OVERVIEW

There are two different kinds of ice anglers: those who worship winter and jigging from a bucket and the others who begrudgingly wet lines to pass the time until spring. Regardless of what camp you're in, there's significance in knowing where the ice is good, not so good, and gone.

I use the term "Ice Belt" to define the region, states and provinces, which manage at least walkable thicknesses of ice. Ice on some lakes is measured in feet and persists for months on end. On the fringe of the Ice Belt, ice is metered in inches and might only be fishable for a few weeks. With such variables in mind, I tapped local experts from the west coast to east coast, southern rim to northern extremities, for insights and evaluations.

Your observations and contributions are equally important, helping fill in the blanks, perhaps offering exceptions to the general assessment. Your reports will be posted on the main Ice Out Map denoted by special Ice Out Report colored push-pins and will be tracked by our team. Simply click the link 'Add Your Own Observations' and follow the instructions. Together, we'll watch the ice retreat until every last one of us can put a boat in the water.

Disclaimer *Ice Fishing is a dangerous sport that should only be attempted by those who are experienced and who take all necessary safety precautions. This map and report provides for a forecast of where ice fishing opportunities may exist and guidance where ice is forecasted to be good, inconsistent, or out. Conditions are subject to change and conditions in your specific location may vary. Consult with local authorities before undertaking any ice fishing activities. Never ice fish alone and adults should always accompany children. Versus assumes no responsibility for the risk undertaken or the specific conditions that you might experience in your location. Be safe and have fun.

Week of 1/5 through 1/11

The operative word is "sloppy." That’s the best way to describe the slushy skins of many lakes across the Ice Belt. There’s been no shortage of the white stuff. In fact, many areas set December snowfall records or ten year highs. Although winter’s blanketing is both panoramic and a godsend to snowmobilers and skiers, it’s also the buzzkill for hardwater travel. Snow accumulates, insulates and saturates. The end result being a seemingly normal fluffy topcoat with a wet surprise below. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a death sentence for the season, but getting around sure got harder.

The expansion of ice fishing’s geographical boundary more or less stalled this past week. Snow mixed with warmer than average weather and held the southern tiers of ice fishing country in a holding pattern. Most ice that was already formed will endure, however. Underline “most,” because it did go sour in some regions. Ask plenty of questions with local experts if you’re suspect of ice conditions.

Figured this would be a grand opportunity to talk about how fronts and snow-events affect ice fishing. Snowstorms spell trouble for getting to and from the water, but timed properly, that nasty forecast can be your ally.

Watch the weather. Incoming snowstorms typically indicate a drop barometric pressure, which is usually tempered by consistent to possibly balmy-by-comparison temperatures. Change is afoot, however, and the fish feel it. Nothing beats a pre-frontal feeding binge, before the pressure takes over. Instinctively, the fish know the kitchen will soon be closed, so they binge. And the gorging often lasts right into the system’s arrival. I’ve had some of my best fishing when the snow starts falling.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, however, is life after the storm. Skies clear, temperatures plummet, and fish rest and rub their bellies. Things get tough. But if your date with the lake is already scheduled, and it coincides with the aftermath, don’t surrender. Fish smaller lures. Jig more slowly. Expect fish to be nearer the bottom. And you might have to find them – lethargic fish don’t fin much.