A-Jay's Inaugural Ice Out / Open Water Countdown Thread ~ 2024
A-Jay reply :
OK ~ I guess it's time.
I'm selecting 15 April 2019 as my "I hope the ice is gone" date.
While this date is a full 2 weeks earlier than 2018, it's a full 2 weeks later than 2017.
So I'm splitting the difference and we'll see what happens.
As of today, I'm looking at 127 days or 4 months & 6 days or 18 weeks and a day.
Either way, it is what it is and I'm hunkering down (although I'm not quite certain what that actually means, I'm doing it).
Please feel free to add your comments, support, and yes, even the jabs; as I know they're inevitable & usually quite entertaining.
And while you're at it, perhaps even add a few pics of recent catches.
All of which may help to pass the time . . . .
A-Jay
btw- this is what Lake Menderchuck looked like on 21 Apr 2018 - hoping for something a little earlier.
Way north bass guy reply :
That is probably exactly what my ice out date will be, give or take a day or three, seeing how I’m pretty much right across Lake Huron and Georgian Bay from you at about the same parallel.
Hold on my cold weather brother, together, we can get through this!
flyfisher reply :
Any more trips to southern locations to fish planned?
We got a snowstorm here in central virginia that you would call a dusting but it has effectively shut down the city for a few days.
just go run those dogs and clean your gear and keep working out and April will be here before you know it...
A-Jay reply :
On 12/11/2018 at 8:16 AM, Way north bass guy said:That is probably exactly what my ice out date will be, give or take a day or three, seeing how I’m pretty much right across Lake Huron and Georgian Bay from you at about the same parallel.
Hold on my cold weather brother, together, we can get through this!
Thanks for the support I certainly appreciate it.
A-Jay
On 12/11/2018 at 8:17 AM, flyfisher said:Any more trips to southern locations to fish planned?
We got a snowstorm here in central virginia that you would call a dusting but it has effectively shut down the city for a few days.
just go run those dogs and clean your gear and keep working out and April will be here before you know it...
I saw that you guys were getting it pretty good. You know it will most likely be gone soon.
I'm pacing myself on the gear cleaning but you know you nailed the rest of it.
As for trips south - locked in for another fall trip in 2019.
Can't start thinking about that one just yet - might get the yips. (yea, I I I don't know what this is)
A-Jay
flyfisher reply :
Apparently it is a record for a 24 hour period or something in this area since they started keeping track of those things. I know at my house we easily got over 12"
gimruis reply :
Central MN - I will guess April 14, 2019 for official open water here. Last year tied a record from 1924 on May 5, 2018.
JustALineWetter reply :
On 12/11/2018 at 8:44 AM, gimruis said:Central MN - I will guess April 14, 2019 for official open water here. Last year tied a record from 1924 on May 5, 2018.
I'm gonna (sadly) put that off a couple weeks. April 27, 2019 - at least for Minnetonka.
Gundog reply :
I've consulted the grand ole Almanac and taking into account changes in elevation, latitude and longitude, not to mention atmospheric pressure and cosmic lunar phasing, I believe I can accurately predict the correct day and even hour that ice will break and open water will be seen on your Lake Menderchuck, A-Jay. The good news is it is earlier than you think. March 27th. The bad news is its 2020! Have a nice but cold summer. 
Big Rick reply :
Caught these in northern La. Thanksgiving week. Water was 50 degrees and muddy. A double Colorado blade spinner bait did the damage. I ended up with 15 total. I can't imagine total ice out. My heart goes out to you guys up north.
A-Jay reply :
On 12/11/2018 at 9:06 AM, Big Rick said:Caught these in northern La. Thanksgiving week. Water was 50 degrees and muddy. A double Colorado blade spinner bait did the damage. I ended up with 15 total. I can't imagine total ice out. My heart goes out to you guys up north.
Nice ~
Don't feel too bad - there's sort of a sliver lining.
Think of your favorite lakes - the ones with the most & Biggest Bass.
Now imagine that they are all Closed to all fishing & boating for at least 5 months.
And once it opens - the very day , the very second - YOU get to be the first & Only dude fishing them - for the first 2 weeks - At Least ! Often results is a couple of memorable outings.
Admittedly it's a bummer while it's frozen, and the waiting can be brutal but once it melts,
It's a Beautiful thing.
A-Jay
TnRiver46 reply :
Are there any of those ice fishing restaurant / bars with sports on tv in your area? Looks like the hoards of winter schools have arrived early in my area this year. I won’t starve this winter! Hopefully all your Michigan bass are getting super fat on gobies under the ice
Big Rick reply :
I can understand that. We sort of have that down here. Most bass anglers become hardcore hunter all winter long. Ducks, rabbits, deer, and deer, and deer.... take the preeminence over fishing. And, hunting season lasts until Jan. 31st. So, a few warmer days in the late winter and BAM it's on like a chicken bone and I'm the only guy on the lake that's fishing. That's when I catch my years PB often times.
NorcalBassin reply :
Nothing but respect for you guys. We get a solid 4 seasons out here with plenty of snow in my neck of the woods and higher, but fortunately our winters are tied into elevation and the water temps in the lower elevation foothill lakes rarely dip below 50*. Those 2 weeks post-ice out do sound pretty amazing though.
Arcs&sparks reply :
Historically our ice out date is April 15th in southern Maine. Early to mid May in the western mountains and sometimes even later than that.
Last year was the 18th here, the year before, MARCH 13th! And we were open water fishing in January! Wierd year. The only ice shacks out were pulled in at night, and the guy who left his out...well it fell in. We had the beach community that year.
Glaucus reply :
I'm aiming for March 31st here in North Central Illinois. Around that time is typically when fishing resumes. March 31st of 2019 will be a Sunday which means I'll be off work. Just hope Mother Nature cooperates.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Last year was a drawn out winter that ran most of the way through April for us, and summer immediately followed. Had a lot of thaws and refreezing and more snow in April than the entire winter. I'm hoping for a much more normal winter and ice out around March 15th. Until then I'll be chasing my power plant lake fish around to keep myself busy.
Oregon Native reply :
Wishing you all a safe winter on the ice....wow....just can't imagine and ..... no it's not on my bucket list.
scaleface reply :
The boat is winterized and I'm done til spring . In the mean time my brothers and I are out hunting Big Foots .
Harold Scoggins reply :
On 12/11/2018 at 8:12 AM, A-Jay said:As of today I'm looking at 127 days or 4 months & 6 days or 18 weeks and a day.
You could have this game mastered by then.
12poundbass reply :
On 12/11/2018 at 8:12 AM, A-Jay said:OK ~ I guess it's time.
I'm selecting 15 April 2019 as my "I hope the ice is gone" date.
While this date is a full 2 weeks earlier than 2018, it's a full 2 weeks later than 2017.
So I'm splitting the difference and we'll see what happens.
As of today I'm looking at 127 days or 4 months & 6 days or 18 weeks and a day.
Either way, it is what it is and I'm hunkering down (although I'm not quite certain what that actually means, but I'm doing it).
Please feel free to add your comments, support, and yes, even the jabs; as I know they're inevitable & usually quite entertaining.
And while you're at it, perhaps even add a few pic of recent catches.
All of which may help to pass the time . . . .
A-Jay
btw- this is what Lake Menderchuck looked like on 21 Apr 2018 - hoping for something a little earlier.
This winter is going to be a tough one for me. As you know I bought a boat so late in the season I couldn't even launch it, I did fire it up and hear her run just before winterizing it. So she is inside hibernating.
As you may or may not know we sold our house this fall and we were on the hunt for a house. As if buying at boat just in time to put her to bed for 5 months wasn't bad enough, I doubled down and we are in the process of buying a house on a lake. A private lake at that, with no speed boats or jet skies! I'm very familiar with this lake having briefly lived on it years ago, pretty quiet as far as traffic and fishing goes.
Soooooo hopefully the winter goes by quick, which it should considering well be closing on it this week or next, then moving for the second time in two months, then getting settled in to the new house.
I'm shooting for the last week in March for ice out here. Fingers crossed!
A-Jay reply :
On 12/11/2018 at 8:58 PM, 12poundbass said:This winter is going to be a tough one for me. As you know I bought a boat so late in the season I couldn't even launch it, I did fire it up and hear her run just before winterizing it. So she is inside hibernating.
As you may or may not know we sold our house this fall and we were on the hunt for a house. As if buying at boat just in time to put her to bed for 5 months wasn't bad enough, I doubled down and we are in the process of buying a house on a lake. A private lake at that, with no speed boats or jet skies! I'm very familiar with this lake having briefly lived on it years ago, pretty quiet as far as traffic and fishing goes.
Soooooo hopefully the winter goes by quick, which it should considering well be closing on it this week or next, then moving for the second time in two months, then getting settled in to the new house.
I'm shooting for the last week in March for ice out here. Fingers crossed!
Well Congrats and best of Luck with all of that. Your timing is impeccable too.
Sometimes life comes at us pretty quick, other times, not so much.
Seems in your case it's a lot of BOTH !
Stay the course my friend as the reward for all your relocation efforts will be plenty.
Like a New Rig on "Golden Pond" (can't call it Menderchuck, that one's taken).
A-Jay
BassNJake reply :
I managed to catch one on a toad this past Saturday.
Our lake was right near 50.
I'm glad I left the cold and moved down south.
Good luck waiting it out!!
padon reply :
winter sucks.we will have ice here soon it may thaw for a little while but will re freeze again.im not good in the cold and my freezer is full so no hunting for me either. I will become a frequent visitor to the indoor gun range though just to get out of the house and not turn into a mole
NYWayfarer reply :
Last winter went right into summer and summer seemed to go right into winter. Winters in the north are long enough. Even longer for those of us who don't hunt or ice fish. There is only so much rod/reel maintenance, tackle storage organization one can do during these times.
I have a trip planned for Florida in February to visit friends and go fishing.
Hoping for a March ice out for you my Northern brother.
MIbassyaker reply :
On 12/11/2018 at 7:15 PM, scaleface said:The boat is winterized and I'm done til spring . In the mean time my brothers and I are out hunting Big Foots .
Looks like you're all set -- guy in the middle has all the equipment you need.
scaleface reply :
On 12/11/2018 at 11:01 PM, MIbassyaker said:
Looks like you're all set -- guy in the middle has all the equipment you need.
We were well prepared .
NYWayfarer reply :
On 12/11/2018 at 11:03 PM, scaleface said:We were well prepared .
I'll bet you saw bigfoot after finishing that. 
MIbassyaker reply :
On 12/11/2018 at 8:58 PM, 12poundbass said:This winter is going to be a tough one for me. As you know I bought a boat so late in the season I couldn't even launch it, I did fire it up and hear her run just before winterizing it. So she is inside hibernating.
As you may or may not know we sold our house this fall and we were on the hunt for a house. As if buying at boat just in time to put her to bed for 5 months wasn't bad enough, I doubled down and we are in the process of buying a house on a lake. A private lake at that, with no speed boats or jet skies! I'm very familiar with this lake having briefly lived on it years ago, pretty quiet as far as traffic and fishing goes.
Soooooo hopefully the winter goes by quick, which it should considering well be closing on it this week or next, then moving for the second time in two months, then getting settled in to the new house.
I'm shooting for the last week in March for ice out here. Fingers crossed!
Sweet! And congratulations!
Mr. Aquarium reply :
I'll be open water fishin here in MA all winter, unless we get a deep cold. Last year it was COOLLDDD in mid late December, very frigid. By late January early February I was open water fishing. Some years open water all year, some years its frozen till March. Some year frozen for 2 weeks then open back up for the rest of winter. I live on the coast so the temperatures fluctuate a lot. But 1 hour north or west its locked solid, 20min south its open water
Scarborough817 reply :
unfortunately regardless of when ice goes i have to wait until june 22nd
slonezp reply :
Im going with March 22 in Chicago
12poundbass reply :
On 12/11/2018 at 11:12 PM, Scarborough817 said:unfortunately regardless of when ice goes i have to wait until june 22nd
I'm glad Michigan implemented catch and release all year. Up until a few years ago it was the third Saturday in April. It has probably only bought us a couple weeks to a month extra buy I'm still glad they changed it.
Hook2Jaw reply :
My entire life, I never thought about you poor Northerners having your fishing holes completely frozen over. My heart goes out to you, and I promise to continue fishing whenever I can. Someone has to enjoy fishing year-round. Someone has to set hooks in December. Someone has to get bass thumb in January.
Someone has to get out the house and enjoy the wonderful conditions without bugs, sweat, and absolute peace on the water. It makes me sick thinking about it.
I guess I'm going to make the sacrifice and continue fishing. I wish I could enjoy the great indoors like you guys, but I'll deal with fishing this winter for you.
JustALineWetter reply :
On 12/12/2018 at 12:19 AM, 12poundbass said:I'm glad Michigan implemented catch and release all year. Up until a few years ago it was the third Saturday in April. It has probably only bought us a couple weeks to a month extra buy I'm still glad they changed it.
Minnesota's a little more restrictive. Bass through the ice is legal until Feb 24 when the season closes, then from May 11-May 24 it'll be catch-&-release only until the full season opens again on the 25th
Scarborough817 reply :
On 12/12/2018 at 12:19 AM, 12poundbass said:I'm glad Michigan implemented catch and release all year. Up until a few years ago it was the third Saturday in April. It has probably only bought us a couple weeks to a month extra buy I'm still glad they changed it.
the girlfriend and i are thinking about moving if we can get through the visa process
12poundbass reply :
On 12/12/2018 at 12:28 AM, Scarborough817 said:the girlfriend and i are thinking about moving if we can get through the visa process
To Michigan, If so anywhere in particular?
A-Jay reply :
On 12/12/2018 at 12:19 AM, 12poundbass said:I'm glad Michigan implemented catch and release all year. Up until a few years ago it was the third Saturday in April. It has probably only bought us a couple weeks to a month extra buy I'm still glad they changed it.
Me Too !
A-Jay
Scarborough817 reply :
On 12/12/2018 at 12:35 AM, 12poundbass said:To Michigan, If so anywhere in particular?
we were thinking about albama, somewhere we don't have to deal with winter all the time
12poundbass reply :
On 12/12/2018 at 12:37 AM, Scarborough817 said:we were thinking about albama, somewhere we don't have to deal with winter all the time
Keep in mind it's easier to stay warm than it is to stay cool. Winters wear on my too (Michigan has I believe the second worst winters in the country) but that d**n humidity gets to me more than the cold or snow.
NHBull reply :
Ice out for central NH is usually around tax day, but I really stuck fishing in 45 degree water.
A-Jay reply :
On 12/12/2018 at 12:24 AM, Hook2Jaw said:My entire life, I never thought about you poor Northerners having your fishing holes completely frozen over. My heart goes out to you, and I promise to continue fishing whenever I can. Someone has to enjoy fishing year-round. Someone has to set hooks in December. Someone has to get bass thumb in January.
