Too Chilly To Shiver, But Too Enjoyable To Give up Ice Fishing | News, Sports activities, Jobs

Yes, it’s chilly. Yes, the snowfall has been spectacular, borderline ridiculous. But why not? What a begin to winter 2026! Brrr. The second a flag pops or a rod tip dances, the chilly disappears. Blood rushes again into fingers and toes, cheeks flush, and all of the sudden no one remembers who mentioned, “You’re crazy for going out in this.” This isn’t loopy. This is enjoyable. Let’s get this proper.

Western New York gives a smorgasbord of hardwater alternatives. Chautauqua Lake is the headline act, drawing anglers chasing walleye and outsized white bass. Findley Lake and the Cassadaga Lakes shine for crappie motion, whereas Cattaraugus County waters like New Albion and Case Lakes are dependable spots for panfish and crappie slabs. Silver Lake in Wyoming County is a favourite for northern pike and perch, and Cuba Lake in Allegany County rounds issues out with stable perch and pike fishing. In quick, if there’s secure ice, there’s most likely somebody drilling holes and smiling.

Ice fishing immediately isn’t what it was and that’s factor. Electric-powered ice augers chew by 10 inches of ice in seconds, saving shoulders and time. High-tech huts with insulated partitions, LED lights, and heaters make circumstances downright snug. Some even have cushioned seats, which feels suspiciously luxurious for one thing known as “roughing it.”

As for techniques, simplicity nonetheless wins. Modern jig heads made out of high-tech supplies present fast sink price, additional flash, vibration, and so they’re usually tipped with a energetic minnow or a delicate plastic grub. Drop your bait to the underside, elevate it a foot or two, and jig with small, deliberate motions. Walleyes typically favor refined displays, whereas crappie and perch could reply to just a little extra motion. If nothing bites after 20 minutes, drill one other gap. Ice fishing is an element fishing, half actual property scouting.

Most of us solely remorse not going ice fishing after they can, after that first TV present ends and the following present begins. Life is brief, regardless of your age. Get ice fishing when you can!
Photo by Jim Drozdowski Jr.

Staying heat is an artwork type. Dress in layers. Start with moisture-wicking base layers and end with windproof outerwear. Cotton is the enemy. Leave it at house. Insulated, waterproof boots are non-negotiable, and further socks can save a day when snow finds its means inside. Good gloves matter, however convey a second pair as a result of moist gloves are principally ice cubes with fingers.

A conveyable shelter blocks wind, which is half the battle, and a small heater (used responsibly) turns survival into consolation. Hand heaters tucked into pockets are price their weight in gold. And don’t neglect energy, snacks and sizzling drinks assist hold the interior furnace operating. Coffee by no means tasted higher than it does at 5 levels beneath “Are you kidding me?” No.

Ice security isn’t any joke. Always examine ice thickness as you go; 4 inches for foot visitors is a standard guideline, however extra is healthier.

Wear ice cleats for traction and carry ice picks round your neck so you may pull your self out if the unthinkable occurs. A number of extra days and nothing might be lower than 10. Fish with a buddy each time attainable, let somebody know your plans, and keep away from areas with present, inlets, or stress cracks. Respect the ice, respect the climate, and know when to name it a day. No fish is price risking your security, even a extremely large one (although we all know that’s debatable).

For non-anglers shaking their heads, simply keep in mind: whilst you’re watching snow pile up or sitting taut in that lounge chair watching TV, others are laughing inside heat huts, ready for that sudden tug, catching fish. In Western New York, winter doesn’t gradual us down, it freezes as much as present us a playground. And when that line goes tight, the chilly disappears, the grins get vast, and the one factor anybody’s considering is: Who mentioned chilly?

Gotta love the outside!

Outdoors Calendar

Jan. 27: Children within the Stream, Youth Fly Fishing program, free, Costello Room, Rockefeller Art Center, SUNY Fredonia, 7-8:30 p.m., 12 yrs previous and older, data: 716-410-7003 (Alberto Rey).

Jan. 31-Feb. 1: NY Musky Expo, Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, Celeron, small admission, children beneath 12 are free, Info: Katia Rivers, 585-668-2550.

Feb. 1: Lakewood Rod and Gun Club, Winterfest Banquet & Drawing, dinner – 3 p.m., Music by “Ion Sky” 2-6 p.m. Info: 716-763-3955

Feb. 7: Lakeshore Long-beards NWTF Banquet, White Inn, 5 p.m. doorways open, 6:30 p.m. dinner, stay public sale, raffles, annual youth occasion fund-raiser; Info: Robert Turk, 716-673-6703;

Feb. 14: WNY Walleye Fisherman’s Flea Market, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Knights of Columbus, 36 Pierce Ave., Hamburg; Info: Chris Kempf, 716-400-9258; Jim Plinzke, 716-861-8817.

Feb. 14-15: NYS Free Fishing Days

Feb. 19-22: Greater Niagara Fishing Expo, Niagara Falls. Visit www.niagarafishingexpo.com for information.