Ice Fishing Anyone!

[Southpole]

The ice fishing community has to be one of the more friendly ones around.

My favorite piece of safety gear is a ice chipper or spud bar. That tool may be the best for keeping one from taking a swim more than anything. During early or late ice, it can be used to chip at ice in front of you to test its quality and strength.

Ice picks are good to have too, that way if the nightmare of falling through does occur, you can pull yourself out.

I’m too chicken for early thinner ice but guys that do go out will sometimes wear an ice pick necklace.

[Southpole]

Well Cascade is in the books. It was pretty miserable. It poured down rain all day the first day. The second day was super slush and 6 inches of water and the third day frozen water then break through to 6 inches of water to slosh around in. Thank goodness we had good neoprene boots but since we were standing in ice water our feet did get colder than normal. The wind was relentless as well. I would have put up with the nasty conditions with a smile on my face a lot more if the fish were biting. The blood worm hatch had the perch uninterested in anything we had to offer. There were some guys that had a little success getting a handful of jumbos but it didn’t come easy. Next time we go next year I think we’ll stick with January and first week of February when we had better success in the past. Time to bust the boat out. The picture is not ice it’s all water.

[Southpole]

Found a dry spot

[Southpole]

Trail of tears

[Jake Dogfish]

At least you got out there.
Thanks for the report.

[Rob]

Thanks for that image - I have saved it away for later.

I would really like to get out and try ice fishing.  I have a sled, auger, shelter and several rods and tip-ups.   But I would like to go with someone first to learn the ropes and any safety measures.

I keep talking to my circle of friends out here and I have not found anyone who ice fishes yet!

I am about 300 yards away from Lake Cocolalla so I see folks out there all the time.

Best bet would be to just get out on the ice and give it a shot when you see other guys on it  Really good trout and perch ice fishing up your way.

I second that, when you see lots of people out on the ice you’re usually good to go for safety. Nothing real technical about it. Drill a hole and drop a line in with a little bait on it and build from there. Lot’s of good people to talk to out there that are willing to share, it’s a community.

I will have to suck it up and get out there next year for sure!