I think it's a combination of several factors. As the ice season gets past the midpoint, oxygen levels may be suffering, so the fish get lethargic and their metabolisms slow down. Biggest factor IMO is the fish get sick of hearing the masses above them making a racket and get wise to it just like any other animal out there. Put those two items together, and the fishing starts to get tough.
Good thing is that once the edges really start to get iffy and soft, the masses will thin, and they'll start biting again. Just have to be more careful getting on and off the main ice.
Good thing is that once the edges really start to get iffy and soft, the masses will thin, and they'll start biting again. Just have to be more careful getting on and off the main ice.