Someone has to get out the house and enjoy the wonderful conditions without bugs, sweat, and absolute peace on the water. It makes me sick thinking about it.
I guess I'm going to make the sacrifice and continue fishing. I wish I could enjoy the great indoors like you guys, but I'll deal with fishing this winter for you.
Words could not possible express just how grateful us poor Northerners are regarding your unbridled generosity & self-sacrifice just for us. What a guy.
In return I feel it's only fair that I offer you a small token of my appreciation.
Here you go - no more side ways profile pic
It's the least I can do.
A-Jay
Glaucus reply :
Tennessee Smallie fishing any good in Jan/Feb? Being an Illinois guy it's not too far a trip to make a weekend out of it, if it will be any good.
Hook2Jaw reply :
On 12/12/2018 at 2:35 AM, A-Jay said:Here you go - no more side ways profile pic
It's the least I can do.
A-Jay
I have no words. I tip my cap to you, sir.
NYWayfarer reply :
On 12/12/2018 at 12:58 AM, 12poundbass said:Keep in mind it's easier to stay warm than it is to stay cool. Winters wear on my too (Michigan has I believe the second worst winters in the country) but that d**n humidity gets to me more than the cold or snow.
That's what keeps me in the north. I can only deal with the heat, humidity and bugs for so long.
Hook2Jaw reply :
On 12/12/2018 at 3:33 AM, NYWayfarer said:That's what keeps me in the north. I can only deal with the heat, humidity and bugs for so long.
I actually worked a winter, outside in Connecticut. Barring the worst days, I considered the dry cold much more bearable than the humid cold I experience here in Georgia.
TnRiver46 reply :
On 12/12/2018 at 3:04 AM, Glaucus said:Tennessee Smallie fishing any good in Jan/Feb? Being an Illinois guy it's not too far a trip to make a weekend out of it, if it will be any good.
Best time of year
On 12/12/2018 at 3:33 AM, NYWayfarer said:That's what keeps me in the north. I can only deal with the heat, humidity and bugs for so long.
I thought the mosquito was the official mayor of north country
Arcs&sparks reply :
On 12/12/2018 at 6:41 AM, TnRiver46 said:I thought the mosquito was the official mayor of north country
State bird
JustALineWetter reply :
On 12/12/2018 at 6:41 AM, TnRiver46 said:Best time of year
I thought the mosquito was the official mayor of north country
On 12/12/2018 at 8:01 AM, Arcs&sparks said:State bird
Yours too? It's our State Bird as well. What is it about 'Northern Tier' states? Is it something Canada is sending us?
Arcs&sparks reply :
On 12/12/2018 at 8:06 AM, JustALineWetter said:
Yours too? It's our State Bird as well. What is it about 'Northern Tier' states? Is it something Canada is sending us?
I figured it wasn’t just our state that shares the joke lol. “State(s) bird”
papajoe222 reply :
Luckily, for me, the power plant lakes here open the first full week of March. That doesn't mean that I'll be on the water that week, but I will be before April 1st. My home lake has some open water that's accessible from shore by mid-April, so I'm going to shoot for the 12th.
Swbass15 reply :
I’m going to say you will be on the water no later than April 2nd, El Niño and all this winter. Should be “warmer than average” for you all. But if you wanna experience some early season fishing your welcome to pay NM a visit!!! I’ll be wetting a line all winter
Scarborough817 reply :
On 12/12/2018 at 12:58 AM, 12poundbass said:Keep in mind it's easier to stay warm than it is to stay cool. Winters wear on my too (Michigan has I believe the second worst winters in the country) but that d**n humidity gets to me more than the cold or snow.
that i know for sure but cost of living the dream of one day going pro, it will probably be a few years of clubs and canadian tournaments, then opens and from there if i can do it we move
Oregon Native reply :
On 12/11/2018 at 8:58 PM, 12poundbass said:This winter is going to be a tough one for me. As you know I bought a boat so late in the season I couldn't even launch it, I did fire it up and hear her run just before winterizing it. So she is inside hibernating.
As you may or may not know we sold our house this fall and we were on the hunt for a house. As if buying at boat just in time to put her to bed for 5 months wasn't bad enough, I doubled down and we are in the process of buying a house on a lake. A private lake at that, with no speed boats or jet skies! I'm very familiar with this lake having briefly lived on it years ago, pretty quiet as far as traffic and fishing goes.
Soooooo hopefully the winter goes by quick, which it should considering well be closing on it this week or next, then moving for the second time in two months, then getting settled in to the new house.
I'm shooting for the last week in March for ice out here. Fingers crossed!
Wishing all the very best to ya....
12poundbass reply :
On 12/12/2018 at 11:29 AM, Swbass15 said:I’m going to say you will be on the water no later than April 2nd, El Niño and all this winter. Should be “warmer than average” for you all. But if you wanna experience some early season fishing your welcome to pay NM a visit!!! I’ll be wetting a line all winter
Michigan winters come with a double whammy. If this is an El Nino winter then there's a good possibility Lake Michigan probably won't freeze and will stay 'warmer' than usual. Here's the catch 22 if that happens the Lake effect snow machine will be in over drive, so even if the inland lakes thaw early chances are @A-Jay will still be buried in deep deep snow. Lake effect snow is very unusual phenomenon. One area will get dumped on and two miles away there will be little to no snow. The east side of Michigan doesn't get nearly as much as I do in central Michigan, I get a fair amount less than the lake shore. It's hard to predict but one thing is for sure, once lake Michigan freezes that machine stops and we can go weeks or months without snow.
Oregon Native reply :
On 12/12/2018 at 9:22 PM, 12poundbass said:Michigan winters come with a double whammy. If this is an El Nino winter then there's a good possibility Lake Michigan probably won't freeze and will stay 'warmer' than usual. Here's the catch 22 if that happens the Lake effect snow machine will be in over drive, so even if the inland lakes thaw early chances are @A-Jay will still be buried in deep deep snow. Lake effect snow is very unusual phenomenon. One area will get dumped on and two miles away there will be little to no snow. The east side of Michigan doesn't get nearly as much as I do in central Michigan, I get a fair amount less than the lake shore. It's hard to predict but one thing is for sure, once lake Michigan freezes that machine stops and we can go weeks or months without snow.
Wow.....now I'm positive I'm not moving north!!!
12poundbass reply :
On 12/12/2018 at 9:30 PM, Oregon Native said:Wow.....now I'm positive I'm not moving north!!!
???? everyone from central to the western part of the state are at the mercy of Lake Michigan. Same scenario with the poor people of Buffalo New York. If things line up just right it's nothing for them to get four feet or more of snow in one storm!
A-Jay reply :
On 12/12/2018 at 9:22 PM, 12poundbass said:Michigan winters come with a double whammy. If this is an El Nino winter then there's a good possibility Lake Michigan probably won't freeze and will stay 'warmer' than usual. Here's the catch 22 if that happens the Lake effect snow machine will be in over drive, so even if the inland lakes thaw early chances are @A-Jay will still be buried in deep deep snow. Lake effect snow is very unusual phenomenon. One area will get dumped on and two miles away there will be little to no snow. The east side of Michigan doesn't get nearly as much as I do in central Michigan, I get a fair amount less than the lake shore. It's hard to predict but one thing is for sure, once lake Michigan freezes that machine stops and we can go weeks or months without snow.
Nailed that one @12poundbass ~
We're currently well below annual numbers.
Still have plenty but I'm usually looking to shovel my roof in a week or two.
Unless it picks up quite a bit here soon, I may be spared that deal until perhaps February.
Doesn't exactly hurt my feeling any either.
A-Jay
Catt reply :
Me waiting to! ????
WRB reply :
It's nice to be able to visit the snow and ice only about 2 hour drive in the mountains above 6,000', occasionally lower elevations, instead of living in it.
Stay safe, warm and dry.
Tom
Jigfishn10 reply :
Well I hope you're wrong and ice out is sooner than that, but I'll keep my fingers crossed for ya none the less. 
MN Fisher reply :
With the predictions of an El Nino this year, I'm hoping for a late March ice-out.
I want to get in the water more than I did this past year.
Paul Roberts reply :
On 12/11/2018 at 8:12 AM, A-Jay said:...
And while you're at it, perhaps even add a few pic of recent catches.
All of which may help to pass the time . . . .
A-Jay
btw- this is what Lake Menderchuck looked like on 21 Apr 2018 - hoping for something a little earlier.
Well.. I hope this makes you feel a little bit better... . You aren't entirely alone.
Although... you will be bc I'm guessing Feb 12th for my ice-out! 
Yeah, it comes early here.
A-Jay reply :
On 12/13/2018 at 5:28 AM, Paul Roberts said:
Well.. I hope this makes you feel a little bit better... . You aren't entirely alone.
Although... you will be bc I'm guessing Feb 12th for my ice-out!
LOL ~ Thanks for the support Paul.
It's interesting how much of what is falling this winter is somewhat south of me.
125 Days to go . . . .
A-Jay
Chance_Taker4 reply :
NW Ohio here and I can usually get a line wet around the beginning of March in the rivers and by late march in the lakes. However my first few trips on the rivers are usually Walleye or Yellow Perch.
GReb reply :
On 12/11/2018 at 9:22 AM, A-Jay said:Nice ~
Don't feel too bad - there's sort of a sliver lining.
Think of your favorite lakes - the ones with the most & Biggest Bass.
Now imagine that they are all Closed to all fishing & boating for at least 5 months.
And once it opens - the very day , the very second - YOU get to be the first & Only dude fishing them - for the first 2 weeks - At Least ! Often results is a couple of memorable outings.
Admittedly it's a bummer while it's frozen, and the waiting can be brutal but once it melts,
It's a Beautiful thing.
A-Jay
That very thing is happening on my local lake. Some type of invasive grass has been found in one of the better fishing areas and it was completely closed off to the public in October and won’t open until May. I can’t wait to be at the ramp as soon as it opens.
A-Jay reply :
On 12/13/2018 at 6:15 AM, GReb said:That very thing is happening on my local lake. Some type of evasive grass has been found in one of the better fishing areas and it was completely closed off to the public in October and won’t open until May. I can’t wait to be at the ramp as soon as it opens.
OK ~ Something to keep in mind.
While not looking spread any negativity, the description you've offered seems to indicate that there's a decent chance 'someone' has or is planning to, take steps to either eliminate or at the very least, halt the spread of, the 'invasive' grass - though I will concede that it's often quite evasive as well. Either way - the results of these actions often change the 'fishing' at least little. And sometimes, it's not for the better.
I'd recommend fishing far way from any of the spots that were affected by this.
Good Luck.
A-Jay
GReb reply :
On 12/13/2018 at 6:27 AM, A-Jay said:OK ~ Something to keep in mind.
While not looking spread any negativity, the description you've offered seems to indicate that there's a decent chance 'someone' has or is planning to, take steps to either eliminate or at the very least, halt the spread of, the 'invasive' grass - though I will concede that it's often quite evasive as well. Either way - the results of these actions often change the 'fishing' at least little. And sometimes, it's not for the better.
I'd recommend fishing far way from any of the spots that were affected by this.
Good Luck.
A-Jay
Ahh you caught me before I caught my typo. I should probably start proof reading them before I post instead of after!
The area affected is less than 5 acres and is in a back part of the bay that’s naturally closed off from the rest. The closed off area is several hundred acres and the current flows into it from the main lake. So I’m hoping there will not be any negative effects in my fishing spots. But I’ve never experienced post herbicide treatments before. You could very well be correct. The plant is called Giant Salvinia
Columbia Craw reply :
The issue for me A-Jay is not just snow but draw downs. The reservoirs are down well below winter pool already. Ramps are out of the water. It's winter steelhead or nothing. I'm going through my tackle to try and weed out those baits I can just live without. Feng Shui and all that crap. So far I've filled a sandwich baggie and I'm almost done. Any body want some fluorescent pink Yum Craws?
NorcalBassin reply :
Water temp 54.8* with a crazy good jig bite. Sorry.
A-Jay reply :
On 12/13/2018 at 8:07 AM, NorcalBassin said:Water temp 54.8* with a crazy good jig bite. Sorry.
Nice Bass ~
And there's no need to apologize.
When the time comes - I certainly won't.
A-Jay
NorcalBassin reply :
Touche
Boomstick reply :
After last year where most lakes around me were frozen until the very end of April, my target date is going to be early in may.
Todd2 reply :
Complain about the Winter here, will I not do anymore.
A-Jay reply :
ONLY 119 days or 17 weeks or 3 months & 29 more days . . . . .
Good Times.
A-Jay
Russ E reply :
On 12/18/2018 at 7:35 AM, A-Jay said:ONLY 119 days or 17 weeks or 3 months & 29 more days . . . . .
Good Times.
A-Jay
You need one of these. May not be a pristine northern lake, but the water usually stays open all year
soflabasser reply :
I would be ice fishing if I was living in the frozen north. I like fishing every weekend if possible and it is rare for me to spend even 2 weeks without going fishing. Hard to imagine living in a place where there is hard water for 3-5 months of the year and more than half the year of cold weather. Blizzards, freezing rain, grey skies, and leafless plants are other things I would not like about life up north. Still like fishing up north during the Fall and Spring but fishing in South Florida or other tropical area is much more enjoyable for me.
A-Jay reply :
On 12/18/2018 at 10:06 AM, soflabasser said:I would be ice fishing if I was living in the frozen north. I like fishing every weekend if possible and it is rare for me to spend even 2 weeks without going fishing. Hard to imagine living in a place where there is hard water for 3-5 months of the year and more than half the year of cold weather. Blizzards, freezing rain, grey skies, and leafless plants are other things I would not like about life up north. Still like fishing up north during the Fall and Spring but fishing in South Florida or other tropical area is much more enjoyable for me.
While I can totally understand not being able to fish when one wanted to and will admit it's a little brutal at times.
But so are these . . .
My wife & I no longer wanted to board up our home, pack up & run from them; so we took that completely out of play.
When the snow & ice all finally does melt each winter, my house is still there.
And the fishing's pretty good.
A-Jay
MIbassyaker reply :
On 12/18/2018 at 10:06 AM, soflabasser said:I would be ice fishing if I was living in the frozen north. I like fishing every weekend if possible and it is rare for me to spend even 2 weeks without going fishing. Hard to imagine living in a place where there is hard water for 3-5 months of the year and more than half the year of cold weather. Blizzards, freezing rain, grey skies, and leafless plants are other things I would not like about life up north. Still like fishing up north during the Fall and Spring but fishing in South Florida or other tropical area is much more enjoyable for me.
Heh, better you than me. I'm afraid for me the misery of ice fishing does not outweigh the enjoyment of ...sometimes catching....something.
EDIT: err...I should say, other way around.... the enjoyment doesn't outweigh the misery.
