Conditions:
Ice continues to build through out the area. The tributaries are all but
completely frozen over as is the lake shore but good ice fishing
opportunities continue as the ice gets thicker. Good spots to try include
Presque Isle Bay in front of the Waterworks launch ramp, in front of the Erie
Yacht club and Misery Bay at the end of the Peninsula. Yes, they are biting:
Good catches of perch and sunfish continue to be reported with shiners still
remaining the bait of choice. Waxworms and small jigs tipped with grubs are a
good also. We have also received reports of nice pike being caught in the
bay. Even though the ice thickens, extreme caution should be exercised at
all times. Ice Dune Caution:
A phenomenon of the Great Lakes is the formation of ice dunes along the lake
shore, and although breathtaking to behold, they can be deadly. Ice dunes
form as the lake freezes and the waves wash over the existing shoreline ice.
These mountains of ice can build to heights of 25 or 30 feet and although
tempting, one should never under any circumstances, attempt to walk on these
formations. Ice dunes are generally hollow, often with open water inside.
Falling through an ice dune could result in an inescapable trap. A shortage
of other people in the area could leave a person trapped for a long time.
Parents should cation their children of these dangers. Ice fishing on Lake Erie should not be attempted. Lake Erie ice can be very
unstable and should be considered unsafe at all times except in the
shallowest of waters. A few notes on Frostbite:
Frostbite looks like a serious heat burn, but it's actually body tissue
that's frozen and, in severe cases, dead. Most often, frostbite affects the
toes, feet, fingers, earlobes, chin, and tip of the nose. These body parts
are often left uncovered and can freeze quickly. Dampness from fishing
activity will compound the risk. Clothing considerations should be more
important than what bait should I take today. Frostbite can happen when temperatures drop below freezing, but wind chill
speeds up heat loss and can add to the risk. Frostbite can set in very slowly
-- or very quickly. This will depend on how long the skin is exposed to the
cold and how cold and windy it is. Wind chills on the Bay can be brutal.
Portable ice huts are money well spent if you serious about ice angling. If
you choose to ice fish without shelter, clothing should be carefully chosen
and angling time should be kept to a minimum. Frostbite prevention:
Frostbite can easily be prevented.
Layer your clothing. Many layers of thin clothing are warmer than one bulky
layer. Air spaces trap body warmth close to the skin and insulate the body
against the cold. Mittens work better than gloves and a warm hat is a must.
Wear two or three pairs of socks instead of one heavy pair.
Limit drinking of alcohol or smoking cigarettes. Alcohol causes blood to lose
heat quickly and will reduce reaction time in the event of an emergency.
Smoking slows down blood circulation to the extremities. Be warm, be safe, and have fun. Randy Leighton
Deputy Water Conservation Officer,
PA. Fish and Boat Commission
West Erie County
Rglerie@aol.com
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