Capt Morgan Madison 1/5/05

Some shoreline ponds were reduced from an ice covering of six inches to...well...tentative at best. The cold nights helped to solidify the base, however, warm daytime temperatures and tropical-like rain reduced thickness even more. Many larger lakes and ponds were blotched with pools of open water often with unbroken stretches of it near their banks. Farther north though, both in the northwestern and northeastern parts of Connecticut, safer ice could be found.

The coves, often fished along the Connecticut River and tucked in and away from most views of passersby, were producing some northern pike and yellow perch. Earlier in the week, ice was still solid enough for some careful drilling. The recent action was spotty with catches made using live shiners and tip-ups as well as jigging sticks and grubs. A few anglers finding open water brought out their spinning gear and tried their hand at catching a bass or two–largemouth, that is. Also obliging were some hungry pickerel more than willing to latch onto a shiner, spinner, or small spoon. Incidentally, striper buffs are continuing to fish. Action is almost non-stop in the rivers, though ratcheted down a notch or two."