I'm 2 hours south of A-Jay, and my snow from one lake effect blitz in November is almost gone. Lakes have some thin ice, but not uniform, and the rivers are wide open with launches still in use.
soflabasser reply :
On 12/18/2018 at 10:40 AM, A-Jay said:While I can totally understand not being able to fish when one wanted to and will admit it's a little brutal at times.
But so are these . . .
My wife & I no longer wanted to board up our home, pack up & run from them; so we took that completely out of play.
When the snow & ice all finally does melt each winter, my house is still there.
And the fishing's pretty good.
A-Jay
Hurricanes cannot be too bad since I am seeing more and more northerners living in South Florida more than ever. Have spoken to many of them and they all seem to agree that living up in the frozen north is far harder than living in South Florida with the occasional hurricane. You don't see many South Floridians moving up north that is for sure. I lived through Hurricane Andrew, Wilma, and countless other hurricanes they are not that bad if you prepare and live in a well built house. I still like fishing up north during the Spring and Fall on vacation but it does not compare to the South Florida paradise I live in since I like seeing green trees year round and enjoy fishing 365 days a year for trophy bass without leaving my home state.
On 12/18/2018 at 10:46 AM, MIbassyaker said:
Heh, better you than me. I'm afraid for me the misery of ice fishing does not outweigh the enjoyment of ...sometimes catching....something.
I'm 2 hours south of A-Jay, and my snow from one lake effect blitz in November is almost gone. Lakes have some thin ice, but not uniform, and the rivers are wide open with launches still in use.
Almost everyone I have spoken with says that ice fishing is overrated but I would still like to try it out, especially ice fishing for muskies, pike, and lake trout. Have fished up north on several vacations now and liked it but came to the conclusion that the species of fish in South Florida are much more powerful and more interesting to catch.
A-Jay reply :
On 12/18/2018 at 10:49 AM, soflabasser said:Hurricanes cannot be too bad since I am seeing more and more northerners living in South Florida more than ever. Have spoken to many of them and they all seem to agree that living up in the frozen north is far harder than living in South Florida with the occasional hurricane. You don't see many South Floridians moving up north that is for sure. I lived through Hurricane Andrew, Wilma, and countless other hurricanes they are not that bad if you prepare and live in a well built house. I still like fishing up north during the Spring and Fall on vacation but it does not compare to the South Florida paradise I live in since I like seeing green trees year round and enjoy fishing 365 days a year for trophy bass without leaving my home state.
Almost everyone I have spoken with says that ice fishing is overrated but I would still like to try it out, especially ice fishing for muskies, pike, and lake trout. Have fished up north on several vacations now and liked it but came to the conclusion that the species of fish in South Florida are much more powerful and more interesting to catch.
Super glad to hear that you've faired well.
Any debate as to where we choose to live & why will end here for me.
Have a safe & happy Holiday season.
A-Jay
Arcs&sparks reply :
You will never convince me that Florida is paradise????
MN Fisher reply :
On 12/18/2018 at 11:51 AM, Arcs&sparks said:You will never convince me that Florida is paradise????
After I got married, I told the mother-in-law that I would never visit between May and October. The one time I was there in late June I almost died from the heat and humidity. She lived in Boca Raton at the time.
slonezp reply :
On 12/18/2018 at 10:06 AM, soflabasser said:I would be ice fishing if I was living in the frozen north. I like fishing every weekend if possible and it is rare for me to spend even 2 weeks without going fishing. Hard to imagine living in a place where there is hard water for 3-5 months of the year and more than half the year of cold weather. Blizzards, freezing rain, grey skies, and leafless plants are other things I would not like about life up north. Still like fishing up north during the Fall and Spring but fishing in South Florida or other tropical area is much more enjoyable for me.
Just because it's cold doesn't mean there is safe ice. In the last 5 weeks since I put the boat away, whatever safe ice there may or may not have been is now gone from a warming trend. Mind you it's in the 20's at night and 40's during the day. There may not be safe ice for another month or so. As it is, the geese have kept some of the water open this entire winter so far. There is water open today that was locked up a week ago.
On 12/18/2018 at 9:07 AM, Russ E said:You need one of these. May not be a pristine northern lake, but the water usually stays open all year
Cooling lakes in northern IL have seasons. Open April until waterfowl season. Closed all winter
Russ E reply :
On 12/18/2018 at 12:23 PM, slonezp said:Just because it's cold doesn't mean there is safe ice. In the last 5 weeks since I put the boat away, whatever safe ice there may or may not have been is now gone from a warming trend. Mind you it's in the 20's at night and 40's during the day. There may not be safe ice for another month or so. As it is, the geese have kept some of the water open this entire winter so far. There is water open today that was locked up a week ago.
Cooling lakes in northern IL have seasons. Open April until waterfowl season. Closed all winter
the cooling lake here does not close. the only thing that stops people from fishing is the ramp may freeze over if it gets really cold.
since you mentioned the geese. Have you seen any snow or blue geese up there? We usually start seeing flocks on the local lakes in December. I have not seen any yet.
slonezp reply :
On 12/18/2018 at 12:36 PM, Russ E said:the cooling lake here does not close. the only thing that stops people from fishing is the ramp may freeze over if it gets really cold.
since you mentioned the geese. Have you seen any snow or blue geese up there? We usually start seeing flocks on the local lakes in December. I have not seen any yet.
On my way to work, I saw 2 snow geese this morning flying northeast. The flocks keeping the water open are Canadian.
soflabasser reply :
On 12/18/2018 at 12:23 PM, slonezp said:Just because it's cold doesn't mean there is safe ice. In the last 5 weeks since I put the boat away, whatever safe ice there may or may not have been is now gone from a warming trend. Mind you it's in the 20's at night and 40's during the day. There may not be safe ice for another month or so. As it is, the geese have kept some of the water open this entire winter so far. There is water open today that was locked up a week ago.
You are correct that cold weather does not guarantee safe ice. There are reports every year of people who fall through the ice because they did not have enough patience to wait for the ice to be thick enough for ice fishing. I will only go ice fishing if the ice is thick enough to be safe and I will take ice fishing very serious just like I treat freedive spearfishing and other sports that I do.
WVU-SCPA reply :
Ice out here in south central pa was December 15th with 50 degree rain moving through the area! Really only small ponds/lakes had a thin covering. It was 24 this morning and calling for it to hit 60 of Friday. Thursday night prep will include the rendition of the all time classic, "I'm dreaming of a open water Christmas."
The lakes a mainly fish are a coin flip each year if they will lock up for any period of time. Wind direction and what has frozen/thawed since the last trip out add another element to spot selection.
rtwvumtneer6 reply :
In my immediate area of PA, a lot of people associate the opening day of trout (mid-April) with the "start" of the fishing season. I'm hoping there's some truth to the "slightly above average" and a March thaw. Let's say March 21. Happy birthday to me!
slonezp reply :
There is no safe ice left in Northern IL and 2 small local lakes i drove by are 90% open as of this morning.
12poundbass reply :
On 12/23/2018 at 7:00 AM, slonezp said:There is no safe ice left in Northern IL and 2 small local lakes i drove by are 90% open as of this morning.
No safe ice here either. A lady died just over a week ago falling through the ice.
MN Fisher reply :
The main bays of Minnetonka are still unsafe, but the smaller sub-lakes had quite a number of portable houses up.
I still wouldn't go out yet even if I ice-fished. Just not sure.
FryDog62 reply :
With El Niño we might have ice out in early/mid April here in Minnesota... but then have to wait another month until the season opens which stinks in the occasional years we have decent Spring weather here...
So, I added a few new things to my Lund PVB this Fall (including Panoptix Livescope) and I’m hoping to head South somewhere in March/April for some open water fishing. Have thought about Kansas, or if I get a wild hair, maybe Table Rock or Pickwick. But I’m a big talker so we’ll see 
MN Fisher reply :
On 12/23/2018 at 7:45 AM, FryDog62 said:With El Niño we might have ice out in early/mid April here in Minnesota... but then have to wait another month until the season opens which stinks in the occasional years we have decent Spring weather here...
It's called Crappie season.
A-Jay reply :
ONLY 3 months & 29 more days, or 16 weeks and 2 days or 114 more days . . . .
And for The BR Members who are currently employed ~
76 working days (608 hours, assuming 8-hour workday),
38 non-working days including:
17 Saturdays,
17 Sundays,
4 federal holidays (US) falling on weekdays
A-Jay
12poundbass reply :
On 12/23/2018 at 8:32 AM, A-Jay said:ONLY 3 months & 29 more days, or 16 weeks and 2 days or 114 more days . . . .
And for The BR Members who are currently employed ~
76 working days (608 hours, assuming 8-hour workday),
38 non-working days including:
17 Saturdays,
17 Sundays,
4 federal holidays (US) falling on weekdays
A-Jay
Well when you put it that way, It's only around the corner. ????
Bluebasser86 reply :
No ice anywhere here and with the current forecast, might now be any on New Year's Day either.
Glaucus reply :
Unseasonably warm here in central Illinois. I'm gonna hit up the river after Christmas and see what's up.
CroakHunter reply :
I would be surprised if we get much ice at all this year. Maybe a thin sheet on the smaller, shaded ponds and pockets.
Way north bass guy reply :
Ice where I was today.
Big Rick reply :
A-Jay, I got to go for a few hours yesterday. This was my big fish. 7# even. Next one was a 5#. Had a great time with my oldest son. We caught 20 or so. Kept enough smaller ones for a fry Friday to celebrate my baby boys birthday. Ended up with 5 pounds of filet. Hang tight, my brother, ice out is coming! Incidentally, we are under severe weather watches right now. Lots of rain, wind, possible tornadoes, and flooding for the next 24-48 hours. We all have our crosses to bear.....
A-Jay reply :
On 12/28/2018 at 1:18 AM, Big Rick said:A-Jay, I got to go for a few hours yesterday. This was my big fish. 7# even. Next one was a 5#. Had a great time with my oldest son. We caught 20 or so. Kept enough smaller ones for a fry Friday to celebrate my baby boys birthday. Ended up with 5 pounds of filet. Hang tight, my brother, ice out is coming! Incidentally, we are under severe weather watches right now. Lots of rain, wind, possible tornadoes, and flooding for the next 24-48 hours. We all have our crosses to bear.....
Nicely Done Rick !
I'm hanging tough (so far)
Thank you for sharing and Congrats
A-Jay
Glaucus reply :
It's been warm for this time of year in central Illinois. 55 degrees today. Rainy and windy though. 30mph winds tomorrow. Finally Saturday is supposed to be calm, moderately sunny, with no rain and a high of 35. A bit cooler but the water temps should still be in decent condition all things considered. I'm going to hit my favorite river up that day. Just 48 more hours. Haven't felt a tug on my line for far too long. Taking one of my new Fenwicks and the Ned Rig. Should at least 1 or 2 Smallies. I hope.
tander reply :
On 12/28/2018 at 1:18 AM, Big Rick said:A-Jay, I got to go for a few hours yesterday. This was my big fish. 7# even. Next one was a 5#. Had a great time with my oldest son. We caught 20 or so. Kept enough smaller ones for a fry Friday to celebrate my baby boys birthday. Ended up with 5 pounds of filet. Hang tight, my brother, ice out is coming! Incidentally, we are under severe weather watches right now. Lots of rain, wind, possible tornadoes, and flooding for the next 24-48 hours. We all have our crosses to bear.....
Nice fish !!!!! Where in MS are you located? We are getting those storms around Jackson area now. My back yard looks like I could go out and catch a few !!!
Big Rick reply :
On 12/28/2018 at 2:24 AM, tander said:Where in MS are you located?
I'm about 45 minutes north of Meridian on hwy 45. It just hit here. Flooding rain, thunder and lightning. But, the worst of the severe stuff seems to have played out for now.
slonezp reply :
Technically, we've already had ice out. 51* and 2" of rain today. It's all gone. Bottoms going to drop out next week and back in the teens for highs.
Glaucus reply :
28 degrees today, but the river was still open thanks to relatively warm weather recently. I had a great day... Casting and losing some TRDs. The river was flooded, dirty, cold, and not a bite to be had. 2 hours of freezing. Found out with my new HMG that I can probably cast into a tea cup. Oh well. It was nice to throw a line around. Got hung up a couple times and reel set hoping it was a fish. It was never a fish. However, even seeing my rod bow felt pretty good at this stage of winter. 3 more months. I can do it (crying).
A-Jay reply :
ONLY 3 months & 17 more days, or 15 weeks and 2 days or 107 more days . . . .
And for The BR Members who are currently employed ~
72 working days (608 hours, assuming 8-hour workday),
35 non-working days including:
16 Saturdays,
16 Sundays,
3 federal holidays (US) falling on weekdays
A-Jay
MN Fisher reply :
On 12/30/2018 at 11:19 AM, A-Jay said:ONLY 3 months & 17 more days, or 15 weeks and 2 days or 107 more days
Do you have to rub it in? 
A-Jay reply :
On 12/30/2018 at 11:26 AM, MN Fisher said:Do you have to rub it in?
I'm Not ~
I'm Living It !
A-Jay
A-Jay reply :
ONLY 3 months & 12 more days, or 14 weeks and 4 days or 102 more days . . . .
And for The BR Members who are currently employed ~
70 working days (560 hours, assuming 8-hour workday),
32 non-working days including:
15 Saturdays,
15 Sundays,
2 federal holidays (US) falling on weekdays
A-Jay
Oregon Native reply :
I kinda...(not) know how you feel. Even though we be getting a ton of rain I'm still waiting for boat to get out of shop. Christmas season is NOT the time to take in a boat.
Mr. Aquarium reply :
frozen last week, open water this week here in MA. I will be out today and this weekend, tried on Dec 31st came up with the skunk. Time to get that first openwater fish of 2019
Do1982 reply :
I live in eastern Iowa. Last year ice was off my home lake by March 2nd so I'm targeting that date for 2019. I also live on the Mississippi river, and the ice can come earlier or later depending on river conditions.
A-Jay reply :
ONLY 3 months & 8 more days, or 14 weeks or 98 more days . . . .
(In the service we called being under 100 days - a double digit midget)
And for The BR Members who are currently employed ~
68 working days (544 hours, assuming 8-hour workday),
30 non-working days including:
14 Saturdays,
14 Sundays,
2 federal holidays (US) falling on weekdays
A-Jay
MN Fisher reply :
On 1/8/2019 at 11:03 AM, A-Jay said:ONLY 3 months & 8 more days, or 14 weeks or 98 more days . . . .
(In the service we called being under 100 days - a double digit midget)
You're enjoying torturing us too much.
slonezp reply :
Was 54* today and another inch of rain. Ponds that still had ice over the weekend are now clear. Going down to 11* tomorrow night. 
A-Jay reply :
On 1/8/2019 at 11:07 AM, MN Fisher said:You're enjoying torturing yourself too much.
Fixed that one for you.
A-Jay
On 1/8/2019 at 11:29 AM, slonezp said:Was 54* today and another inch of rain. Ponds that still had ice over the weekend are now clear. Going down to 11* tomorrow night.
