One thing I have noticed over time is that people like to fish where other people are.  THis is true in the summer, but when winter hits and the hard water season is upon us it really comes to the forefront.  Ice villages are a staple on many lakes, and even if you don't have a permanent ice shanty, that probably doesn't stop you from getting in on the act.  It is human nature, and can lead to catching some fish so I won't say it is a fruitless venture.  I will say that often it pays to get away from the crowds, though. 

This is especially true when there is a ton of activity on top of the ice.  Case in point, I was in an ice fishing tournament last year where although we had a large area to punch holes, everyone crowded around the same football field sized area.  There was drinking and talking and the usual banter you would expect on the ice.  Problem was that no one was catching any fish.  Our group had 0.  When I looked at the white board with all the fish that had been weighed, there were like 3 fish for the whole tournament 90 minutes in!  So, given this I decided to venture out on my own to a rock pile about 300 yards out.  After punching a hole and dropping down a crappie minnow my Marcum VX-1 Flasher lit up like a Christmas tree.  There were fish everywhere down there.  I pulled up one after another after having caught none in the first 90 minutes. 

So, don't be afraid to blaze a new trail.  Consider it a new adventure, and who knows it may end up being quite fruitful!