Early Ice

All you Ice fishermen! Let's use our heads this year!Early ice IS Dangerous! Please NO tragedies this season! Saftey  first the fish will wait for you! Grandad!

2nd time out this ice season in Southern Wisconsin. Second round of First ice for us! Pretty thin but solid ice that froze at one time. Always use the spud this early.  Check out our video        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUJM27gBr1I&feature=share

Had 7" of ice in a slough off the Peshtigo river this weekend. Ever spud your way through 7" of ice? It is miserable. That's the last time I'll under-pack for a trip lol.

Our pond opened up over night. It is 8’ deep, so I wouldn’t walk on any ice in southern Wisconsin.

JB.  Excellent point! Maybe that’s why I say fishing is crappy first ice. I’m always fishing shallow but that’s because of thin ice.    CARPIO 

I'm sure most people will disagree with this, but I fish deeper at first ice. There's fish out deep, and fish shallow. They aren't all in one area or depth. But I have found the deeper fish are less spooky than the shallow fish at first ice. So it is easier for me to catch them. I will usually have one tip up shallow per person,  tho, just to cover all the bases. If you have tip ups shallow, very important to be a couple hundred feet away, especially if it's a group making noise

It is interesting how tough it can be early ice. Hard to catch pike for  me at least. But nice to be out. 

Bugle.  Fishing is usually P—- poor the first week of ice.   CARPIO 

I was able to get out on the ice for a few hours on Monday afternoon in Oneida County.  No flags but it was good to be out.  I had 5 inches near shore and 4 further out.  

Saw single fisherman out Sat. And today.  Would love to go out, but not sure how safe it is yet.

Just saw the first 2 ice fisherman of the season out an hour ago.  Vexilars out and jigging for panfish, etc.

The last time we were able to fish walleyes at night where we stay for deer camp, we had an extension ladder with us and walked between the rungs.  That way if we went through, it would be something to grab onto.  We couldn't have more than one person standing by a hole or water would flow up through it.  Good times.  Caught lots of walleye and had WI Surf 'N Turf with some venny tenderloins.  Hoping we get that this year!