What a Mess !
A-Jay
Hook2Jaw reply :
@A-Jay, you'll be happy to know that this past weekend I was able to get the kayak out on open water in the 50 degree Georgia heat. I threw a jerkbait, yo-yo'd a lipless, and even tried for a reaction bite with a chatterbait closer to the bank. When it slowed down, I broke out a shakyhead.
When I say it slowed down, I mean I lost a solid off a laydown on the jerkbait. That was the only fish I interacted with for four hours.
That's what I get for talking crap about making the sacrifice of enduring winter fishing for you guys. I hope the ice goes away and my fish start biting soon, I threw an S-Waver 168 all afternoon from the bank today for another serving of skunk a la ed.
A-Jay reply :
ONLY 3 months or 12 weeks and 5 days or 89 more days . . . .
And for The BR Members who are currently employed ~
61 working days (488 hours, assuming 8-hour workday),
28 non-working days including:
13 Saturdays,
13 Sundays,
2 federal holidays (US) falling on weekdays
Inching closer & closer to getting on a few more of these every day.
A-Jay
Frog Turds reply :
and tomorrow will be 1 minute and 52 seconds longer...
J Francho reply :
Seems hopeless. 29" of snow this weekend.
A-Jay reply :
Been Brutally cold for several days - Day time air temp hovering in the single digits and over night temps 20-30 degrees below zero with more snow on the way . . .
But, it's ONLY 2 months and 24 Days or 11 weeks and 3 days or 84 more days . . . .
And for The BR Members who are currently employed ~
58 working days (464 hours, assuming 8-hour workday),
25 non-working days including:
12 Saturdays,
12 Sundays,
1 federal holiday(US) falling on weekdays
Serenity Now ~
A-Jay
J Francho reply :
Get this: they're forecasting rain for tomorrow.
A-Jay reply :
On 1/22/2019 at 10:06 PM, J Francho said:Get this: they're forecasting rain for tomorrow.
Perhaps they are using the Refs from the NFC Title game to help with the forecast ~
A-Jay
J Francho reply :
Could be, lol. I think it will probably happen. If you don't like the weather in Rochester, wait five minutes. It will change.
TnRiver46 reply :
On 1/22/2019 at 10:02 PM, A-Jay said:
Been Brutally cold for several days - Day time air temp hovering in the single digits and over night temps 20-30 degrees below zero with more snow on the way . . .
But, it's ONLY 2 months and 24 Days or 11 weeks and 3 days or 84 more days . . . .
And for The BR Members who are currently employed ~
58 working days (464 hours, assuming 8-hour workday),
25 non-working days including:
12 Saturdays,
12 Sundays,
1 federal holiday(US) falling on weekdays
Serenity Now ~
A-Jay
Those are the amount of days until my fun winter catching ends and amatuer hour at the boat ramp begins
.ghoti. reply :
Given the yo-yo weather we've had so far this winter, I won't even try to guess. local lake has frozen over and thawed four or five times already. So, we've had multiple ice-outs, and will undoubtedly have several more.
Dirtyeggroll reply :
-8 windchill this morning.
19 months and I hope to be moving South.
12poundbass reply :
Winter finally showed up and has brought with it the potential for record breaking temps and wind chills next week so I'm saying June. ????
Vilas15 reply :
Currently sitting at -19 F here in Iowa with a wind chill of -47 F. It can only go up from here...right?
A-Jay reply :
On 1/30/2019 at 2:31 PM, Vilas15 said:Currently sitting at -19 F here in Iowa with a wind chill of -47 F. It can only go up from here...right?
Apparently not ~
But, it's ONLY 2 months and 16 Days or 10 weeks and 5 days or 75 more days . . . .
And for The BR Members who are currently employed ~
52 working days (416 hours, assuming 8-hour workday),
25 non-working days including:
11 Saturdays,
11 Sundays,
1 federal holiday(US) falling on a weekday
A-Jay
redmeansdistortion reply :
The cold is terrible right now, the ice fishermen love it though lol. If we get the 40 degree weather they're calling for this weekend, guess who's putting on his waders and pulling steelhead? This guy!
roadwarrior reply :
HMM...
Maybe it's time to move.
The Russians send their adversaries to Siberia. What are you charged with?
I suspect the ice-out will be delayed. How long does 4' of ice take to melt?
A-Jay reply :
On 1/31/2019 at 5:25 AM, roadwarrior said:HMM...
Maybe it's time to move.
The Russians send their adversaries to Siberia. What are you charged with?
I suspect the ice-out will be delayed. How long does 4' of ice take to melt?
Thanks for the sage advice Kent.
My Dad always told me if'n I wasn't gonna be smart & I better be strong.
Turns out - he was right.
btw - I've been charged with Slaunchnapping ~ Multiple Counts . . . .
And I am guilty as sin !
A-Jay
Glaucus reply :
It was -58 degrees here in my part of Illinois today. 4 inches of snow coming tomorrow. On top of the piles of snow we already have. With this brutal deep freeze, polar vortex from the pits of hell, I've realized that ice out might come later than I was hoping. And yet, year after year, I choose to live in this crap hole. I just need warmth and open water.
I open my eyes
I try to see but I’m blinded by the white light
I can’t remember how
I can’t remember why
I’m lying here tonight
And I can’t stand the pain
And I can’t make it go away
No I can’t stand the pain
How could this happen to me
I made my mistakes
I’ve got no where to run
The night goes on
As I’m fading away
I’m sick of this life
I just wanna scream
How could this happen to me
Everybody’s screaming
I try to make a sound but no one hears me
I’m slipping off the edge
I’m hanging by a thread
I wanna start this over again
So I try to hold onto a time when nothing mattered
And I can’t explain what happened
And I can’t erase the things that I’ve done
No I can’t
How could this happen to me
I made my mistakes
I’ve got no where to run
The night goes on
As I’m fading away
I’m sick of this life
I just wanna scream
How could this happen to me
I made my mistakes
I’ve got no where to run
The night goes on
As I’m fading away
I’m sick of this life
I just wanna scream
How could this happen to me
A-Jay reply :
On 1/31/2019 at 7:41 AM, Glaucus said:It was -58 degrees here in my part of Illinois today. 4 inches of snow coming tomorrow. On top of the piles of snow we already have. With this brutal deep freeze, polar vortex from the pits of hell, I've realized that ice out might come later than I was hoping. And yet, year after year, I choose to live in this crap hole. I just need warmth and open water.
I open my eyes
I try to see but I’m blinded by the white light
I can’t remember how
I can’t remember why
I’m lying here tonightAnd I can’t stand the pain
And I can’t make it go away
No I can’t stand the painHow could this happen to me
I made my mistakes
I’ve got no where to run
The night goes on
As I’m fading away
I’m sick of this life
I just wanna scream
How could this happen to meEverybody’s screaming
I try to make a sound but no one hears me
I’m slipping off the edge
I’m hanging by a thread
I wanna start this over againSo I try to hold onto a time when nothing mattered
And I can’t explain what happened
And I can’t erase the things that I’ve done
No I can’tHow could this happen to me
I made my mistakes
I’ve got no where to run
The night goes on
As I’m fading away
I’m sick of this life
I just wanna scream
How could this happen to meI made my mistakes
I’ve got no where to run
The night goes on
As I’m fading away
I’m sick of this life
I just wanna scream
How could this happen to me
Move in with @roadwarrior
A-Jay
slonezp reply :
On 1/31/2019 at 7:29 AM, A-Jay said:
Thanks for the sage advice Kent.
My Dad always told me if'n I wasn't gonna be smart & I better be strong.
Turns out - he was right.
btw - I've been charged with Slaunchnapping ~ Multiple Counts . . . .
And I am guilty as sin !
A-Jay
JG233 reply :
????
superkamikazee reply :
I don't think I'll know until it happens with the weather we've been having the last few weeks lol
WVU-SCPA reply :
Hopefully it be arriving here in PA. High of 48 yesterday and highs of 57,45,60,58 the next 4 days after a low of -2 last week. A couple days below freezing this weekend and back up to the low 40's.
Drove by the biggest local lake at lunch and no open water to be seen, but the rain and temperature should change that.
54 days till the first scheduled tournament, fingers crossed for 0 more days of complete ice coverage.
A-Jay reply :
At this point so much of it feels like a dream.
But in about 2 months and 9 Days or 9 weeks and 5 days or 68 more days,
I'll be looking to turn it all back into reality.
#needopenwater
A-Jay
MN Fisher reply :
On 2/7/2019 at 2:21 AM, A-Jay said:But in about 2 months and 9 Days or 9 weeks and 5 days or 68 more days,
I'll be looking to turn it all back into reality.
#needopenwater
A-Jay
You just LOVE torturing us, don't you. 
scaleface reply :
This is starting to suck . I'm ready to set out some lines on a swollen river and catch something , anything . Make a camp fire , drink a six-pack , sleep in a tent , cook a catfish over an open fire ...
J Francho reply :
New kix.
A-Jay reply :
On 2/13/2019 at 12:06 AM, J Francho said:New kix.
Nice ~
And sweet lace job too.
Congrats J
A-Jay
MN Fisher reply :
On 2/13/2019 at 12:06 AM, J Francho said:New kix.
Who picked out those 'cute' sox?
J Francho reply :
Shoot, wrong thread, lol.
On 2/13/2019 at 12:14 AM, MN Fisher said:Who picked out those 'cute' sox?
I did. They're from Happy Socks.
Paul Roberts reply :
On 2/13/2019 at 12:18 AM, J Francho said:They're from Happy Socks.
OK, those are right up my son's alley. Thanks!
TnRiver46 reply :
On 2/12/2019 at 11:16 PM, scaleface said:This is starting to suck . I'm ready to set out some lines on a swollen river and catch something , anything . Make a camp fire , drink a six-pack , sleep in a tent , cook a catfish over an open fire ...
I like your style
Paul Roberts reply :
On 2/13/2019 at 5:10 AM, TnRiver46 said:I like your style
Me too. Reminds me of the bullhead run on Honeoye Lake, back in NY, back in the day. I assume it's still going on, or should be. If you got up high, you could see nearly the entire lake rimmed in lantern lights. Really cool scene. Bullhead fry in every restaurant, all... 3 of 'em! 
J Francho reply :
We did the same on Port Bay. There'd be a dozen or more rods laying at the end of the dock, and all us kids anxiously waiting for "our" rod to start jiggling. Next day, we'd clean and fry them up. Later, in my early 20s, I'd catch up a bunch on my own, and bring them down to a family of migrant workers that were always camped out at the south end of the bay. I'd give them my catch, on the condition I get to fish and eat with them. Always a good time. This went on for a few seasons, and then they stopped showing up. That was the very best catfish I ever ate.
TnRiver46 reply :
Sounds like we need to organize a BR campfire Riverside catfish meet up/fish fry.
MIbassyaker reply :
#HardAtWork
A-Jay reply :
While my projected Ice-Out date of 15 April is only 2 months or 8 weeks and 2 days or 58 more days away,
we've been getting hammered with snow & cold past 3 weeks or so. Call it relentless.
So unless there is a major climate swing the other way, I fear this deal is going to be extended - again.
And it might be by several weeks . . .
#ugly
On a positive & most excellent note - deposit to the next trip south of the border this fall went out in the mail.
A-Jay
Frog Turds reply :
and tomorrow will be 2 minutes and 56 seconds longer
slonezp reply :
I looked at pics from last spring. I was on my home water March 10th. Ain't gonna happen this year. There's currently a foot or more of ice, it's snowing and will continue on and off all week, and lows still in the teens.
Columbia Craw reply :
Drove up to my home lake Sunday to see if the draw down had refilled and it's back up. All protected areas from the wind had ice around the edges. It started to snow on the way back.
On 2/17/2019 at 1:29 AM, A-Jay said:While my projected Ice-Out date of 15 April is only 2 months or 8 weeks and 2 days or 58 more days away,
we've been getting hammered with snow & cold past 3 weeks or so. Call it relentless.
So unless there is a major climate swing the other way, I fear this deal is going to be extended - again.
And it might be by several weeks . . .
#ugly
On a positive & most excellent note - deposit to the next trip south of the border this fall went out in the mail.
A-Jay
No sweat A-Jay. This is going to be a banner year for you ! I predict a teener down south and some monster smallies. Anyone who sacrifices a GTO deserves a payback big time.
A-Jay reply :
On 2/18/2019 at 10:36 AM, Columbia Craw said:Drove up to my home lake Sunday to see if the draw down had refilled and it's back up. All protected areas from the wind had ice around the edges. It started to snow on the way back.
No sweat A-Jay. This is going to be a banner year for you ! I predict a teener down south and some monster smallies. Anyone who sacrifices a GTO deserves a payback big time.
Thanks Doug ~
I appreciate the support my friend.
Interestingly, once I got to crawl around in & on the Pro-V, I couldn't sell that car fast enough.
Here's to fishable open water as soon as possible for us all.
A-Jay
Glaucus reply :
Getting so close...
Glaucus reply :
On 2/17/2019 at 11:20 PM, slonezp said:I looked at pics from last spring. I was on my home water March 10th. Ain't gonna happen this year. There's currently a foot or more of ice, it's snowing and will continue on and off all week, and lows still in the teens.
I'm down in the Bloomington area. We're seeing some melt. Forecast looks to be in the 40s for an extended period of time heading into March. The rivers have remained open.
MN Fisher reply :
Our 2 week forecast
Slowly warming this week, nudging above freezing (34) with some snow on Saturday...then dropping back to the teens and single digits for highs after that.
Winter is never going to end 
Bankbeater reply :
Although they are saying we are supposed to get snow this evening, Friday night the low will only be around 40 and the high on Saturday is expected to be around 50. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can get out Saturday afternoon.
superkamikazee reply :
I don't think I'm going to make it haha. We had a week of 50-60 degree weather, now it's back down in the 30's, some mid 40's this week, some snow on the forecast and back down to the 30's for next week. That 60 degree got my hopes UP lol.
DogBone_384 reply :
On 2/20/2019 at 7:12 AM, superkamikazee said:now it's back down in the 30's, some mid 40's this week, some snow on the forecast
I drove around Plymouth Sunday looking at houses with my wife.... everything we drove by was WIDE OPEN!
Anything down route 3 from exit 6 to 2..... I'll get out later this week for sure.
Allen Der reply :
On 2/20/2019 at 7:12 AM, superkamikazee said:I don't think I'm going to make it haha. We had a week of 50-60 degree weather, now it's back down in the 30's, some mid 40's this week, some snow on the forecast and back down to the 30's for next week. That 60 degree got my hopes UP lol.
that 50-60 degrees was fool's spring. now we're back to second winter
A-Jay reply :
On 2/20/2019 at 7:33 AM, Allen Der said:that 50-60 degrees was fool's spring. now we're back to second winter
That's Awesome !
I'm hoping actual spring lasts through at least a weekend here this year . . . .
????
