat warmer water. This is where they will spend much of the winter. However, each day, musky will move into shallower 8-10-foot-deep areas to feed. By locating deeper pockets near shallower feeding grounds, you will identify potential areas to set up your tip-ups.

Once you have identified the potential feeding grounds, it is time to narrow the search. Look for weed beds, brush piles, or similar underwater structures that will offer cover for the panfish or suckers musky will be pursuing.

Next, look for natural channels leading from the deeper holes to this structure. This is where you want to focus.

Once you have located a potential area, it is time to drill some holes. With a maximum number of holes spaced across the potential feeding ground, it is time to wait. Remember, musky will only be feeding once or twice per day, so the opportunity to catch one at a specific hole may only occur after hours, or even days, of fishing.

Most of your rigs should be baited with large live or fresh bait fish. Large offerings are key, as you want to make your potential meal worth the effort of finding and eating it. At the hole you will be tending is a good place to try jigging. Again, a large offering is key with super spoons or 5-6-inch plastics being the favorite lures.

Having electronic tracking devices to monitor potential targets and being willing to move at a moment’s notice will greatly increase your chances of success. Even the best spot may not attract musky while you are there. If you see fish nearby, do not miss the chance to drill a new hole and go after them.

Although it will take plenty of time, lots of patience, and even some luck, this could be the winter you pull a giant from the ice.