My trail companion and I took advantage of the sunshine today and dug out the vehicle to ice fish a nearby river. We were fortunate to know a resident couple that lived on the water who gave us access and some company. Snowshoeing out, we were able to float right on top of the deep snow– I am glad that the nor’easter left us a reminder of its visit as without that white blanket, the hard water would have been slipperier than an eel.
After finding a site that we both agreed upon, I set down my pack basket and ice chisel. Taking off my wooden webs, I stood one up next to me and the other became an ash and hide shovel. I opened up a large enough area for me to chip out a generously sized ice hole. Sometimes, I think, it is nice to do things a quieter and more natural way, and so I put my mittens on and chiseled through the 12 inches of ice– I admit I was thankful that two of my traps were not in working order as by the time I finished the third hole, I had worked up quite a sweat.
Using my lead sounder, I checked the depth of the river and set my traps at varying depths between one and three feet off the bottom. We did not have to wait too long before orange flagging tape stood up above the dug out snow. Setting the hook, I could feel that it was not a big fish but it was exciting and satisfying to lift it out of the cold water and into the air. We took three yellow perch while we watched the sun fall from its afternoon height to behind the tree line and ice shack. Packing up to leave, we stopped in for one last visit and a warm-up in our companions’ home.
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February 2012
{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice perch! That’s what we go for here as well when ice fishing. Nice pics and story, as always.
Thanks WW!
I am more for the cold water fish but any time out on the ice is good, and getting flags makes it better.
Thank you again.
Love that post. Makes me realize how long its been and how much I miss ice fishing. I did it yearly as a kid in South Dakota but haven’t done it in over a decade. This post really took me back. Thanks for the share and great pics too.
Thank you OE- I am glad that it brought fond memories to you.
Hopefully you will be able to find time to get onto the ice this season.
Looks like a great way to spend a day! I’ve had fishing on my mind lately, especially as hunting seasons are winding down to the end. I think I’m going to have to go give the trout a try before long.
Joseph- It is always enjoyable to be out on the ice, but even more so when the weather is pleasant. I will be looking forward to reading about your pursuit for trout.
Peter,
I hope that the fish you caught weren’t the only thing you planned for dinner for yourself and for your companion J
I love your mitts, they look so warm & comfortable.
Beautiful pictures and nice story
Elizabeth- I am not one for eating warm water fish, although the river’s temperature would disagree with that label!
Thank you- I like them too as they are very warm and are large enough to kneel on when fixing a trap.
A good story and some very nice pictures, thank you. A few of my friends go ice fishing in the river near my home, but as I have a mortal fear of deep water I haven’t tried it myself.
I’m curious to know the final fate of the Yellow Perch you caught that afternoon…
Thank you for the kind words Claude.
If you have a fear of deep water, than ice fishing would suit you just fine as a frozen lake this time of year is just as sturdy as land.
That looks very good, indeed!
Nothing fancy pancy, just good old fashioned work… speaking of pants and fashion… are those US wool army pants?
Ron- Thank you!
They are not, the pants are from Filson.
A great account of a traditionally Maine ice fishing outing Peter. I’m wondering..how long did it get you to chisel thru a foot of ice? I’ve thought about picking up a chisel myself but it’s been years since I used one..
Thank you Mike.
It took me about five minutes per hole, however, I do spend some of that time finding the right angles to keep the hole at an equal size all the way down.
I would recommend using one but for thicker ice, I use a hand auger- a nice advantage to both, they will never run out of gas, although sometimes, you might.
Peter,
Wonderful account and photo visit of a fearless northern venture. Way to do it! You’ve got a lot more snow than we do.
Walt- Thank you!
An amazing amount fell during that nor’easter- luckily, it was not too heavy.
A wonderful hard water outing.
Ice chisel…..old school, I love it.
Thank you Alan- it certainly was.
It may be more work, but it is a simpler and more satisfying way.
I like the ice shack in the background of some of the pictures.
Jen- Even the most weathered shack is a palace on the windy days.
Maybe next time we will see you out there.
wow, beautiful photos, and well written. I have been fisshing only a few times in my life, and never ice fishing. Looks like fun!
Thank you Steve.
It is a great experience to be out on the ice for fish- although it is cold, there are no bugs!
You are welcome to come with us any time while the ice is thick.
Nice pictures of my front yard ,mike and I have to say that the day was almost as nice as the company was ,it was an awesome day and a great day for some ice fishing and great conversation
Diane- What a nice day it was, both in temperature and conversation. Thank you for having us out and I look forward to visiting again!
You and Mike are great hosts- thank you.
I don’t like ice fishing, but I felt like I was missing out! You make it seem like a quiet little retreat away from it all! I’m sold! Maybe I’ll try it some time. Pauline
Aunt Pauline- You will have to come out with us next time.
It certainly is a great retreat as well as a wonderful way to get outside during the wintertime.
What a nice way to spend the afternoon, the sunshine beautiful for sure, Love the last picture with the snow shoes and pack basket, is that a handmade basket???? Beautiful picture indeed…..
Therese- Thank you! It absolutely was a great afternoon.
The pack basket and traps belonged to my great uncle.