CLEVELAND, Ohio — Arctic temperatures have anglers cutting holes in thick ice to go fishing, a welcome change after the warmer than usual winters in recent years. From ponds and lakes to the broad, ice-covered waters of Lake Erie, there are reports anglers are already finding success.
Diminutive spinning and spin cast ice fishing rods and reels are being spooled with fresh line. Ice augers and ice shanties are finally coming out of storage, as well as thermal gear, insulated pac boots, hand warmers and a positive attitude.
Reports from Western Lake Erie have been filtering in, with some walleye and yellow perch being caught by a surprising number of fishermen venturing out from Catawba Island State Park. Some shanties are already popping up on the west side of South Bass Island.
Smaller waters, including the well-stocked Wallace, Shadow, Ledge, Rangers and Judge’s lakes in the Cleveland Metroparks, have already lured fishermen to cut holes in the ice. The park system has released more than 6,000 pounds of rainbow trout in those lakes for the winter season.
The coldest winter temperatures in many years have already created thick ice cover, and the forecast of single-digit temperatures in the coming days and nights should continue the ice fishing season for weeks to come.
Farm ponds are a panfish paradise
The most popular ice fishing has always been on ponds and lakes where panfish — especially bluegills and crappies — are a cold weather delight. The farm ponds are attracting anglers, where small schools of hungry fish are biting best in the deeper waters.
A spud bar can create holes in the ice, but a hand-powered ice auger is more efficient. A portable ice shanty can haul fishing tackle, portable fishing finders, drinks and snacks and extra thermal clothes, and become a cozy fishing platform on windy days.
Caution for snowmobile and ATVs
The near-shore ice around Western Lake Erie is already dotted with snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and even an air boat or two. Fishermen should know that there are still open-water areas offshore, and where special care must be taken because of Lake Erie currents.
That includes the South Passage between South Bass Island and the mainland, and especially around Mouse Island, north of Catawba Island. The lake currents can quickly erode ice from underneath, making it perilous to venture there on snowmobiles and ATVs.
Lake Erie harbor areas, rivers coming in play
The harbor areas around Cleveland can offer good ice fishing —when the ice cover is at the very least four inches thick — for yellow perch, panfish, steelhead trout, largemouth bass and northern pike. Popular are the marina areas such as East 55th Street and Wildwood, as well as around the public boat ramps.
In recent years anglers have been catching steelhead trout through holes in the ice on the Rocky River. The ice may not be thick enough in some areas just yet.