Norwich - Ice Fishing melting away

There is some frozen water further north and into Massachusetts where the hard-core ice fishing fanatics are still venturing out, often within sight of open water on places such as Quaddick Reservoir and Alexander Lake, according to Bob Lemoine of Bob's Place in Ballouville.

Likewise, Gary Brummett of Connecticut Outfitters in Hartford said the large coves on the Connecticut River are also still holding ice and those who are still fishing are drilling holes and setting tip-ups for bass and pike or jigging for panfish.

Both of these shops report their customers are catching. Bob's Place said Alexander Lake has been giving up some very nice holdover trout, while Connecticut Outfitters is hearing stories of yellow perch and pike to 36 or 38 inches from Wethersfield Cove. There are even occasional schoolie stripers being taken on baits intended for pike in Wethersfield Cove as well.

I don't recommend stepping out on any ice that's covered with snow after all the warm weather, rain and sun that's hit the earth between snow storms lately. One guy had to be rescued from Gardner Lake over the weekend and we heard a report from Boondocks of one of their customers falling through the ice at Chapman Pond in Rhode Island. So there is a serious risk every time one steps onto the ice from here on out to the big meltdown, whenever that takes place.

However, as we all know, hard-core fishermen (of all types) are basically nuts, the author included and will on occasion take chances to pursue our passion. We've all done stupid things that may get wet feet or waders from time to time, but messing around under winter water temps can kill you and do it quickly, so be careful.

The problem is the ice fishing is usually fairly productive when it's the most dangerous every spring, so let's hope the allure of catching a few last-minute fish doesn't cause any one to lose their life during the waning days of this winter's ice season, even though the danger is at its highest.