Ice Fishing

Hi Folks, Back on the water after an off season filled with walking around the woods chasing big and small game.  Guided guests yesterday morning for some northern pike and yellow perch on the hard water.  The lake we visited had a solid 5" blanket of black ice.  Due to the warm up prior to the big freeze last night the lake's surface was a bit  sloppy with water on top of the ice.  Good stiff north wind forced us to really anchor the shanty down well.  We set up in about 10' of water over weed beds.  The water was pretty off colored from the rain the night before.  Tip-ups were spread out and tipped with large golden shiners.  We jigged Hali jigs tipped with live maggots.  Hot colors like fire tiger worked the best of the perch.  We caught lots and lots of perch.  We had two flags with pike on and were unable to bring either fish through the hole.  The weather really got nasty as the day progressed and we picked up by late morning.  I will be chasing pike and walleye over the next few weeks.  Use extreme caution on the hard water as ice is still forming on many lakes and ponds and might not be safe to venture onto as of yet.  Bring all of the safety gear including rope, safety spikes, creepers, and let someone know where you are fishing.  Remember to clean your gear and keep the non-native species at home.  Have Fun, Willy