Ice conditions continue to develop in the region as the season is almost in full swing. The smaller lakes in the area are locked up with anywhere from 4″-5″ of ice and some of the larger bodies are starting to see ice buildup in the bay areas on them. There are a few warm days coming up later this week, which will keep ice from building for a couple of days or stop it from forming on the larger bodies. But there are plenty of people getting out on the early ice places right now, looking to take advantage of that early ice bite! With these conditions in mind, here’s the current ice report for the region:
The trout lakes have been locked up for a couple of weeks now after a later than normal temperature drop before Thanksgiving. Ice anglers are reporting anywhere from 4″ to 6″ of ice on Roubaix, Reausaw, Dalton, Sunday Gulch, Sylvan, and Mitchell Lakes. The trout bite has been somewhat sporadic, but there have been plenty of good days with dozens caught reported. The best bite is currently up on Sylvan Lake where pink plastics worked on 1/32nd oz jigs were having trouble keeping the fish off of them. Center Lake has been confirmed to have 4″ of clear ice along the northern half of the lake, but the main body is still too thin to get on. A slow bite was reported, but that should change as the ice thickens.
For those seeking panfish, pike, or bigger rainbow action, Stockade Lake has 4″ of ice on its western side and is seeing a good panfish bite on 1/32nd oz. Clam Pinhead and Tikka Flash spoons in 7′ to 9′ of water, though size is an issue. While there have been no reports of catches, tip up fishing for pike in the area is also going strong. The rest of lake is frozen, but it’s best to wait a bit longer before getting on these areas as the ice is thinner. On nearby Lakota Lake, some good-sized pike were reported to have been caught on shiners. And in the northern Hills, Iron Creek Lake has 4″ of ice on most of it and a good trout bite on it with many in the 18″ to 20″ range being caught in 7′ to 12′ depths with the fish being a caught on Pinheads, Tikka Flashes, and 1/16oz jigs tipped with pink or chartreuse plastics a couple of feet off the bottom.
As the month progresses the larger bodies of water, including Pactola, Sheridan, and Deerfield, should start to lock up as the bays on each are in the process currently. But there are still some good opportunities at present as long as one takes precautionary steps as it is still early ice. A float suit is the best thing to have right now, plus a spud bar is the anglers’ best friend. Don’t forget the safety picks and rope and always try to bring out a buddy to help you in case the worst should happen. The ice season has begun so let’s all practice safety and enjoy a successful and long season!
If you’d like any more information, up-to-date reports, or what’s working in the area at present, be sure to get a hold of Scott Olson at dr.auger81@hotmail.com, on Facebook, or through his website, drauger81.wixsite.com/drauger81.
