So - I'm sure a few folks are likely drooling at the title - hoping for a "report" - meanwhile, just asking the question.
Anyone been by to check on the ice-conditions at Barney's puddle?
If nothing else - I'm taking advantage of the holiday and hitting SOME kind of water on Friday. [fishin]
Yeah we wouldn't drool if you put a question mark in your title!
[signature]
no ice, only looked from the road on the way home
[signature]
Hey Yote,
I was there week two Sundays ago and thing were close.
There was ice aound the edges and a large area of ice foating around the North east corner. All of which melted before we went home around 3:00PM
The water is ready to freeze just need some lower temps and a calm night to make it happen.
Last year on Black Friday I went ice scouting and found Mantua frozen and fishermen telling me it had 2 inches of clear black ice.[cool] Thats what we need! Maybe 3 inches would be better..
That Sunday we were there the Trout fishing was great. Caught 20 plus hatchery fishes and a few larger ones too.
Hope to see ya out there soon.
[signature]
It won't be long now...
[signature]
I fished it last year the Saturday after Thanksgiving thru the ice. I am hoping it comes soon.
[signature]
checked it out with my little boy Sunday afternoon. The edges were frozen to about 10 feet from the bank.
[signature]
[cool]Last year was not a normal winter. Mantua normally has safe ice by mid-late December and for sure by New Years Day. It doesn't look like it will freeze this year as early as it did last. I would bet on sometime between 12/10-12/25. And, I wasn't that impressed with Mantua last year. it's usually good for the first month (at most) and then once the tent cities form (around mid-January) forget about it... fish are spooked and it's slow from there...
[signature]
Hey drive by report today. Little ice around the shady edges but mostly open with a boat out fishing at the moment. Later J
[signature]
Geoffrey!
You are right, Mantua is best during that first month or so. And I must disagree with you about 'not being impressed'. Last year was a good year for me at Mantua.
When you driving up here next?
[signature]
[cool]Derek, we've gotta ice fish that place maybe around New Years or so? By the looks of your profile pic it looks like you've got Newton all figured out now. Nice Tigermuskie!! I haven't been around here much this year and I haven't fished very much. My digits are the same, so give me a call some time or I'll try to call you. Happy Thanksgiving.
[signature]
Happy Thanksgiving to you too buddy. Just PM me through here when you can come up, and we'll hit Mantua. I plan on hitting it in a couple of weeks though.
My buddy Ben got me into that TM...I actually caught 3 around that same size, and another 2 fell off the line. Quite the day.
[signature]
[quote Out4Trout][cool]Derek, we've gotta ice fish that place maybe around New Years or so? By the looks of your profile pic it looks like you've got Newton all figured out now. Nice Tigermuskie!!...[/quote]
It was good last year between Xmas and New Years, lotsa Gill action, and the occasional trout to stir things up - then later it really didn't seem so hot.
I think Ben started it all with his driveway full of fish post!
This year Derek is gonna learn how to ice a Musky! And I'll learn how to ice an EVEN BIGGER one! [:p]
Now I wonder if the boat-launch will be accessible tomorrow? Thought we were forecast for rain, and that sure messes with plans. Seems pretty warm today.
Checked some of the sloughs and river up Benson way - and the sloughs are actually iced - thinly.
Wonder - does anyone ice fish not Cutler, but more of the back-sloughs where there's not much for water movement?
Good Turkey Gobblin to ya'll!
Just a quick note. Passed by Mantua myself today. Lake looked all clear from the Hwy. Saw one boat afloat - may have been a canoe.
I'm guessing the launch is open. Depending on rain/snow tomorrow - I may hit it in the afternoon for a float, or possibly Hyrum.