The Last Of The Ice

The past week has marked a noticeable shift in the seasons. Winter, while it will most likely limp its way along off and on over the next several weeks, spring will firmly take its hold on our days. This flip-flopping of weather makes for some of the best ice fishing opportunities, for as long as the ice allows.

There are longer daylight hours, making it easier to spend more time out fishing; mornings are no longer as bitterly cold as they can be when you try and get out during February, and in the afternoons you are more likely to have sunburnt cheeks instead of frost bitten ones. As a self-proclaimed fair-weather fisherman, I can sing the praises of these last couple weeks we will get on the ice.

 

There’s no arguing that we are on borrowed time – it won’t take long for the thick lake ice to fall victim to the powerful combination of heat-packing sunlight and warm afternoon winds – but this is the last push for targeting lakers and burbot until later on in the spring. Jigging up dinner while the sun rises and catching bait fish on a couple of set lines as the sun set felt like the perfect bookend to the beginning of many more mild days to come. Believe me, I am feeling the itch to get out in the boat, trolling for hours upon hours… but until then, these impossible-to-beat fishing conditions will be enjoyed, no matter how soon they may be over.