First Ice Bite

[TheGuy]

I read many articles this time of year about first ice and there is one question that I have that some of you may be able to shed some light on for me. First ice is when a person can get out on the lakes when the lakes have just put on ice. Let’s say that ice is 2-3 inches and it’s the week before Thanksgiving. I understand that that is first ice and the fishing can be very good if not great. Now, let’s say it’s the second or third week of December before there is 2-3 inches of ice on the same lake. Yes, that is still first ice but does this make a difference on how to approach first ice fishing? It’s 3 or 4 weeks after the first scenario but is first ice the same no matter what?

How about if the week that first ice is forming on a lake it’s very cold and in a matter of 3 days the lake puts on 6 or 7 inches of ice. Does this make any difference for the first ice bite? These are questions I never hear about, does this sort of thing not make a difference so then it’s not talked about. I would think it would make some difference and I would like to hear from some of you that know more about this sort of thing.

Thanks for the feed back on this. I’m very excited to get out on the ice!!! Be Safe!

[Matt Johnson]

You can still consider that first ice to some degree. See, first ice is good because of how the fish react to the conditions. Whether first ice arrives in November or December the fish are going to react the same (in most cases). The fish react based on what they experience on the surface, and they know no difference between November and December, to them it all depends on what the conditions are. For example, if we see first ice on November 25, there is a certain characteristic whether its temp, light penetration, oxygen, or whatnot, that causes these fish to feed. The same can be said about first ice occurring on December 15. No matter when first ice arrives, the fish see it as "first ice", and not so much as a date on the calender. If first ice comes sooner, then that just means that the fish are adapted and have adjusted to the conditions, and if first ice comes later, than that means that the fish have done just the same but a few weeks later.

Every year is different though, and some years experience outstanding first ice bites and some years don't (varying on lake/body of water). I've had some years where ice fishing in November was slow, but other years when first ice happened in December the fishing was awesome. And visa versa.

But, I personally don't think that the date that first ice arrives plays a big role in fish activity...

Good Fishin,

Matt Johnson

[joneshat11]

I'm a firm believer that first ice will have a better bite the longer it takes for safe ice to form. I believe that first ice is good because of fishing pressure has been non-existant for a month or so. Therefore, first ice will be better first week of Dec. compared to the week of thanksgiving because the longer wait form the last person fishing in a boat.