A-Jay
slonezp reply :
On 2/20/2019 at 7:33 AM, Allen Der said:that 50-60 degrees was fool's spring. now we're back to second winter
It's missing construction season
12poundbass reply :
On 2/17/2019 at 1:29 AM, A-Jay said:While my projected Ice-Out date of 15 April is only 2 months or 8 weeks and 2 days or 58 more days away,
we've been getting hammered with snow & cold past 3 weeks or so. Call it relentless.
So unless there is a major climate swing the other way, I fear this deal is going to be extended - again.
And it might be by several weeks . . .
#ugly
On a positive & most excellent note - deposit to the next trip south of the border this fall went out in the mail.
A-Jay
MN Fisher reply :
On 2/19/2019 at 12:50 PM, MN Fisher said:Our 2 week forecast
Slowly warming this week, nudging above freezing (34) with some snow on Saturday...then dropping back to the teens and single digits for highs after that.
Winter is never going to end
And of course they had to toss more snow into the mix - between tonight and tomorrow another 5"-11" of the 'White Death' inundating us.
TnRiver46 reply :
On 2/20/2019 at 9:07 AM, 12poundbass said:
That’s what I thought too!
Oregon Native reply :
Remember driving from Oregon to Amarillo many years ago for an Anglers Choice Championship in Texas. The song entered my head when I passed their town sign. A few seconds later I hit black ice and was going down the freeway sideways with the boat. Do not like that feeling when you can see the boat out the side window instead of the rearview. Didn't even think of ice....everyone was just flying by me!!!
Ksam1234 reply :
I can’t wait tilL ice out! Out here in western New York on groundhogs day the groundhog didn’t see his shadow! You know that means early spring! Or so I hope. Last year ice out wasn’t until may and I’m feeling the itch bad now
Do1982 reply :
Well a few pages back I predicted March 2nd based upon last years open water, but here in eastern Iowa/northwestern Illinois we have had one of the hardest snowiest winters on record. Weather patterns are beginning to warm and the rain we have had the past 12 hours should start to put a dent on the edges of the Ice.
Sadly it looks like another year of serious flooding on both the Mississippi and Rock Rivers so I'm expecting most of my fishing to be confined to our local lake. It's a beautiful lake though so I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity to fish it.
This will all be my dad's 3rd year bass fishing with me and he is taking to it like a kid and candy. It really reignited his love for fishing and it's a great way to spend time with him. I'm sure there are lots of members here that would give anything for one more trip with their dad so I don't take even a single trip for granted.
-peace from Iowa
J Francho reply :
On 2/24/2019 at 5:24 AM, Do1982 said:Sadly it looks like another year of serious flooding on both the Mississippi and Rock Rivers so I'm expecting most of my fishing to be confined to our local lake.
They're talking about flooding up here too. Lake Ontario is 14" high for this time of year. There isn't a ton of snow to melt, so maybe we'll be okay. Two years ago was a mess. Houses were literally sliding into the lake.
Coldbasser reply :
Feb,25,2019 Severe Cold warnings out today with wind chills to minus 46 cabin fever all around me. Only 3 more months till open water fishing!,!! Wahoooooo
cheers
Rick
soflabasser reply :
According to the news Michigan got slammed with +60 mph winds, large amounts of snow, and more bitter cold weather. Seems like you guys up north are having a very long winter that gets worse before it gets better. Spring is around the corner, but then again the spring and summer seem so short when you have to spend so many months with frozen lakes, grey skies, and dealing with the snow.
A-Jay reply :
On 2/26/2019 at 10:08 PM, soflabasser said:According to the news Michigan got slammed with +60 mph winds, large amounts of snow, and more bitter cold weather. Seems like you guys up north are having a very long winter that gets worse before it gets better. Spring is around the corner, but then again the spring and summer seem so short when you have to spend so many months with frozen lakes, grey skies, and dealing with the snow.
We've had worse but this last one was significant.
Not over yet - seems more on the way later this week.
No sense getting impatient.
Made it this far - toughest days are coming though.
That's when the suns out in April, it's 50 plus degrees and the lakes are still frozen solid with 4 feet of snow on every lake access road.
Not a fan of that scene - but it's coming too.
I know the pay off is good so I bide my time, get my gear, boat motor & trailer ready and keep knocking out workouts every other day.
A-Jay
Columbia Craw reply :
26 and snow flurries today A-Jay.
NYWayfarer reply :
On 2/26/2019 at 11:44 PM, A-Jay said:Made it this far - toughest days are coming though.
That's when the suns out in April, it's 50 plus degrees and the lakes are still frozen solid with 4 feet of snow on every lake access road.
The North remembers!
Those are the tough days indeed. Nothing like having a beautiful spring 50 degree day in April and then remembering that the only fishing available is ice fishing 
Glaucus reply :
On 2/27/2019 at 12:14 AM, NYWayfarer said:The North remembers!
Those are the tough days indeed. Nothing like having a beautiful spring 50 degree day in April and then remembering that the only fishing available is ice fishing
The rivers will surely be open. They've remained open here in North Central Illinois for the most part despite the insane cold we've had here and there.
I think the solution to all my northern problems is to have Scott Martin adopt me.
12poundbass reply :
Well I looked at my prediction and I said the last week of March, that’s still doable. I thought I had said first or second week which isn’t happening. Considering Friday is the first we’re getting closer each day.
So much for the groundhog and so much for the El Niño winter.
A-Jay reply :
It's been snowing here since yesterday and will most likely continue until dark.
I might clean it up tomorrow - or I might not.
We'll see how it goes . . .
No Promises.
A-Jay
J Francho reply :
I didn't realize it, being at work, but there's like 6" snow on my truck!
MN Fisher reply :
On 2/28/2019 at 5:11 AM, J Francho said:I didn't realize it, being at work, but there's like 6" snow on my truck!
We're looking at another 2"-4" here on Friday.
J Francho reply :
Yuck. Another 6" and 10° this morning.
A-Jay reply :
On 2/28/2019 at 9:39 PM, J Francho said:Yuck. Another 6" and 10° this morning.
Nice -
I have a driveway full myself and I'm almost certain I can hear it calling my name.
But at minus -13, I'm going to be deaf until it warms up a bit.
The forecast is actually indicating mid 20's once the southerly wind comes on later this morning.
Let's say I'm somewhat skeptical until I see it.
Been a heck of winter so far.
Whenever I start to fade a little I go out into the garage & sit in the Lund for a few minutes to recharge.
If that doesn't do it, I'll check the engine hours on the new motor - 15.
That always makes me smile.
A-Jay
NYWayfarer reply :
about 6" of snowfall in my parts overnight. More to come on Saturday. March coming in like a lion...
Todd2 reply :
Geographically I don't belong on this thread, but my lake is 25 feet over Winter pool, cold and muddy....AND I pulled a bicep so fishing seems like some far off future goal. I feel the pain, literally.????
A-Jay reply :
On 3/1/2019 at 1:41 AM, Todd2 said:Geographically I don't belong on this thread, but my lake is 25 feet over Winter pool, cold and muddy....AND I pulled a bicep so fishing seems like some far off future goal. I feel the pain, literally.????
Well, either way, thanks for checking in Todd.
Hope you can be on the mend in time to wet a line once the flood waters have drawn back to fishable levels.
A-Jay
Glaucus reply :
For @A-Jay
redmeansdistortion reply :
On 2/27/2019 at 12:14 AM, NYWayfarer said:The North remembers!
Those are the tough days indeed. Nothing like having a beautiful spring 50 degree day in April and then remembering that the only fishing available is ice fishing
What is ice fishing?
Signed,
Year round 'up north' steelhead fisherman
PS The streams don't tend to freeze unless it's single digits, and even then, they don't stay frozen long. If the water ain't hard, I'm putting on my waders and catching a nice meal
MIbassyaker reply :
Happy First Day of Meterological Spring!
A-Jay reply :
On 3/2/2019 at 5:45 AM, MIbassyaker said:Happy First Day of Meterological Spring!
Thanks.
Iread that to my wife and she wants to know what planet that's on ?
A-Jay
Glaucus reply :
Oh yeah look at this "spring"
MN Fisher reply :
This is spring?
NYWayfarer reply :
On 3/2/2019 at 5:15 AM, redmeansdistortion said:What is ice fishing?
Signed,
Year round 'up north' steelhead fisherman
PS The streams don't tend to freeze unless it's single digits, and even then, they don't stay frozen long. If the water ain't hard, I'm putting on my waders and catching a nice meal
Hoping I can fish soon. Hudson River is frozen in these parts right now and 2” of snow tomorrow combined with 10+ Sunday night make the prognosis grim...
redmeansdistortion reply :
On 3/2/2019 at 9:34 AM, NYWayfarer said:Hoping I can fish soon. Hudson River is frozen in these parts right now and 2” of snow tomorrow combined with 10+ Sunday night make the prognosis grim...
I feel for you, that's rough. Hopefully by April you have some fishable water.
MaineBassMan reply :
We've been blessed in my neck of the woods the last ten years with fairly easy winters and earlier then usually ice out......that said this winter is good ole traditional winter and we will probably have a more traditional ice out so no matter what I predict I'll be fishing no later then April 26, that said things can change fast so maybe even earlier.
A-Jay reply :
ONLY 1 month & 7 more days, or 5 weeks and 3 days or 38 more days . . . .
And for The BR Members who are currently employed ~
26 working days (208 hours, assuming 8-hour workday),
12 non-working days including:
6 Saturdays,
6 Sundays,
0 federal holidays (US)
Either way - it's not looking very promising at all.
Still way cold, totally frozen and Huge Piles of snow everywhere.
Day times temps have been unseasonably cooler in the single digits with overnights well below the Mendoza Line.
The forecast is calling for snow more this weekend.
While conditions can & do change quickly, even if we were seeing seasonal temps for the next 3 weeks, unless they were seasonal for Haiti, I'm betting on a May time frame for any open water.
I'll be ready.
A-Jay
MrPeanut reply :
I'm rooting for an inaccurate forecast. We may be a little earlier ice out than northern MI, but we still have a bit of waiting to do too.
J._Bricker reply :
On 3/1/2019 at 6:41 AM, Glaucus said:For @A-Jay
Yesterday in California, Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows announced they will be open until July 7th for skiing ????. Hang in there guys....
A-Jay reply :
On 3/8/2019 at 11:57 PM, J._Bricker said:Yesterday in California, Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows announced they will be open until July 7th for skiing ????. Hang in there guys....
A-Jay
Glaucus reply :
After I run some errands I'm going to visit my dad a state over in Indiana for a week. They've got a few 50 and 60 degree days coming up while I'm over there. I'll be out with him attempting a bass or two.
A-Jay reply :
On 3/9/2019 at 12:04 AM, Glaucus said:After I run some errands I'm going to visit my dad a state over in Indiana for a week. They've got a few 50 and 60 degree days coming up while I'm over there. I'll be out with him attempting a bass or two.
Good Luck
Safe Travels.
A-Jay
Columbia Craw reply :
On 3/9/2019 at 12:00 AM, A-Jay said:
A-Jay
As you can see....i've lost some weight.
MN Fisher reply :
Glaucus reply :
On 3/9/2019 at 12:12 AM, MN Fisher said:
J._Bricker reply :
On 3/9/2019 at 12:12 AM, MN Fisher said:
That’s what “spring skiing” is like in Tahoe. Just not pretty when they “catch an edge” on the corn ice.
GReb reply :
On 3/9/2019 at 4:32 AM, J._Bricker said:That’s what “spring skiing” is like in Tahoe. Just not pretty when they “catch an edge”.
I felt robbed when we went to Tahoe several years ago in July. It was 99 degrees here in MS. The avg highs in Tahoe were 75-80 but by the time we landed in Reno the area was recording record highs in the upper 90s. By the time we left the local wild fires were so bad you couldn’t even see the lake
J._Bricker reply :
On 3/9/2019 at 4:39 AM, GReb said:I felt robbed when we went to Tahoe several years ago in July. It was 99 degrees here in MS. The avg highs in Tahoe were 75-80 but by the time we landed in Reno the area was recording record highs in the upper 90s. By the time we left the local wild fires were so bad you couldn’t even see the lake
Sorry to hear about trip @GReb, last year fire season in the western states sucked big time on many levels. Definitely don’t want to see another Paradise or Santa Rosa fire any time soon...
GReb reply :
On 3/9/2019 at 4:55 AM, J._Bricker said:Sorry to hear about trip @GReb, last year fire season in the western states sucked big time on many levels. Definitely don’t want to see another Paradise or Santa Rosa fire any time soon...
My post came off too negative. We loved our stay and had a great time. I’d go back in a heartbeat.
slonezp reply :
I predicted March 22 at the beginning of this thread. There is currently 14" of ice on my home water. Beginning today temps will be in the 40's and 50's for at least the next week. Rain in the forecast multiple days. Last year I was fishing on the 10th, the year before the 5th. I'm optimistic I will be fishing the weekend of the 22nd.
Russ E reply :
There is still ice on the cold water lakes here. In the 6 years I lived around Kansas City, this is the first time the lakes were frozen in March. Several years they did not freeze at all.
2 years ago I was breaking in my new outboard, in January, on a cold water reservoir.
With the warm weather forecast they should finally be open by the end of the week.
12poundbass reply :
On 3/9/2019 at 9:53 PM, slonezp said:I predicted March 22 at the beginning of this thread. There is currently 14" of ice on my home water. Beginning today temps will be in the 40's and 50's for at least the next week. Rain in the forecast multiple days. Last year I was fishing on the 10th, the year before the 5th. I'm optimistic I will be fishing the weekend of the 22nd.
You think all that ice will be gone in two weeks? What are your overnight lows going to be?
Our temps will be a little cooler than yours, but we are getting rain this afternoon and tomorrow. A few days around or just above freezing and a couple days in the 40-50’s and they’re forecasting Thursday with a high of 63. That’s a ways away and will likely change but encouraging nonetheless. After that back to just above freezing. If we can get all this snow gone today or tomorrow, then the sun can start working on the ice.
The sun is close enough now that you can feel the warmth of it so even the days where it’s around or below freezing it’ll still do it’s job on the ice.
MIbassyaker reply :
On 3/9/2019 at 11:11 PM, 12poundbass said:You think all that ice will be gone in two weeks? What are your overnight lows going to be?
Our temps will be a little cooler than yours, but we are getting rain this afternoon and tomorrow. A few days around or just above freezing and a couple days in the 40-50’s and they’re forecasting Thursday with a high of 63. That’s a ways away and will likely change but encouraging nonetheless. After that back to just above freezing. If we can get all this snow gone today or tomorrow, then the sun can start working on the ice.
The sun is close enough now that you can feel the warmth of it so even the days where it’s around or below freezing it’ll still do it’s job on the ice.
It looks like we may be turning the corner here. End of the month looks promising.
12poundbass reply :
On 3/10/2019 at 12:24 AM, MIbassyaker said:
It looks like we may be turning the corner here. End of the month looks promising.
