We had above normal temps again this week-end making for a good time to get out on the ice and enjoy the weather.Cole was away at a church outting so Austin and I got started shortly after lunch on a small farm pond that has had a great bite for us this year.It wasn’t long and Austin was on the fish.
The pond we were on is full of small perch and gills.We have caught some nice sized fish out of it this year but mostly your looking at smaller fish.Troutrus from the IDA site also made the drive over with his kids.He wanted a place where his kids get get some fish and it wasn’t long before they started to put the fish on the ice.Here is Becky and Ally with a double on the gills.
The fish wanted any type of jig tipped with a waxworm.Austin and I worked mealworms and Gulp wigglers also but the fish did not respond to these baits very well.I like to use a Pilkie or Hali,they get back down to the fish in a hurry.Many different colors worked for us.Trouts boy Steve has been in long slump so it was good to see him ice 3 fish in only a few minutes once he got on a hot hole.Here is Steve with a fish,great job buddy.
It was a fun day on the ice with some great kids.Kent and I had blast,it is so fun to watch kids catch fish.Austin worked hard as usually and put alot of fish on the ice.He thought he caught around 50 fish for the day.Here is Asutin with a little bass.
With the warm temps we’ve been having the ice conditions are starting to get a little bad on some ponds and lakes.Please use caution as we hit the late ice period.
Best of luck on the water.
Ryan Hale
Hey Bud, I still say you are having way toooooo much fun this winter.
Thanks for the report. Taking kids fishing is a great way to get them hooked on a sport that they can enjoy for a life time no matter what the age. With it being mid Feb. our time on the ice is getting closer to being limited so now with the late ice part of the season becoming a reality in many places there should be even a better bite here. 
As I type this reply, and I am further north of you, it is ”raining” outside. These warmer temps make it possible to get out and really enjoy being on the ice.
Thanks, Bill
Nice report. How much ice do you have down there?
We had a blast. The kids are still talking about it. The ice is deteriorating bad today with the rain. Derek , Id say the ice was 8+ yet , but was noisey and starting to honeycomb. It wont be ice long !
but I understand. Again thanks for the good time.
Hey Ryan—Steve says Austin is sure lucky to have a Dad that knows how to fish so good !…….It kind of hurt
Great report Ryan, good to see you always getting out with the kids.
PS. check you messages
Trout,we went back out today to look at the pond,VERY bad shape.No way I wanted to walk out on it after all this rain.
Austin really laughed when he read what Steve said.
Derek,we’ve had a good inch of rain today after 2 days of 45-50 degree weather.So unless we get some really cold temps ice fishing might be about finished.I sure hope not.
Jeff,got your PM,thanks dude
Ryan Hale
Welcome troutsrus. Great to have you with us. Please feel free to share and post all you want. I’m sure your son mean’t what he said in a positive way. Sounds like hes giving you hints that he wants you and him to get out fishing ALOT more together. The more time on the water, hard or soft, the better you both become together at catching fish. Trust me, the more you guys fish together the more fun and memories you guys make together and the more fish you both catch.
Thanks, Bill
Thanks Bill
.Im sure it was positive , just funny the way he said it. We do fish together alot as a family……Heck Ive never been to Canada without them ! His best memories are standing on the front of the boat casting his Daredevl into the weeds and pulling out nonstop 24 inch Northerns….he was even talking about that Saturday . He has passed through the impatient kid stage into the early fisherman stage . Its neat and we will fish ALOT.