Posts: 325
Threads: 8
Joined: Oct 2004
Reputation:
0
I'm wondering about something that I would like to hear other fishermen's (and fisherwomen's) opinions on. It has to do with the best time of the day to go ice fishing. Sometimes I go very early in the morning and get set up when it's dark (and freezing cold). The fish may start biting immediately, or they may wait a few hours until the sun comes up. Sometimes the bite ends about 10:00 a.m., and other times the bite doesn't even start until mid-morning. I usually go home around noon, but I read postings of people who have gone ice fishing in the afternoon and had great success. I envy them having a good morning's rest and not arriving on the ice until the sun is nice and warm. I wonder if they know something I don't know about how the snow covering the ice affects the lighting and fish behavior below. So, what has your experience been?
[signature]
Posts: 809
Threads: 0
Joined: Dec 2003
Reputation:
0
I have always been an "earlier the better" fisherman. That also has carried over into ice fishing as well. The only place that I can set a clock to is when I go to Mud Creek it starts at 8:15 and goes till 11. After that I might as well leave. I also have done well at Utah Lake Pumphouse just as the sun hits the ice. I have never tried ice fishing after 2 pm. I'll have to give it a try. Good Luck.
[signature]
Cowboy Up!
Posts: 1,013
Threads: 0
Joined: Jan 2004
Reputation:
0
I have found the bite to be much like soft water fishing.
Early morning being best and just around dark almost as good. The rest of the day is normally slow.
Perch fishing all but stops for me at 10:00am and picks back up late in the afternoon.
I like to do lunch and take a nap from 11:00am to 2:00pm but sometimes a fish will bite and interrupt my plans.
[signature]
Posts: 4
Threads: 0
Joined: Dec 2006
Reputation:
0
It seems to me that the bite is good in the moring until 10 or 11 then dies right off until late in the afternoon, then the last hour or so of light picks up some.
[signature]
Posts: 59
Threads: 0
Joined: Feb 2006
Reputation:
0
The best for me on Strawberry is always about an hour before sunrise to about an hour after. We usually have another got bite serious come through between 11:30 to 2:00pm. (not as good as the morning though).
Mud creek bite does seem to not be so hot real early. The times seem more sporadic. If you have seen a white Explorer sport as you arrive at Mud creek it is mine. We are usually there by 6:00am.
[signature]
Posts: 2,993
Threads: 0
Joined: Feb 2004
Reputation:
0
Well it depends on what species your ice fishing for. ??
[signature]
Posts: 2,394
Threads: 5
Joined: Jan 2006
Reputation:
0
Coldfooter!! when you heading up here to Cache Valley again?? Haven't heard from you in a while, it's good to see you.
Derek
[signature]
Posts: 15,529
Threads: 1,315
Joined: Feb 2002
Reputation:
12
I like to try to be fishing just as the sun is coming up and fish until just after the sun goes down. The bite is usually good early, but can be good anytime during the day. I hope to be there when the bite is on. I have found that if I relocate (usually to deeper water during the day) I can find the fish again.
[signature]
Posts: 210
Threads: 0
Joined: Jan 2004
Reputation:
0
I agree with what has been said. I have found the bite to be better at night at strawberry than during the day most times I go. But then again, it all depends on the day, weather, time of year, species, etc.
[signature]
Posts: 595
Threads: 0
Joined: Jan 2006
Reputation:
0
Anytime I can get on the ice is the best time to go. But I have had days that are slow and days that they almost jump out of the hole at me. I just love to be out there.
The fishing is ALWAYS great but , the catching ....well that is different.
Macscabin
[signature]
]