Welcome back, old-fashioned winter!  I know, many are dreaming of sunshine and swimwear, cursing the cold, and wondering why we live here, right?  Here in WNY, winter is just another fact of life and learning how to enjoy the winter certainly helps maintain one’s sanity and bright outlook on life, and getting out of the house is the best way to do just that!

 This year we had a very cold December – one of the coldest on record, which help start the freezing process of both inland lakes and the Great Lakes as well, with ice cover on Lake Erie reaching nearly 30% shortly after the new year.  High winds broke apart the newly formed ice, but the return to single digit temperatures set up a flash freeze on the Big E, the likes of which not seen since 1977.  In fact, this year marked the first time I was fishing Lake Erie before January gave way to the groundhog.  All area fisheries that can support ice fishing are open for business, and business this year has been brisk!  Some are starting to take note of this activity, and the related economic benefits ice fishing delivers to this region.

 Ice fishing enjoyed a resurgence in popularity with the release of the Grumpy Old Men movies, starring the late Walter Matheau and Bob Lemmon.  These comedies centered around the pastime of ice fishing, complete with shanty towns and traditions of chasing that big fish.  The advent of portable ice shanties, modern outerwear and the ever-advancing portable fish finder technology has transformed this once curious sport into a mainstream winter activity that young and old alike can enjoy when the weather is inhospitable to other, more traditional outdoors fun.

 Ice fishing offers anglers a unique opportunity to fish in places that would otherwise require a boat to get to.  The vertical nature of this sport lends itself well to chasing prized WNY species, including walleye, yellow perch and northern pike.  It doesn’t take much to get started, but it’s always best to hook up with some seasoned pros to learn the ins and outs of this challenging and exciting form of angling.

 Basics of needed gear is pretty simple.  Well-insulated, thick-soled waterproof boots are a must.  LaCrosse Alpha Burly boots work well, as does insulated Muck boots.  Next is your outerwear.  Waterproof, windproof clothing that is well insulated helps keep the bitter wind from shortening your trip, and specially constructed ice fishing outerwear is available from brands like Clam Corp Ice Armor, Striker Ice and Arctic Armor.  Many of these two-piece suits are also designed to float, in the event the ice gives way.  Waterproof, well insulated gloves, like the kind snowmobilers will use, waterproof mittens, etc., to protect your hands – it’s good to practice handling stuff with the gloves on, as keeping your hands warm and dry is just as important as your feet.  A knit hat, scarf to close off your neck area, and perhaps even a pair of snow goggles to protect your eyes and cut down on the sun’s glare off the ice and snow truly helps.  Dress in layers, and choose wicking, hydrophobic materials, like berkaline, wool, polyesters or any other material that will draw moisture way from your skin, not hold it like cotton will.  Ice picks wore around your neck at the ready, and an ice chisel (commonly called a spud bar) offers a degree of safety.

 Inland lakes and ponds offer the best ice surfaces, often being smooth and easy to walk – snow and slush notwithstanding.  Lakes like Chautauqua, Silver and Cuba lakes offer great ice fishing opportunity for a number of species, with most good fishing within a close walk.  Great Lakes fishing, however, is a different ballgame, often bringing shove ice, under-ice slush, with the potential for ice to shift with the winds, depending on where any open water may be located, and long walks to get over the depths fish are active in.

 Speaking of Great Lakes ice fishing, Lake Erie is once again ice covered, which many believe will bode very well for the walleye and yellow perch spawning success.  Based on last year’s ice cover, and the following open water walleye fishing, perhaps this year is signaling the hay days are just beginning?

 Whether young or old, a novice or a seasoned pro, ice fishing I a great way to enjoy the winter months and reduce that cabin fever we all seem to get as spring inches closer.  More seem to be enjoying this unique fishing experience.  This season is a good time to try your luck!