Ice Fish Ohio Forum

Ice Fishing Reports and Ice Conditions by lake. => Rocky Fork => Topic started by: Murkyanddeep on January 02, 2018, 06:47:07 PM

Title: Need a bit of general not top secret guidance
Post by: Murkyanddeep on January 02, 2018, 06:47:07 PM
Hello fellow ice nerds.  I live by Cincy (not so great a place for icefishing).  So Im trying to find some places to icefish.  Indian Lake would be dandy but it's a long haul.  I've ice fished Cowan before but it's a bit creepy to be the only guy out there.  So I'm thinking of trying Rocky Fork because it's a nice destination and guys seem to fish it and catch panfish.  I'd love to jig a bunch of holes and set some tip ups for perch and saugeye.  I love seeing the flags fly.  So after this long winded intro my questions are: 

1) is there a reliable bait shop in the vicinity that sells maggots, waxworks, and minnows?
2). What areas and access points on the lake do the ice fishing guys like to gather on? 

I would really appreciate some good intelligence to get me confident about making the drive.  It's at least 60 miles.  I just got to find some places to fish.

Thanks to all who can help me out. 
Title: Re: Need a bit of general not top secret guidance
Post by: 30inthabucket on January 02, 2018, 09:20:04 PM
Welcome to the site. Rocky fork is one of my favorite lakes. That being said I've never ice fished it. Being as far south as it is and a deep open lake ive never seen it when it had enough to go out. I'm sure some winters you could but I would be cautious. I would say the safest bet but by far not a sure thing would be the channel going out from the north side launch ramp or the big cove by south beach. Those are some pretty protected areas. If you are gonna try it please don't go by yourself and make sure you have all your safety equipment.
As far as bait goes Bayside by the north side launch stays open all winter. They usually have minnows and wax worms but no spikes.
If you end up going and can't get on the ice the docks at the east end overlook produce a lot of crappie in the winter. I caught several limits down there before this cold snap. Good luck if you try it
Title: Re: Need a bit of general not top secret guidance
Post by: Murkyanddeep on January 03, 2018, 01:24:29 PM
Thank you for taking the time to fill me in on the scoop at Rocky Fork.  I'm not sure where the docks are located but your description will get me there if I look hard enough.  I will give Bayside a call too.   As far as ice goes, well  it sure has been cold for these parts so I'll find someplace even if it's not Rocky Fork.  I have ventured out on Cowan a time or two.  I alway carry ice safety gear too and appreciate your advice on that matter.  Thanks again.