Scouting in November helps. Do you fish reservoirs, natural lakes or borrow pits? What species do you seek? Lake maps help, so does drilling systematically. Your question is a bit too general. Certainly read articles in the Ice team Publications on the Ice Team website. websites like http://mattjohnsonoutdoors.com and other web sites offer advice and videos. Here in SE Nebraska, I like to start with the drop off to the deep water on our reservoirs, usually 5ft to ft of water where the drop starts. If that does not work drill holes systematically on flats 7ft to 15 ft deep, hopping holes, hoping to find a fish or three from some of those holes. Known brush piles can be good at times.
Frank