Weekend Ice Fishing

[Thomas O]

Any reports as far as ice conditions off of Crane Creek or Catawba? Would like to try Sat. morning off of crane creek if reports are favorable or Catawba or even Mazuricks if there is "safe ice". Also could someone post Rickards Bait shop's phone#. Thanks, Tom

[SS-Slayer]

I had a charter scheduled for today (airboat out of Catawba) but the captain called and cancelled yesterday afternoon. He said they received a foot of snow the other night and there was 3-4 ft drifts out on the Lake. He did say the area he has been fishing there was 13"-17" of ice which I think should be promising for future trips. We were pretty bummed since we were set to take off last night and all of us were pretty excited to try our first guided trip on the ice. The guy seems to be a straight-shooter and I hope he was not just blowing us off. Good luck if you go out, but he did say the four wheelers were having a difficult time out there.

[Thomas O]

Thanks SSSlayer, sorry he had to cancel. He probably knows best as far as conditions out there, so we may just wait until things return to favorable conditions. Tom

[JCarp]

For future reference: Rickharts 419-734-2496

They can be a little more chatty if you call late midmorning to late morning after the rush. Sometimes close during the afternoon if things are slow.

[62mag67]

Anyone know where i could call to get a charter for ice fishing around the islands and how much it costs thanks

[JCarp]

http://www.put-in-bay.com/fishinginfo/fishing.html

http://www.in-fisherman.com/magazine/exclusives/if2901_RiverWalleyes/
Lake Erie Ice Walleyes, Ohio--Even though the population is down from record levels, Erie remains an outstanding ice fishery--when they get good ice. Last year, no problem. This year, we'll see! The1999 year-class of walleyes--15- to 17- inch eaters--provides the best catch rates since 1988. On the ice daily 8- to 14-pound fish are seen. Fish jigging spoons or bladebaits around the Bass Islands (Guide John Hageman, PrimeTime Ice Charters, 419-285-2029; Guide Pat Chrysler, Year-Round Charters, 419-285-4631, Guide Joe Kostura, Hard-Water Charters, 419-285-3106; Guide Bud Gehring, 419-285-3615; Guide Jim Massie, Thick or Thin Charters, 419-285-2115).


Some of these guys have airboats. The guides can give you the scoop on getting over to the island by plane or airboat taxi and lodging options.

[Binks61]

I have a trip scheduled for Sun/Mon with John @ Primetime. Was to be my first trip on ice, hope the winds didn't break the ice up. Am really looking forward to it !

John is going to survey the ice on Friday and give us a call as to whether its a go.

[Juls]

I have a trip scheduled for Sun/Mon with John @ Primetime. Was to be my first trip on ice, hope the winds didn't break the ice up. Am really looking forward to it !

John is going to survey the ice on Friday and give us a call as to whether its a go.

Just took a ride over to the point to check ice conditions...the wind and rain did a number on the ice. There is a lot of open water, and mountains of ice on shore. As soon as the power comes back on here at the house I will post a couple pics from the launch at Catawba...not sure how long the power will be out. It's been on and off all of last night and this morning.

[Juls]

Here are two pics...they don't quite capture the feeling of awe in the pics as when you see it up close in person.

Juls

[Binks61]

WOW, Nice Pics Juls, Looking pretty grim for my trip. May come up anyway Saturday just to get a look at the lake with ice on it. I've towed my boat up many time In late April thru June, but have never been in the area while ice was on the lake. Looks pretty awsome from all the posts this year.