Being skunked when fishing is no fun. Sadly, this happens even to the best anglers. The good news is that you don’t have to clean any fish, and a bad day fishing is better than working!
Meatstick and I ice time at the Causeway, near south Helena. This was our first time ice fishing in this area. When the hard water is gone, bank fishing can be great.
I saw several flocks of geese coming in, which is usually a sign of good luck. Many Icemen in every ice age fall on the ice in this area. There is always some open water and getting closer to the edge means shallower ice.
The temperature is over 40 degrees. The ice cracks and talks but is at least 12 inches thick. The Wheelers were trucking on the lake and several other groups were on the ice. Since you can use 6 ice fish rods per angler, there are many holes scattered around. Some men were fishing near the causeway; others moved out of sight. We set up in the middle.
The meatstick started off strong, attached to a HUGE rainbow. He put it in the hole before it was cut. He is excited and things are looking positive.
Mid to late ice fishing is more difficult. Snow and thicker ice prevent light from entering the water. The cold water slowed down everything under the ice. The fish go into estivation, like hibernation, and the bite slows down and disappears. The fish are suspended in a cold, dark environment, waiting for Spring. First ice and first ice melt are the best times to fish. The fish are hungry and eager to Bite.
Now I know that there will always be a man to catch fish no matter what. Usually, that’s me. Ice fishing can be choppy later in the season. There are times when the fish seem to break the rules and bite. Sometimes they just bite for a while. Different lakes have different conditions.
Today should not be a Biteful time. We had some very light bites, which we couldn’t have missed without a spring bobber. We could track the other groups and I only saw 2 small 12-inch trout come onto the ice. The man uses Jawjackers. I’m rarely shy but…
The great thing about fishing is spending the day out with a friend. There’s always a snack, conversation, or something to do. After all, it’s called “Fishing”, not “Catching”.
Closed eyes!
Montana Grant
For more Montana Grant, join his Facebook group called “Montana Fishing For Fun!”