I hope so. I’m ready to pull the boat out of hibernation and bring her home. I’m also ready to get on the water, tired of looking at frozen water.
Paul Roberts reply :
This is such a fun thread. Love the photos and comments. You know, the "Eskimos" are known to deal with the constant darkness and bitter cold by playing games and story-telling. Otherwise, I suppose, there'd likely be one or two rather healthy ones leaving the igloo come spring! 
If things start to ugly here, someone tell a good story, quick!
Winter is just giving way here. Cold air keeps pushing in but ice-break is happening. I'm usually fishing by now. But, we're in the "lions and lambs" season here. The sun is high and... I know whose going to win out. The red-winged blackbird males are already streaming in. Ice-out is... imminent. And then... it's a mad dash to get the fishing in. I've got fishing plans, if I can only wrap up this documentary. Nose to grindstone here.
I'm hoping to chase "carnage zones" this spring. To really show it, I need the perfect set-up. A cold spring actually helps. The other parts are the the right mix of predators, prey, and water body layout. My past "perfect" water body was nearly wiped out during the massive "1000yr" flooding of 2013. It's time I re-visited it this spring to assess its potential resurrection. ????????????
slonezp reply :
On 3/9/2019 at 11:11 PM, 12poundbass said:You think all that ice will be gone in two weeks? What are your overnight lows going to be?
Our temps will be a little cooler than yours, but we are getting rain this afternoon and tomorrow. A few days around or just above freezing and a couple days in the 40-50’s and they’re forecasting Thursday with a high of 63. That’s a ways away and will likely change but encouraging nonetheless. After that back to just above freezing. If we can get all this snow gone today or tomorrow, then the sun can start working on the ice.
The sun is close enough now that you can feel the warmth of it so even the days where it’s around or below freezing it’ll still do it’s job on the ice.
I'm optimistic. There are 2 nights over the next 10 days below 30* and 2 days in a row in the 60's plus more rain.
Crestliner2008 reply :
We've still got a foot or more of ice on the ponds here. Got about 2" of snow yesterday. UGH! But....there is light at the end of the tunnel. 3 or 4 days predicted in the 50's this coming week (here in MA). That should kick down the ice pretty fast (I hope anyway!).
superkamikazee reply :
On 3/10/2019 at 1:57 AM, Paul Roberts said:This is such a fun thread. Love the photos and comments. You know, the "Eskimos" are known to deal with the constant darkness and bitter cold by playing games and story-telling. Otherwise, I suppose, there'd likely be one or two rather healthy ones leaving the igloo come spring!
Winter is just giving way here. Cold air keeps pushing in but ice-break is happening. I'm usually fishing by now. But, we're in the "lions and lambs" season here. The sun is high and... I know whose going to win out. The red-winged blackbird males are already streaming in. Ice-out is... imminent. And then... it's a mad dash to get the fishing in. I've got fishing plans, if I can only wrap up this documentary. Nose to grindstone here.
I'm hoping to chase "carnage zones" this spring. To really show it, I need the perfect set-up. A cold spring actually helps. The other parts are the the right mix of predators, prey, and water body layout. My past "perfect" water body was nearly wiped out during the massive "1000yr" flooding of 2013. It's time I re-visited it this spring to assess its potential resurrection. ????????????
Can't wait to see your next documentary!
Paul Roberts reply :
On 3/12/2019 at 8:18 AM, superkamikazee said:
Can't wait to see your next documentary!
Me too! Should've been out already. Rough winter: food poisoning, flu, and on to pneumonia. I finally gave in, listened to my wife and doc, and stayed in bed. I'm actually happy to have the editor's red eyes and sore butt back.
A-Jay reply :
Well, we're winding down the days.
Finally inside of a month away from my 'projected' open water date.
Seems like a pipe dream at this point as it's still a virtually winter wonderland in this area.
Plenty f snow & ice everywhere. And while day time temps this week are expected to be in the mid to upper 30's with some sunshine, the overnights look to be quite winter-like perhaps undoing whatever happens as far as melting goes during the day.
Officially, the count is 4 weeks or 28 more days . . . .
And for The BR Members who are currently employed ~
20 working days (160 hours, assuming 8-hour workday),
8 non-working days including:
4 Saturdays,
4 Sundays.
As of now - It could be another early May open water deal.
I'll be ready - and in pretty good shape too.
A-Jay
MN Fisher reply :
I can state without a doubt that this year's ice-out on Minnetonka will be earlier than last year's. Last year tied the record for latest ice-out (previous was in 1857). With temps climbing into the 50s this week and plenty of sunshine, I think it'll be 2 maybe 3 weeks until I can get my canoe on the water.
Might be earlier for a couple of the smaller lakes.
slonezp reply :
I called tomorrow, 3/22 for ice out in northern IL. Ponds are open. Small local lakes are open. Home water is closed due to flooding. Larger lakes are at least partially ice free if not all but, no piers are in for launching. Will I be fishing this Saturday 3/23??? We shall see we shall see......
Todd2 reply :
My lake level is down to pool, bicep has healed up, I'll be out this weekend. You guys hang in there..its close!
12poundbass reply :
The forecast for 50’s have been replaced with 30’s and low 40’s. Overnight lows are still freezing over just above. I’m still seeing plenty of ice anglers. There’s 50’s and rain in next weeks forecast, hopefully that’ll come to fruition.
TnRiver46 reply :
I have a magnolia blooming in my yard....
redmeansdistortion reply :
What's this ice out everybody is talking about? I've been in waders fighting chrome torpedoes the last week
Ksam1234 reply :
We are almost there in western New York! We have a couple days in the 40-50s past week. Now we have 2 days in mid 30s and then folllwoed by temps around 55-60!! I’m hoping we have some open water in 2 weeks. I saw some of the smaller ponds around here have thawed. Just waiting for my fishing holes to open now
NYWayfarer reply :
Slush on the driveway this morning.
Tonight will be interesting as I live on the dividing line temp wise of a storm that will roll through. I could see a coating to 2" of snow or 3" to 6" of snow overnight.
J Francho reply :
No slush here, but snow is possible. Should be in the 50s by Sunday.
slonezp reply :
Cheating.....I'm headed to a cooling lake in the morning.
Russ E reply :
On 3/23/2019 at 8:05 AM, slonezp said:Cheating.....I'm headed to a cooling lake in the morning.
A cooling lake is the only thing that keeps me sane January and February.
fortunately the cold water lakes are now open here. Planning my first non power plant lake excursion of the year on Monday.
MIbassyaker reply :
Snow is gone here except for the last remnants of piles from road and walkway removal. River is wide open and running high, lots of flooded woodland. Neighborhood ponds I'm seeing are all still iced over though, except right at the shore in a few places.
12poundbass reply :
On 3/24/2019 at 2:32 AM, MIbassyaker said:Snow is gone here except for the last remnants of piles from road and walkway removal. River is wide open and running high, lots of flooded woodland. Neighborhood ponds I'm seeing are all still iced over though, except right at the shore in a few places.
I’ve seen 5 ice anglers on 4 different lakes in my travels this week.
I’m so desperate to get out I’ve eyed the Grand River to get out on. I never would at the level it’s at but I want on the water. Lol
Columbia Craw reply :
Replaced the cranking battery in the boat yesterday and i'm headed out Tuesday. Spring is a little late but it's here.
A-Jay reply :
On 3/24/2019 at 11:10 AM, Columbia Craw said:Replaced the cranking battery in the boat yesterday and i'm headed out Tuesday. Spring is a little late but it's here.
There ya go ~
Best of luck my friend.
A-Jay
Columbia Craw reply :
Thanks A-jay. You'll be right behind me. It's largemouth only for now. Small mouth is still a few weeks away. Launches are still high and dry. You've got some sick Megabass crankbaits to throw.
Glaucus reply :
All open water in my part of Illinois. Problem is everything is terribly flooded.
EGbassing reply :
77 degrees here today.
MN Fisher reply :
There's a little band of water along the edges of the lake - at least Emerald and Cook's Bay. Melting should speed up at this point.
Hoping for open water by mid-April.
J Francho reply :
We've got open water. Not sure where I want to go this weekend.
Glaucus reply :
Trees are budding. Still flooded. Went to a LMB/SMB quarry and where there is usually 15 yards of gravel to travel down to launch or fish from has turned to a few feet of gravel. River that averages 2-4 ft is roaring like the mighty Mississippi.
A-Jay reply :
On 3/25/2019 at 9:42 PM, J Francho said:We've got open water. Not sure where I want to go this weekend.
That's a nice problem to have ~
Good Luck with where ever you go.
A-Jay
12poundbass reply :
The edges of my lake are starting to open. Friday is forecasting storms, rain, and 50’s I’m hoping that’s the knock out punch for this ice!
CrankFate reply :
Is the purpose of this thread to say that if the ice is gone, I can catch bass? Because the ice is gone here already, but I don’t think I can catch anything.
A-Jay reply :
On 3/26/2019 at 9:48 AM, CrankFate said:Is the purpose of this thread to say that if the ice is gone, I can catch bass? Because the ice is gone here already, but I don’t think I can catch anything.
While I've not ever actually defined what the 'purpose' of this thread is -
The general 'theme' if you will, revolves around my open water prediction date and my overall impatience waiting for it whenever it comes.
As for catching bass immediately after ice out, I've had some success there.
In fact, the first two weeks of open water often account for some of the largest brown bass I'll catch all year.
EVen put a few very respectable bass in the net while there was still ice on the lake.
So that certainly adds a level of anticipation to the whole deal.
I'd encourage you to 'try' fishing now if you can do it safely.
A lippless rattle bait & a jerk bait are both great early season presentations.
Good Luck
A-Jay
Ksam1234 reply :
On 3/26/2019 at 9:48 AM, CrankFate said:Is the purpose of this thread to say that if the ice is gone, I can catch bass? Because the ice is gone here already, but I don’t think I can catch anything.
If it’s open then you can for sure catch bass! Jerkbaits with longer pauses. Finesse jigs , lipless cranks!
MN Fisher reply :
On 3/26/2019 at 10:48 AM, A-Jay said:As for catching bass immediately after ice out, I've had some success there
Doesn't matter how early ice-out is. Here we can't target bass (or lake-dwelling rainbows) until May 11. So from ice-out until then, I'm limited to panfish...by law. Accidental catches of the others (and walleye and pike) HAVE to be tossed back, even if they're eatin' size. Can't even keep the bass until May 25.
A-Jay reply :
On 3/26/2019 at 11:03 AM, MN Fisher said:Doesn't matter how early ice-out is. Here we can't target bass (or lake-dwelling rainbows) until May 11. So from ice-out until then, I'm limited to panfish...by law. Accidental catches of the others (and walleye and pike) HAVE to be tossed back, even if they're eatin' size. Can't even keep the bass until May 25.
It was like that here in MI up until two seasons ago -
Now it's C&R bass all year - I like that.
Walleye, pike & trout have to go back until the 3rd week of April I think -
I'll know when the time comes.
I can't get myself to take a fillet knife to a big trout - too purty.
But I'll take the sides off a walleye in a heartbeat - then it's "Cue the Hot Fat !"
A-Jay
MN Fisher reply :
On 3/26/2019 at 11:16 AM, A-Jay said:It was like that here in MI up until two seasons ago
Up till a few years ago, you couldn't even target bass until the bass opener on Memorial Weekend. They added C&R starting when walleye/pike season opened due to demand. So for 2 weeks it's C&R only...THEN I can start adding eatin' size bass to the freezer.
Glaucus reply :
On 3/26/2019 at 11:03 AM, MN Fisher said:Doesn't matter how early ice-out is. Here we can't target bass (or lake-dwelling rainbows) until May 11. So from ice-out until then, I'm limited to panfish...by law. Accidental catches of the others (and walleye and pike) HAVE to be tossed back, even if they're eatin' size. Can't even keep the bass until May 25.
"Sorry officer, I thought for sure a crappie was going to eat my 1/2oz jig n craw, not this darn largemouth. I'll for sure toss it back."
A-Jay reply :
On 3/26/2019 at 3:57 PM, Glaucus said:"Sorry officer, I thought for sure a crappie was going to eat my 1/2oz jig n craw, not this darn largemouth. I'll for sure toss it back."
It's all fun & games until they whip out that polygraph . . .
A-Jay
J Francho reply :
Spring browns are delicious!
Gundog reply :
On 3/26/2019 at 8:51 PM, J Francho said:Spring browns are delicious!
Wow that is a fat brown trout. Around here the state stocks a few of them that big but they usually don't survive the stocking. They go belly up as soon as they are dumped into the water.
J Francho reply :
That's a little one.
NYWayfarer reply :
Open water! Just a hike through slush, snow and ice to get there.
It was a beautiful day Sunday. Air temps in the 50's, water temps... let me put it this way, I saw ice floes drifting downriver. It was nice to cast a line again.
CrankFate reply :
On 3/26/2019 at 10:48 AM, A-Jay said:While I've not ever actually defined what the 'purpose' of this thread is -
The general 'theme' if you will, revolves around my open water prediction date and my overall impatience waiting for it whenever it comes.
As for catching bass immediately after ice out, I've had some success there.
In fact, the first two weeks of open water often account for some of the largest brown bass I'll catch all year.
EVen put a few very respectable bass in the net while there was still ice on the lake.
So that certainly adds a level of anticipation to the whole deal.
I'd encourage you to 'try' fishing now if you can do it safely.
A lippless rattle bait & a jerk bait are both great early season presentations.
Good Luck
A-Jay
Every lake is open water now. I might give it a try. Got a new lipless shiner bait that I’ve been dying to try. But I just don’t see catching this early.
A-Jay reply :
On 3/27/2019 at 12:02 AM, CrankFate said:Every lake is open water now. I might give it a try. Got a new lipless shiner bait that I’ve been dying to try. But I just don’t see catching this early.
Think positive my friend - it's totally do-able.
Here's a couple of bass from a lake with ice still on it from a couple of springs ago.
A-Jay
CrankFate reply :
On 3/27/2019 at 12:10 AM, A-Jay said:Think positive my friend - it's totally do-able.
Here's a couple of bass from a lake with ice still on it from a couple of springs ago.
A-Jay
Nice fish. I’ll give it a try next month.
superkamikazee reply :
Went out Sunday, got skunked, but still nice to get there. Next week looks even warmer so that's a plus.
Glaucus reply :
I'll be heading out to a largemouth and striper lake in a little bit. I've got a 3/8oz chatterbait with a 3.8in paddle tail trailer, 1/2oz lipless crankbait, 5in Senko, and a Ned Rig tied on. Hoping to get this skunk off of me.
MN Fisher reply :
On 3/28/2019 at 12:56 AM, Glaucus said:I'll be heading out to a largemouth and striper lake in a little bit. I've got a 3/8oz chatterbait with a 3.8in paddle tail trailer, 1/2oz lipless crankbait, 5in Senko, and a Ned Rig tied on. Hoping to get this skunk off of me.
