Cabin Fever … Uncle Bud here with an overdue report to you on ice fishing aka: “Hardwater Fishing” as we call it here in Boundary County.

Cabin Fever …

Uncle Bud here with an overdue report to you on ice fishing aka: “Hardwater Fishing” as we call it here in Boundary County.

We have some good news, and bad news to report on our hardwater scenario … first the good news…we have a great platform of ice averaging 10-12” thick, and as a bonus; it is good solid ice sans some snow strata.  This thick platform of solid ice bodes well for our entire ice fishing season. Now the bad news:

Warm weather patterns have melted the recent snow so we’re plagued with standing water on all our lakes. The water averages about 2” and here is the warning flag for all of us … water covering the ice makes it hard to “read” the ice and look for depressions, cracks, voids and whatever else you want to label problem areas.

So, you’ve got this snooty pair of boots that are waterproof and also keep you toes warm so water is not your problem … wrong! A prudent hardwater fisherman is not going to get out on the lake ... period!

Hey, those succulent perch filets and blue gill are not going anywhere so just hunker down for a while and fight cabin fever by repairing some tackle, etc.

What is going to get us out on hardwater again? We need a few (at least 4) nights of 20 degree or lower weather. It does not look like we’re going to get back into some cold weather for another 2 weeks or so but; given the wind changes, who knows. 

Wish I could lay some better news on you …so, I implore you to be safe and apply the old rule of: “When in doubt, don’t go out”.

Stop by one of our local fishing license and bait stores for updates on what is going on … stock up on some maggots and wax worms while you’re there.  Naples Store, Moyie Store, and Far North Outfitters.

Tight lines to all along with best wishes for a Happy New Year.

Uncle Bud

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