One of the most important functions of being an ice fishing educator is stressing the need to be informed. Please gather as much information as you can before heading out for first ice. I know how frustrating it can be to arrive at the lake and have conditions make fishing dangerous or impossible. Please use this chart as a basis for calculating the ice sheet in your area. Make an informed decision BEFORE leaving for the lake. Once you're there, check you own ice with a spud bar or chisel. As always, check IFO for dependable reports, and exercise caution.

Be careful as you make plans for next weekend (January 16th and 17th). Based on some general calculations made from a reference to the 10-day forecast, it look as though we could see as much as 3" forming next week. However, there will also be a good amount of wet snow involved if the lakes don't completely ice out during the coming thaw this weekend.

It's looking like one of those scenarios in which we'd like to have the ice totally wiped out before the next freeze. This would allow for even freezing from the bottom of the sheet. Lake ice is a far cry more stable than anything we'll have forming with a mixture of snow and white ice.

Either way, make sure you observe extreme caution in the coming weeks. The conditions may be hazardous for some time, especially if the ice isn't completely lost. This layer of snow ice will not be structurally sound.

Good fishing, and stay safe!

Ryan

Do any of you know how the Steelhead are behaving with these mild temperatures? I'm a teacher, and considering taking a ride while on Christmas Break from school.

This camera system has only been used a handful of times including Kids Ice Fishing Demo Days with IFO Pro Staff.

Swim fin makes it idea for open water applications as well.
(Locating "unique structure" for example)

Also great for the ice fishing family.

This is a top of the line camera. Seller is asking $425.

The camera is currently mounted on a Vexilar Double Vision system, so you'll need to purchase a mounting for the head unit.

West Central Ohio (Near Honda Plants)

     I'll have plenty of new gear to share and demo, as well as some fine tuning ideas for your tackle. Plan on arriving a little early and be prepared to put some of these new ideas to work on the docks!

I got out for half an hour or so on my way home from Wapak today. The first pull off at Long Island had about 3" of decent ice, but there is a lot of milky nasty ice everywhere.

Do not take this as a green light to race out to the lake! It was very sketchy. I pulled 3 small gills in the time I was out, and another gentleman I spoke to got a crappie out of the second pull off.

Not great, but...... I WAS ON!

Going to TSUN this weekend. Hopefully will have more to report from out of state.

David Hoheisel and I are in early planning and would like to see a very well-attended event. Please vote in the poll and let us know who in your household/family you share your love of fishing with. This winter is shaping up as one of our best ice seasons in recent memory and we should all be sharing in the experience together.

The event will be held in a central location with easy access. Pro Staff will be on hand for the event and we have some great ideas that have been socked away for much too long just waiting for an opportunity like this!

We'll see you on the ice!

I personally made a trip to killdeer reservoir this morning. I checked ice on the north end of the lake near the ramp and found that most holes to be between 8 and 9 inches with about 3 inches of slush on the surface. The temperature at that time was about 34 degrees. The high for the next two days for Marseilles is 41 degrees with very limited rainfall projected. The low temperatures are right around the freezing mark.

I plan on fishing killdeer reservoir on Sunday morning at daybreak which is about 7:30 a.m.. We do have a backup but I feel that the ice should hold on just fine.

There were two fishermen on the lake this morning.