Hello, everyone.
There is a mixed bag of news for this report. Last Wednesday we lost a fellow ice fisherman on the Bay. I didn't know this man or his family, but hope God helps heal the wounds that a tragic time like this brings. A prayer in his reguards as well as the family would help I'm sure. We are all brothers out there on the ice, and I hope we can all count on each other when and if we find ourselves needing help, are lost or in peril. Ice fishing will always be our "Most Dangerous Catch" and is simply something in the blood of us that choose to do it. I'd like to first post a few things I know and have learned about the Bay, before sharing some better news about the fishing.
For those of us very familiar with the Bay, we know that there has always been a spot NE of Linwood road and a few even further North, that simply stays either open or very thin during the most severe winters. The nature of the bottom near and along the Nayonquin Point area north of Linwood road, keeps it that way because of the shallow shoals, ledges and bars that force the water to roll upward, keeping little if any ice from forming, and for whatever ice that does, it continually works back and forth or stacks up around these bottom contours. And with the Bays natural counter clockwise flow, along with any high winds magnifying this effect, its a natural and continual force. It's part of the same flow force that keeps ice broken up between Parish road and Bresettes Beach. It's no different then keeping your hose running during a freeze. As long as it's moving it won't ever freeze.
Having a reliable GPS to help you navigate both in and out, especially in the dark, can't be stressed enough these days. This small investment and the easy training involved to use one, can indeed save your life. But remember this device directs you as the crow flies, that is, straight back from where you left the shore. So whenever I go out with clients or by myself, I plot my course. I lay down waypoint numbers in numbered sequence, every step of the way to where I fish. Every time I encounter a crack crossing, or the trail takes a turn, or I go in a different direction, that spot becomes a waypoint I return to when coming back in. I may have to go 1 mile out of my way, and away from my vehicle on shore when going back in at night, but I travel back exactly on what was the safe trail I made going out. I cannot stress enough the importance of having one and learning it's functions, or at least traveling with others for safety.
As for the fishing, it's been great. The ice is getting thicker (5 to 7 inches on the river) and the fish are getting bigger for the river guys. And the fish are biting in spurts on the Bay, with ice thicknesses varying. I say spurts because they have been going nuts from daylight to 9:00am, then again from 4:00 till 7:00 pm. We fished NE of Ericson on Saturday the 10th, in 21 FOW and had 9 inches of clear ice. There is indeed an open spot straight out from Ericson road about 1.6 miles out. It is unusual that this spot has formed that far North of the point, but be aware of it. Also be aware that the frozen condition of the ice this year is terrible. Meaning, very rough on snowmobiles and equipment being towed behind anything. There is virtually no snow on top and jagged rough spots everywhere. The well worn trails are the best and more merciful on the gear. Most of the guys are fishing North of the Black Hole and doing great. We went 15 for 23 on the day we fished and it didn't seem to matter what you were using when the fish turned on. My favorites were Do-Jiggers, Silver/Blue Silver/Green, tipped with a minnow head. I'm hoping to get out more now and keep everyone updated on both the conditions and the fishing success. And like I always say, and will continue to say. Be safe, fish smart and tight lines. Capt. Dan.