Looks at update - looks at 10"+ of ice on local lakes - starts crying.
Glaucus reply :
On 3/28/2019 at 12:59 AM, MN Fisher said:Looks at update - looks at 10"+ of ice on local lakes - starts crying.
Your ice out is takes an eternity, doesn't it? Only the most patient fishermen in the world can do what you and A Jay do.
If it makes you feel any better, although we've been open for 2-3 weeks, it's still been cold and flooded so ice out hasn't done a single thing for me other than letting me cast I suppose.
MN Fisher reply :
On 3/28/2019 at 1:02 AM, Glaucus said:Your ice out is takes an eternity, doesn't it? Only the most patient fishermen in the world can do what you and A Jay do.
If it makes you feel any better, although we've been open for 2-3 weeks, it's still been cold and flooded so ice out hasn't done a single thing for me other than letting me cast I suppose.
It doesn't help that the temps don't know what they want to do.
Glaucus reply :
On 3/28/2019 at 1:10 AM, MN Fisher said:It doesn't help that the temps don't know what they want to do.
That should still help a little bit.
We're right there with you though temp wise. 60 today and tomorrow, 40 for the next 4 days, and doesn't hit 60 again until April 3rd. What a tease it's been.
superkamikazee reply :
If it makes anyone feel any better, water temps hit a high of 41 F. That was the high, air temp was 50 degrees. Need the water temp to get a little closer to 45-50 F before things pick up. Might be a slow few weeks on my waters.
slonezp reply :
On 3/26/2019 at 3:57 PM, Glaucus said:"Sorry officer, I thought for sure a crappie was going to eat my 1/2oz jig n craw, not this darn largemouth. I'll for sure toss it back."
It's believable. Crappies can have big appetites. Last Saturday I caught a 8" bluegill on a 10" jointed Husky Jerk.
Glaucus reply :
It's just so stupid right now. I've never gone this far into a new year without a bass to show for it. Weather is cold, water is flooded. Each year gets worse with weather and storms and people still laugh at climate change. Don't wanna get political but the only people I know rejecting the absurd changes are doing so because of their corrupt politician of choice. Unbiased fishermen know what the hell is going on and it's nothing good.
Caught some tacos today and that's it.
Brew City Bass reply :
On 3/28/2019 at 2:27 PM, Glaucus said:It's just so stupid right now. I've never gone this far into a new year without a bass to show for it. Weather is cold, water is flooded. Each year gets worse with weather and storms and people still laugh at climate change. Don't wanna get political but the only people I know rejecting the absurd changes are doing so because of their corrupt politician of choice. Unbiased fishermen know what the hell is going on and it's nothing good.
Caught some tacos today and that's it.
Yep... In my short life I've noticed a lot of changes, and it's always going downhill. Hopefully we pull our head out of our arses soon.
Glaucus reply :
Things took a turn for the better today. I stopped by a pond I hadn't checked out in a few days. A few days ago it was dead. No signs of life. Today bass were roaming and baitfish were everywhere. I sight fished the roaming bass with various weightless soft plastics but I didn't have any takers. They didn't seem interested in eating at all. I picked up a rod with a 1/4oz Red Eye Shad and ran them about 10 yards off the banks. I had 2 takers. That monkey is finally off my back for 2019.
*Ignore the bed beard
Fish #1. Not big, but it felt so good. Skunked no more.
Fish #2. Better. Really ate the lipless.
...
Things will go south again starting tomorrow. The temps will go back down into the 40s and low 50s for several days.
MIbassyaker reply :
Open water everywhere on the neighborhood ponds now. Too busy to gear up for a proper outing on one of my usual haunts, but might pay a visit to one of the local gravel pits tomorrow evening for an hour or so...
dgkasper58 reply :
On 3/29/2019 at 7:05 AM, MIbassyaker said:Open water everywhere on the neighborhood ponds now. Too busy to gear up for a proper outing on one of my usual haunts, but might pay a visit to one of the local gravel pits tomorrow evening for an hour or so...
I was fishing earlier this week in SW MI and got my first of the year- Ice did find its way back on overnight but the sun took it off. Hopefully, this weather keeps it away for a while now
A-Jay reply :
While we are getting day time temps & sun warm enough to promote snow & ice meltage, we still have a way to go.
BreeZo was checking out the level for us this morning.
If this keeps up and we do not suffer too much in the way of additional snow,
My prediction date of 15 April for open water, could be more of a reality than a pipe dream.
A-Jay
12poundbass reply :
Looking off my back deck. Was completely covered 24 hours ago. We’re getting close.
A-Jay reply :
On 3/29/2019 at 10:53 PM, 12poundbass said:Looking off my back deck. Was completely covered 24 hours ago. We’re getting close.
Nice.
I'd be hitting that open water ASAP !
I'm planning on swinging by Lake Menderchuck for the first time later today.
Just for a look see and to wave to all my 'friends'.
A-Jay
12poundbass reply :
On 3/30/2019 at 12:02 AM, A-Jay said:Nice.
I'd be hitting that open water ASAP !
I'm planning on swinging by Lake Menderchuck for the first time later today.
Just for a look see and to wave to all my 'friends'.
A-Jay
I’ll take a picture tonight so you can see what a difference 8 hours of sun makes. Quite a bit has already melted since I took this picture. I’ll probably we a line tomorrow. I took yesterday and today off to reside our house and other honey do things.
Ksam1234 reply :
Just drove to one of my smaller inland lakes and it’s about 1/2 thawed!! Supposed to be 48 today with 41 for he low and tomorrow is supposed to be 55 and sun but followed by 2 days of 34 degree temps, after that it shows steady week of 50s and 40 for the low. I’m hoping by next week it will all be thawed !
MN Fisher reply :
Out for some errands and stopped by one of my fishing holes. Have to still make holes if I wanted to fish it, but there is signs that it won't be long.
Dutch Lake - 172 acres
Glaucus reply :
On 3/30/2019 at 4:05 AM, MN Fisher said:Out for some errands and stopped by one of my fishing holes. Have to still make holes if I wanted to fish it, but there is signs that it won't be long.
Dutch Lake - 172 acres
12poundbass reply :
What a difference 6 hours makes!
MN Fisher reply :
On 3/30/2019 at 4:44 AM, 12poundbass said:What a difference 6 hours makes!
Looks at the pics of 12Pound's local lake - looks at the pics of his own local lake...whimpers
12poundbass reply :
On 3/30/2019 at 4:47 AM, MN Fisher said:Looks at the pics of 12Pound's local lake - looks at the pics of his own local lake...whimpers
48 hours ago there was around 3 inches of ice at my dock.
MN Fisher reply :
On 3/30/2019 at 5:04 AM, 12poundbass said:48 hours ago there was around 3 inches of ice at my dock.
I saw a couple guys out on Emerald Lake today - next few nights we're going to have below freezing temps...so it's not over yet here.
Way north bass guy reply :
Man, I’m not even close yet!
The coast guard had for whatever reason a U.S. icebreaker trying to get into Midland harbour on Georgian Bay, which is about 45 min south of where I am, and they had to call off the attempt due to TOO MUCH ICE!
For an icebreaker!
Now they've called in a larger Canadian one to get the job done, not sure why they didn’t send in the big one first, especially since right here in Parry Sound is one of the largest coast guard bases around, unless it was away working maybe and the American one was close by. Apparently there’s over 3’ of solid ice out there in spots, that’s a lot of ice for the bay, especially for this time of year. And all our inland lakes still have minimum 30” of ice on them. Guess I’ll leave the boat in my storage shed for a while yet before it comes down to the house to get loaded up ????
CrankFate reply :
We are completely ice free. Might throw some jigs this weekend...
...still do not believe there will be fish in March.
A-Jay reply :
Swung by Lake Menderchuck this afternoon ~
We're still locked up -
Not a surprise at this point but we could be trending in the right direction.
A-Jay
Brew City Bass reply :
On 3/30/2019 at 7:16 AM, A-Jay said:Swung by Lake Menderchuck this afternoon ~
We're still locked up -
Not a surprise at this point but we could be trending in the right direction.
A-Jay
Crazy you still have snow on the ground. Here in Milwaukee we're almost all open water. Most lakes with current just broke up, some lakes 100% ice free.
A-Jay reply :
On 3/30/2019 at 3:07 PM, Brew City Bass said:Crazy you still have snow on the ground. Here in Milwaukee we're almost all open water. Most lakes with current just broke up, some lakes 100% ice free.
I'd be surprised if we didn't.
Sadly we got 2 inches last night & it's snowing right now.
Still 'early' for us though, so we're good.
Will not complain if it gets warmer though.
A-Jay
Brew City Bass reply :
On 3/30/2019 at 9:02 PM, A-Jay said:I'd be surprised if we didn't.
Sadly we got 2 inches last night & it's snowing right now.
Still 'early' for us though, so we're good.
Will not complain if it gets warmer though.
A-Jay
Crazy. I was just steelhead fishing in shorts and a t shirt in 60* weather two days ago. I really didn't think lower Mich would have been so different.
A-Jay reply :
On 3/30/2019 at 9:52 PM, Brew City Bass said:Crazy. I was just steelhead fishing in shorts and a t shirt in 60* weather two days ago. I really didn't think lower Mich would have been so different.
Otsego County being in the northern center of the state, seems to always be one of the coldest spots in lower MI.
Fishing's pretty good though.
And I'm not wearing shorts in my house yet
A-Jay
Brew City Bass reply :
On 3/30/2019 at 9:56 PM, A-Jay said:Otsego County being in the northern center of the state, seems to always be one of the coldest spots in lower MI.
Fishing's pretty good though.
And I'm not wearing shorts in my house yet
A-Jay
That's the spirit! A man of patience. Sometimes the good fishing is worth the frosty wait.
Ksam1234 reply :
24 hours later!! And the time has finally come ! Woohoo , idk if I’ll catch anything but just to get a line wet will be amazing
CrankFate reply :
Gave it a try. Got to test my new Kistler Magnesium & Aldebaran 50. Was not easy to cast light stuff til I got it dialed in. By “dialed in” I mean turned all the brakes off. Then it casted half the spool with a quarter ounce jig. I lost one bootleg dark sleeper and my jig with mini craw on it. I do not believe it will be possible to catch fish for at least another month. Water couldn’t be more than 40 degrees. I will also say that I’ve only seen bedding fish or fish protecting babies in August. So I just don’t see any fish eating now. No signs of life anywhere, except birds. I saw guys using bait still get the skunk. But the jig/mini craw combination I picked looked perfect in the water ????
MIbassyaker reply :
Eh, didn't make it out Friday -- forgot I had to bring my wife to the airport ????
Instead, I and the dog took an excursion yesterday to visit 5 of my regular spots, check the launch conditions and get some water temps in the shallows: 42, 44, 46, 45, and 42. Only one had any ice still on it, as far as I could see.
A-Jay reply :
On 4/1/2019 at 3:35 AM, MIbassyaker said:Eh, didn't make it out Friday -- forgot I had to bring my wife to the airport ????
Instead, I and the dog took an excursion yesterday to visit 5 of my regular spots, check the launch conditions and get some water temps in the shallows: 42, 44, 46, 45, and 42. Only one had any ice still on it, as far as I could see.
Don't let those water temps scare you off.
Get out when you can.
They will be there waiting for you.
A-Jay
Paul Roberts reply :
I'm back in business here... Phew!
MIbassyaker reply :
On 4/1/2019 at 3:39 AM, A-Jay said:Don't let those water temps scare you off.
Get out when you can.
They will be there waiting for you.
A-Jay
I'm sure there may have been some catchable bass at each place if I could have gotten out away a bit from shoreline.
At this point I'm mostly waiting for free time. Hoping I can get the 'yak out in the next 2 weeks, but even if not, my schedule opens up a little after that.
Now, if I were retired....
On 3/30/2019 at 4:44 AM, 12poundbass said:What a difference 6 hours makes!
Please tell me you made a few casts into your new lake after you took that picture....
A-Jay reply :
On 4/1/2019 at 3:55 AM, MIbassyaker said:
I'm sure there may have been some catchable bass at each place if I could have gotten out away a bit from shoreline.
At this point I'm mostly waiting for free time. Hoping I can get the 'yak out in the next 2 weeks, but even if not, my schedule opens up a little after that.
Now, if I were retired....
I hear ya ~
Retirement does allow some flexibility no doubt.
But I'd trade with you in a New York second to add some length to the fuse, if you get my drift.
Stay Safe & Good Luck this season.
A-Jay
Glaucus reply :
It was 65* a few days ago. It's 35* today. God hates Illinois and I don't blame him.
12poundbass reply :
On 4/1/2019 at 3:55 AM, MIbassyaker said:Please tell me you made a few casts into your new lake after you took that picture....
24 hours later I did. I had to wait for my son to get home from Florida. He would have killed me if I did without him. We didn’t catch anything. It’s pretty shallow out from my house 3-5’.
I was really considering getting the boat out, mainly so I could say I was the first on the lake lol, but I’m not quite ready to launch it. I’m hoping this week I’ll get everything ready for a weekend launch. My lake and the lake across the road are completely open. The other lake less than a mile away is 70-80% open. My smallmouth lakes I’m not sure of, I’ll see one tomorrow and maybe hit that one this weekend.
MN Fisher reply :
On 4/1/2019 at 4:17 AM, Glaucus said:It was 65* a few days ago. It's 35* today. God hates Illinois and I don't blame him.
We got snow flurries right now.
A-Jay reply :
A little more than two weeks from today this time last year ~
Be nice if I could avoid most all of this mess until next Christmas.
A-Jay
NYWayfarer reply :
Skunked again this weekend. Lost a crankbait and a couple of jigs to snags. Saturday was a good weather day. Today was low 40’s and rain.
On the bright side one of the local ponds is almost ice free today and should be this week. I will definitely be visiting it next weekend. I am going to soak some worms to get a Bullhead just to catch something in my home waters.
I surely would have gone mad already if not for my Florida trip to shake the skunk off of 2019
Glaucus reply :
On 4/1/2019 at 6:27 AM, NYWayfarer said:Skunked again this weekend. Lost a crankbait and a couple of jigs to snags. Saturday was a good weather day. Today was low 40’s and rain.
On the bright side one of the local ponds is almost ice free today and should be this week. I will definitely be visiting it next weekend. I am going to soak some worms to get a Bullhead just to catch something in my home waters.
I surely would have gone mad already if not for my Florida trip to shake the skunk off of 2019
I've been thinking about just cat fishing for a couple weeks until the garbage weather clears out.
I was watching a guy fish for catfish while I fished for bass the other day. He hooked into a decent on and it broke his line. He was using what looked to be a little ultra light rod and a little spincast reel. Probably didn't have more than 6lb line on it. He shouted that he needs to get stronger line. I'm thinking no kidding man, and stronger gear in general.
