Time for ice fishing? Maybe

1 month ago

For the second consecutive year, Mother Nature and Jack Frost have played “keep away” with the snow and ice, taunting ice fishermen, snowmobilers, skiers and snowshoers. 

My new 2025 fishing license is burning a hole in my pocket, and just when I’m ready to trust the ice on a nearby lake, rain and higher temperatures arrive again. My green lawn in the New Year, albeit covered with Christmas decorations, was a vivid reminder of questionable ice conditions, as are several news stories of people, animals and vehicles breaking through the ice on regional waterways.

I’ve never considered those polar dip challenges to be the least bit appealing, even for charity, and certainly want to avoid an unexpected plunge while setting out ice fishing tipups. A lot of factors determine how much ice forms on a particular lake — water depth, currents, snow cover and even shoreline wind barriers — but most importantly, consistent sub-freezing temperatures. Although there are currently a sparse number of spots safe to fish, many are somewhat questionable, especially if you’re using a snowmobile or vehicle for access.

The annual fishing regulations booklet or online version is crucial to determine which waterways are closed to ice fishing, which ones open with the new year, and the special lakes that can be finished as soon as they safe layer of ice allows. It’s important to note any specific rules regarding limits on certain species as well as other guidelines such as the number of traps legal to set out per person.

Tom Tardiff of Robinson ventured out on Arnold Brook Lake before Christmas. The ice was safe and the trout were biting. (Courtesy of Bill Graves)

“Hard water” anglers have their mind set on hooking a certain quarry, such as a mammoth muskie or a rare brown trout or whitefish found in a limited number of lakes. Small but delicious smelt are often the most sought-out early ice species. White perch offers steady action and succulent fillets for frying, and the ugly but extremely flavorful cusk makes a savory chowder. Check online biographies of local lakes that determine which favorite fish are about, and then look over an updated fish stocking list to check numbers and sizes of trout, salmon and splake recently released in a nearby lake period. 

I can verify that a few brave ice drillers enjoyed success in mid-December on Arnold Brook Lake in Presque Isle. A number of fat, feisty brookies were caught before wet, warm weather curtailed the fishing. While there were still areas of open water on Long Lake, St. Agatha Cove had over 6 inches of ice, and jigging for smelt was very rewarding a week before Christmas.

Before the rain and warm weather on New Year’s Eve and the next day, Portland Lake in Bridgewater, the small lake portion of Drew’s Lake near Holton and a shallow section near Birch Point on Pleasant Pond in Island Falls offered a few days of fishing. Unless there are 4 inches of solid blue ice it’s just not worth the risk, in my opinion, and that’s to support one or two fishermen, not larger groups, snowmobiles or ice huts.

While waiting for safe ice depths to form on a favorite lake or pond, take an evening or two, as I do, to check and refurbish your gear. Look over and change lines, leaders and hooks as needed. I’m a big fan of red or gold-colored hooks. Lubricate and adjust your reels and flag-release mechanisms and replace any torn or folded flags. Did you know that while most commercial traps have red or orange flags, black is by far the most visible color to spot at long distance for ice fishing? 

Don’t forget to replace any lead sinkers or jigs. New regulations require a non-toxic material for these items.

With the new year, many local lakes open for various fish species if there is enough safe ice. Scopan Lake almost always offer fast results on smelt and perch. (Courtesy of Bill Graves)

Put an edge on your ice chisel, check the sharpness of your gas or electric ice auger and make sure it starts and runs smoothly. If a snowmobile is to be used, make sure it is mechanically sound and starts and runs dependably, and also locate and check your tote sled if you own one. I keep all my traps, jig rods, hand lines, ice scoop and other small gear and tackle in a large pack basket with a waterproof liner. If you use something similar, make sure all necessary equipment is in place and ready to go at a phone call’s notice.

Perhaps with the frigid temperatures of the last week or so, that unexpected call from a buddy to go ice fishing will happen sooner then you expect. 

Take nothing for granted on that premier trip of the year onto a new waterway. Check ice depth frequently as you proceed. Don’t forget the strange, wet, warm weather of February last year when all the snow and much of the ice melted away. Global warming in the northeast is real and dangerous if ignored, fish in pairs whenever possible and have some safety gear along.

It’s been my experience over the years that the first couple of weeks or so of the new ice fishing season yields the most consistent results, regardless of how late in the winter safe ice depths form. Be patient, be aware and be safe.