Quick ice conditions report for this part of the river.
Went sunday out of the troy landing area, needed to not only satisfy some curiousity on the ice conditions but also check and see if some of the late fall spots were accessible and holding fish. We started on the point north of the landing and worked water from 25′ to 50′ along the break heading south, ending up about 200 yards from Catfish Bar and the open water. Couple observations: There’s quite a bit less ice on this pool, we averaged 4.5″ to about 8″ depending on where we punched. Good thing was it was good clear ice and posed no issues. There were also tons of shad in the deep water, generally we started seeing/snagging them in 40’+. I know there’s been debate on die off and temps, these were all healthy 4-6″ shad, looks like they may winter just fine in the deeper pools. We did get one small eye, but that was it for the efforts. Folks with knowledge of this area might consider some shallow water eye’s like Turks recent posts have touched on, there are a lot of big flats, breaks and points with potential.
Next area of exploration is afton state park for pike with tip ups. I’ve got a hunch it may be worth the mile walk…. I hate to say it, but bayport and the idea of potato chip crappies makes me sleepy.
mikeT
