I’ve been on the ice as early as 3am and have stayed as late as 9pm and to me it seemed like I was wasting time trying to either prolong a good bite or trying to get a jump on the morning bite. I have to say though, when you get on the ice before anyone else the sounds of the lake making ice can b very intimidating, then you hear the wildlife (coyotes and a rare turkey gobble right before sunrise ) is awesome. For the most part it seems your good or best bites are still an hour before and after the sunrise and sunset