11-14-2012, 12:44 PM
[cool][#0000ff]There are few years when I do not manage to launch my tube at least once in every month of the year. I fish right up until I can no longer break out through the shore ice. And I have enjoyed some of my best fishing during these pre-ice-up trips...as well as early ice-out trips.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Deer Creek takes a long time to freeze most years so it is often the last spot I fish in December and maybe the first spot I fish in January. Starvation is also a late icer but it is a longer drive and gets a lot colder before actually icing up.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I usually try to get in a trip or two to Huntington (Mammoth) before Thanksgiving. And it usually freezes about the middle of November most years. I didn't make it up there this year.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Pineview is another deeper lake that takes longer to freeze up and I have fished it into December some years. Again, I have been planning to hit it this fall but between upsy-downsy weather and the call of other spots I have not made it yet. Maybe next week.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]When the water temps drop down below 40 degrees it can be a challenge to dress for the occasion. If you get cold feet you are done. So wear wool and don't let your feet get constricted by waders or fins that are too tight.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Cold temps also take a toll on batteries and sonars. You need to insulate the batteries and display units if possible. And it is a good idea to leave on the back light on the screen to help keep the innards warmer.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I catch the warm water species clear up until iceup. And trout like the colder water so no problem. The main problem is wimpy fishermen. But I confess to becoming a bit more hesitant about going fishing just for the sake of going fishing...if it is brutally cold. And if there is going to be any wind along with the cold...forget it. I fish for enjoyment...not endurance.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Deer Creek takes a long time to freeze most years so it is often the last spot I fish in December and maybe the first spot I fish in January. Starvation is also a late icer but it is a longer drive and gets a lot colder before actually icing up.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I usually try to get in a trip or two to Huntington (Mammoth) before Thanksgiving. And it usually freezes about the middle of November most years. I didn't make it up there this year.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Pineview is another deeper lake that takes longer to freeze up and I have fished it into December some years. Again, I have been planning to hit it this fall but between upsy-downsy weather and the call of other spots I have not made it yet. Maybe next week.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]When the water temps drop down below 40 degrees it can be a challenge to dress for the occasion. If you get cold feet you are done. So wear wool and don't let your feet get constricted by waders or fins that are too tight.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Cold temps also take a toll on batteries and sonars. You need to insulate the batteries and display units if possible. And it is a good idea to leave on the back light on the screen to help keep the innards warmer.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I catch the warm water species clear up until iceup. And trout like the colder water so no problem. The main problem is wimpy fishermen. But I confess to becoming a bit more hesitant about going fishing just for the sake of going fishing...if it is brutally cold. And if there is going to be any wind along with the cold...forget it. I fish for enjoyment...not endurance.[/#0000ff]
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