Dec 21, 2024
There is nothing quite like taking a youngster out to ice fish when the ice is safe and the fish cooperate. Be prepared for big, unforgettable smiles. Forrest Fisher photo
Ice fishing in Western New York is a popular activity for avid winter anglers, and walking on hard water before Christmas has not happened here in a long time. Starting this weekend, anglers can choose to experience the early ice fishing fun here for the first time in several years. When it comes to ice fishing, there are basic rules to follow: Check the ice conditions (safety first), get the right gear, choose the right location (talk to local bait shops), have a plan for tactics, learn and observe the fishing regulations, and last, dress warm.
Walking on ice always feels like stepping into a different world. It’s a unique thrill to tread where we were trolling for walleye and musky just a few weeks ago. This whole experience is made possible by the chilly air temperatures that freeze the top layer of lake water. Remember, shallow water freezes first, and deeper water takes longer to develop safe surface ice. The safest first ice is usually in the south end of Chautauqua Lake near Lakewood Community Park and Asheville. With the rain earlier this week, the Mayville end was open on Thursday and Friday, so go south young man, the shallower water there allows freeze-up faster. Always use caution.
When venturing forth on the ice, know and understand your safety equipment. Carry a rope, ice spikes on each end of a lanyard around your neck, and a flotation device, just in case. Avoid fishing alone, and always let someone know your location and brief plan. The first rule is to ensure the ice is thick enough for safe fishing. That means at least 4-inches for walking and 6-12 inches for snowmobiles as a general rule. When it’s ok to go out, you’ll need an ice auger – there are hand augers and powered types, the new electric power types make access to the water a simple task. There are 4, 6 and 8-inch augers, most folks like a 6-inch model. After that, ice fishing rods are short, usually 24 to 36 inches, and the tackle is light and small, especially when the target species are yellow perch, bluegills and crappies. Baits and lures vary, with live bait such as minnows, worms, and grubs that work well for most species, as well as fancy jigging lures and spoons of all sizes.
If you have a sonar unit, they can be invaluable for identifying depth and the presence of fish down below. An electric drill/auger and pop-up wind shelter will make the day even more fun. Drill a hole, drop a swim jig, a minnow-tipped lead jig, or a tiny ice fly jig with a grub or maggot and try your luck. If there are no takers, move around to find active fish. Sensitive-tip ice fishing rods offer help, though strikes can be vicious when walleyes strike, and there is little doubt about detecting a walleye strike.
Swim jig lures with tail fins and vertical jigging lures (like the ¼ ounce Stingnose Minnow) are among the standard winter walleye lures, especially on Chautauqua Lake. A gentle lift-drop action from the rod tip or repetitive rod snaps can entice a strike. Each day is different. For variation, alter the jigging frequency and rod-snap height from a few inches to a few feet. Start at the bottom with each technique. Then start over 1-foot off the bottom, then 3-feet off the bottom, and so on. Hang on to your rod!
VMC tungsten ice fly jigs in 1/64-1/8 ounce sizes tipped with a spike or Mousie grub make effective panfish baits for ice fishing.
It’s easier to fish shallower water where crappie and yellow perch are more common inside the 10-foot weedline. Tiny ice-jigs with wax worms, spike grubs or mousee grubs are a favorite winter panfish bait, though small minnows, including emerald shiners, fat heads, and Rosie reds, work too. Many anglers carry artificial Berkley Gulp maggots as a backup.
When the wind blows from the northwest, the smaller Chautauqua County lakes can be more comfortable than Chautauqua Lake (13,156 acres). These smaller lakes are well-populated with the same fish species, offering a variety of fishing experiences. Our popular local lakes include Bear Lake (141 acres), Cassadaga Lake (102 acres), and Findley Lake (292 acres).
When ice fishing, remember to ALWAYS put safety first. Never let your guard down when walking out on the ice. Fish with a buddy when possible. Carry a spud bar to check for safe ice as you walk out, especially on fresh or refrozen ice as we have right now. Reminder to make wearing an ice spike safety lanyard around your neck and shoulders a habit, this simple habit can save your life.
For the latest Chautauqua Lake fishing reports, check with Mike Sperry at Chautauqua Reel Outdoors in Asheville Bay (716-763-2947) or with Hogan’s Hut (716-789-3831) on Route 394 near the Stow ferry landing. For the latest ice fishing regulations on Chautauqua County waters, visit https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/50474.html. For out-of-towners looking for lodging at very affordable winter season rates, visit https://www.tourchautauqua.com/where_to_stay.aspx.
There’s something truly special about the winter outdoors. The thrill of walking on ice, the excitement of catching a fish, and the beauty of winter nature all around – it’s moments like these that make us truly appreciate the special winter world we live in.
Gotta love the outdoors.
Outdoor Calendar:
Nov. 23-Jan. 19: Late Canada Goose Season – South Area. See syllabus.
Dec. 25: Merry Christmas!
Dec. 26-Jan. 1: NYS Southern Zone Holiday Deer Hunt Season for archery, muzzleloader and crossbow.
Jan. 4: Clays-for-Cash sporting clay shoot, Hanover Fish and Game Club, 780 Overhiser Rd., Forestville, 8AM start, last clay:11AM. Info: 716-480-2202.
Jan. 4: Free Fur-Handling Workshop, Collins Conservation Club, 2633 Conger Rd., Collins; 9AM-1PM, call Patti Wattengel, 716-337-2556 for info.
Jan. 4-5: Hamburg Gun Show, 5820 South Park Ave., Hamburg, 9AM open, $10 entry, Info: nfgshows.com.
NOTE: Send Calendar info or related outdoor news to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com.
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