Glaucus reply :
It will be 27* at 6am and 50* by 4pm. I'm going to give it a go, but the whole weekend was cold so it will probably be slow.
J Francho reply :
On 4/1/2019 at 4:30 AM, MN Fisher said:We got snow flurries right now.
Got a few inches here, too.
slonezp reply :
On 4/1/2019 at 11:35 PM, J Francho said:Got a few inches here, too.
That's what she said
MN Fisher reply :
And now watch the ice disappear
Glaucus reply :
On 4/2/2019 at 7:05 AM, slonezp said:That's what she said
What's up Gronk
jtharris3 reply :
Got out last Thursday, it was 62 degrees two days later, this....
I know.....it's Michigan! ????
J Francho reply :
Supposed to be mid 70s by Monday. Again, we get no spring.
A-Jay reply :
On 4/2/2019 at 9:03 PM, J Francho said:Supposed to be mid 70s by Monday. Again, we get no spring.
Ours often seems a little on the brief side as well.
Hope it falls on a weekend this year . .
To that end, we've seen some of the right signs:
5 big fat geese, 4 Robins chirping, 3 baby rabbits, two porcupines, but we still have a ton of hard ice.
Sing it with me . . .
A-Jay
12poundbass reply :
On 4/2/2019 at 11:00 PM, A-Jay said:Ours often seems a little on the brief side as well.
Hope it falls on a weekend this year . .
To that end, we've seen some of the right signs:
5 big fat geese, 4 Robins chirping, 3 baby rabbits, two porcupines, but we still have a ton of hard ice.
Sing it with me . . .
A-Jay
????”I’m dreaming of a white Christmas “ is that what you’re looking for? ????
A-Jay reply :
On 4/2/2019 at 11:40 PM, 12poundbass said:????”I’m dreaming of a white Christmas “ is that what you’re looking for? ????
"5 big fat geese, - 4 Robins chirping, 3 baby rabbits, two porcupines, but we still have a ton of hard ice."
Sung like the chorus in Partridge in a Pear tree.
A-Jay
12poundbass reply :
On 4/2/2019 at 11:44 PM, A-Jay said:"5 big fat geese, - 4 Robins chirping, 3 baby rabbits, two porcupines, but we still have a ton of hard ice."
Sung like the chorus in Partridge in a Pear tree.
A-Jay
Are you sure you’re ready for your winter wonderland to go away for 6 months though?
Lol
A-Jay reply :
On 4/3/2019 at 12:09 AM, 12poundbass said:Are you sure you’re ready for your winter wonderland to go away for 6 months though?
Lol
I'm a hot mess.
Emphasis on the hot part.
And the mess.
Not gonna lie,
I'm kinda crazy too.
A-Jay
12poundbass reply :
On 4/3/2019 at 12:14 AM, A-Jay said:
I'm a hot mess.
Emphasis on the hot part.
And the mess.
Not gonna lie,
I'm kinda crazy too.
A-Jay
The G3 is getting loaded this week and getting wet Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Who knows maybe all three days.
A-Jay reply :
On 4/3/2019 at 12:16 AM, 12poundbass said:The G3 is getting loaded this week and getting wet Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Who knows maybe all three days.
Now THAT is great to hear.
Good for you Sir !
PSA ~
Remember, don't drown the trailer when you re-load your rig.
Sink it totally to wet your bunks initially, and then pull it out to where you have an inch or so of your fenders out of the drink. Start there and adjust as needed.
Starting off - Too shallow a trailer is better than too deep - which can complicate a meant to be easy evolution.
Good Luck my friend.
A-Jay
TnRiver46 reply :
On 4/2/2019 at 9:03 PM, J Francho said:Supposed to be mid 70s by Monday. Again, we get no spring.
You will in July
Glaucus reply :
50* and 20mph winds today after being in the 30s, 40s, and very low 50s for several days with overnight lows in the 20s. Shut the fish off again and the wind made it brutal this evening. Not even a sniff.
slonezp reply :
On 4/3/2019 at 12:16 AM, 12poundbass said:The G3 is getting loaded this week and getting wet Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Who knows maybe all three days.
This will be your maiden voyage, right? Hope the rig runs like a top.
I'm fishing for crappie on Saturday and bass on Sunday. Was in the 20's this past weekend and will be in the 60's this coming weekend. WooHoo!
12poundbass reply :
On 4/3/2019 at 7:42 AM, slonezp said:This will be your maiden voyage, right? Hope the rig runs like a top.
I'm fishing for crappie on Saturday and bass on Sunday. Was in the 20's this past weekend and will be in the 60's this coming weekend. WooHoo!
Yes sir the maiden voyage. I’m going to launch her first in my lake. Then after getting acclimated to it I’ll probably go to the big lake across the road so she catch stretch her legs and she what it’s made of.
I’ll report back on the maiden voyage Sunday or Monday.
A-Jay reply :
Now THIS is Good.
A-Jay
MN Fisher reply :
Seeing progress on Minnetonka - 10'-15' of clear water followed by about 10' of dark ice. It is happening.
J Francho reply :
We're thawed, though it snowed and hailed yesterday. Looking forward to those 70s forecasted.
Paul Roberts reply :
@J FranchoFranchoFrancFranchFraFranchFranchoFranchoF
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Anyway... Those Roch winter's can get rough by the end. Dark and dreary. Is that why Roch drivers are the meanest on planet Earth? Hope you get out in some wonderful spring weather soon.
J Francho reply :
Michelle and were talking about mean drivers. Seems like rush hour on 590 is pretty nice, considering it's stop and go. Head out to 104 in Webster, and it's another story. Then, 104 west in Greece, it goes back to friendly. I'm sure it's demographics, but once you are east of Five Mile Rd, it gets UGLY any time of day. None of it compares to driving around Manhattan.
Largies4Life reply :
Water is finally open in the Milwaukee area. Saw some young anglers out on some golf course ponds fishing Gantarel Jr's and saw them catch at least one decent bass.....Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but this is illegal until the first weekend in May. It's tough because I know there are big bass in those ponds as well.
Fishingmickey reply :
On 4/4/2019 at 9:45 PM, Largies4Life said:Water is finally open in the Milwaukee area. Saw some young anglers out on some golf course ponds fishing Gantarel Jr's and saw them catch at least one decent bass.....Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but this is illegal until the first weekend in May. It's tough because I know there are big bass in those ponds as well.
Private property perhaps?
Largies4Life reply :
On 4/4/2019 at 10:19 PM, Fishingmickey said:Private property perhaps?
Could be, but it is a public golf course, so I would find that hard to believe. There were golfers out there too, just seemed very strange to me. My guess is that the kids just aren't aware of the regulations and just walked out there from the nearby neighborhood. Just a hunch though.
J Francho reply :
It sounds illegal. From the DNR guide:
QuoteSEASONS, BAG LIMITS, LENGTH LIMITS AND POSSESSION LIMITS
It is illegal:
• to fish for a species of fish during the closed season for that species (includes catch and release fishing).
MN Fisher reply :
On 4/4/2019 at 10:43 PM, J Francho said:It sounds illegal. From the DNR guide:
Doesn't matter if it's a large lake or a farm pond on your private property...the season is the season.
Fishingmickey reply :
On 4/4/2019 at 10:46 PM, MN Fisher said:Doesn't matter if it's a large lake or a farm pond on your private property...the season is the season.
Well in Texas it does matter. If it is your farm pond/stock tank on your private property you can do whatever you want.
FM
TnRiver46 reply :
On 4/5/2019 at 1:47 AM, Fishingmickey said:Well in Texas it does matter. If it is your farm pond/stock tank on your private property you can do whatever you want.
FM
You don’t even have to have a license in TN if it’s your pond or your family’s pond
Largies4Life reply :
I should have been more specific, I'm in Wisconsin and according to our laws it is illegal as far as I can tell! Oh well, not much one can do besides warn others if it keeps happening. And it could quite possibly be that the kids don't know any better and just want to go out and catch fish like the rest of us. You can still fish for panfish in Wisconsin, but I do know the bass are off limits until May. I found it hard to believe that they were fishing for panfish when they were using 5" swimbaits, unless fishing for panfish requires 5" swimbaits, in that case, I think I need to go get myself a swimbait setup.
J Francho reply :
On 4/5/2019 at 2:25 AM, Largies4Life said:Oh well, not much one can do besides warn others if it keeps happening.
Call the DNR tip line.
Glaucus reply :
Temperatures took another dip into the 30s and 40s. It was supposed to snow today but it never did. Tomorrow it will be in the 60s, which begins a 5 day streak of 60s with 1 day in the 70s. Been a terrible spring so far. I've been skunked 4 out of 5 trips recently. I'm going tomorrow to enjoy the warm day. I've got a Trick Worm on a Wacky Rig, a 7in ribbon tail worm Texas Rigged with a 1/16oz bullet weight, a Texas Rigged 5in weightless Senko, a Texas Rigged Havoc Pit Boss with a 1/8oz bullet weight, and a 3/8oz double willow leaf spinnerbait in bluegill ready to go tomorrow. All plastics in Green Pumpkin. Let us pray...
Glaucus reply :
I caught a 1 pounder on the wacky Trick Worm and a 3 pounder pitching the Pit Boss into shoreline cover. Missed one that might have gone 3 or 4 while I was reeling the Pit Boss back to me too - it was skidding across the top of the water and one tried to nail it and missed - had a decent sized head/mouth on it - confirms to me that while the water is still pretty cold they are eating those dang frogs.
slonezp reply :
@A-Jay Forecast on the west side of the big pond has the potential for a major snow event 4/11-4/12. Don't shoot the messenger ????
A-Jay reply :
On 4/6/2019 at 7:22 AM, slonezp said:@A-Jay Forecast on the west side of the big pond has the potential for a major snow event 4/11-4/12. Don't shoot the messenger ????
Yea - I'm watching this as it unfolds -
50-60's for the weekend but who knows what after that.
Got two feet last year about this time.
Drove by Lake Menderchuck again today.
Still very Iced in, but the ramp is accessible and with 10 days left till my predicted open water date - It could happen.
Doubtful, but it could happen.
A-Jay
TnRiver46 reply :
On 4/6/2019 at 7:26 AM, A-Jay said:Yea - I'm watching this as it unfolds -
50-60's for the weekend but who knows what after that.
Got two feet last year about this time.
Drove by Lake Menderchuck again today.
Still very Iced in, but the ramp is accessible and with 10 days left till my predicted open water date - It could happen.
Doubtful, but it could happen.
A-Jay
Here’s hoping for ya. Will the maiden voyage have to be old town or is the Lund already pulling the chain tight?
slonezp reply :
On 4/6/2019 at 7:26 AM, A-Jay said:Yea - I'm watching this as it unfolds -
50-60's for the weekend but who knows what after that.
Got two feet last year about this time.
Drove by Lake Menderchuck again today.
Still very Iced in, but the ramp is accessible and with 10 days left till my predicted open water date - It could happen.
Doubtful, but it could happen.
A-Jay
If it makes you feel any better, I will be fishing tomorrow and Sunday. Second time out and first time on my home water. Water levels have dropped from all the snow melt and the river system is now fully open.
A-Jay reply :
On 4/6/2019 at 9:20 AM, TnRiver46 said:Here’s hoping for ya. Will the maiden voyage have to be old town or is the Lund already pulling the chain tight?
Thank you my friend - Vessel choice is directly related to the size of the water that opens up first. If it's some of the smaller waters - The Old Town gets the nod. Big waters will see me in the Pro-V Bass.
All things being equal I just want to float but if I could make the call, big waters have bigger brown bass - and the early season often offers a shot at some of the heftiest fish of the year - so The Lund it is. I'm ready either way though.
On 4/6/2019 at 9:29 AM, slonezp said:If it makes you feel any better, I will be fishing tomorrow and Sunday. Second time out and first time on my home water. Water levels have dropped from all the snow melt and the river system is now fully open.
It does make me feel better.
Thank you & Good Luck.
A-Jay
Sphynx reply :
So crazy reading about a lot of the different rules/regs in various parts of the country, hope you northern fellas can get back to business soon, it's absolutely inconceivable to a guy who has lived down south for this long.
MN Fisher reply :
On 4/6/2019 at 10:44 AM, Sphynx said:So crazy reading about a lot of the different rules/regs in various parts of the country, hope you northern fellas can get back to business soon, it's absolutely inconceivable to a guy who has lived down south for this long.
36 days and counting before I can target the bass here.
Sphynx reply :
On 4/6/2019 at 10:57 AM, MN Fisher said:36 days and counting before I can target the bass here.
I used to do a lot of runs for Menards up in the WI/MN area, maybe one of these summers I'll get back out that way and wet a line for some smallies, headed out this morning because I'm supposed to get a few hours between t-storms, I'll try to catch one for ya.
Glaucus reply :
On 4/6/2019 at 7:22 AM, slonezp said:@A-Jay Forecast on the west side of the big pond has the potential for a major snow event 4/11-4/12. Don't shoot the messenger ????
They've now taken the snow away from us in the Kankakee to Bloomington area.
CrankFate reply :
Gave it a shot in a smaller shallower pond. I did see what looked like a brood scatter into deeper water when I first approached the water. And they were way bigger than I would expect at close to three inches. Saw some sunny activity on bread thrown in the water. Only fish I saw caught were eels. On worms. They don’t count. They can feed in 30 degree water. No one said they’ve seen any bass yet when talking to a few people that looked like they knew what they were doing. Had my dark sleeper snagged several times and almost shot my eye out a few times when it snapped free. It also shot itself off of branches in the water right into a few trees, but it was safely retrieved. The catch of the day was a log that was about 9 feet long and about 8 inches in diameter. I pulled it in a good 100 feet to save my rig which broke free a few feet from the bank, again almost shooting my eye out. Not bad for 20lb braid.
finally switched to a crankbait and woke this guy up. Somehow, no one else even noticed. He walked right by an old man on a folding chair, right out in the open, he didn’t even see it.
A-Jay reply :
On 4/7/2019 at 6:28 AM, CrankFate said:Gave it a shot in a smaller shallower pond. I did see what looked like a brood scatter into deeper water when I first approached the water. And they were way bigger than I would expect at close to three inches. Saw some sunny activity on bread thrown in the water. Only fish I saw caught were eels. On worms. They don’t count. They can feed in 30 degree water. No one said they’ve seen any bass yet when talking to a few people that looked like they knew what they were doing. Had my dark sleeper snagged several times and almost shot my eye out a few times when it snapped free. It also shot itself off of branches in the water right into a few trees, but it was safely retrieved. The catch of the day was a log that was about 9 feet long and about 8 inches in diameter. I pulled it in a good 100 feet to save my rig which broke free a few feet from the bank, again almost shooting my eye out. Not bad for 20lb braid.
finally switched to a crankbait and woke this guy up. Somehow, no one else even noticed. He walked right by an old man on a folding chair, right out in the open, he didn’t even see it.
Well that's something.
A-Jay
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