DECEMBER 19, 2007

THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM

Well, it's time again to start writing my fishing report. Mother nature has blessed us with a good cold start to our winter season. A welcome change from last year. The ice is making fast and anglers are itching to get out and cut those first holes of the season.

Some of the smaller ponds have had fisherman on them for two weeks now. Reports of ice in depths in the range of 3-6 inches have been coming in from all around the area. The local hot spot has been Lower Beach Pond where anglers have been fishing the shallows for rainbow trout. I have yet to get out myself, but I've heard of fish being caught on small shiners.

The bays of the big lake have begun freezing up. Wolfeboro Bay finally caught the other night and as long as the wind stays calm, we should be making plenty of ice. Winnipesaukee does not open to ice fishing until January 1st so those of you looking to get out there, stick to the small general law ponds.

The ice conditions can be very dangerous this time of year so be prepared if you do venture out. Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Always carry ice picks with you and check the ice thickness every thirty feet. A careless mistake can ruin what is shaping up to be a banner ice fishing season.

Good Luck Fishing!