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Pennsylvania => Ice Fishing Pennsylvania => Topic started by: Spider1 on Oct 24, 2017, 05:20 AM

Title: first ice, best guess
Post by: Spider1 on Oct 24, 2017, 05:20 AM
ok guys, lets hear all the predictions and wishful thoughts. When do you think you will get to walk on water this year? I'm gonna be optimistically realistic.

Dec. 16th.
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: icehound67 on Oct 24, 2017, 05:34 AM
The way it looks now, that would be great!!
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: supervdl on Oct 24, 2017, 07:19 AM
Last season I was the first time on the ice the weekend before Christmas. I am hoping for the same or a little better and they way the long-term forecast is, I would take it. So I am hoping for 12/16 as well. Looking at the forecast and since I won't be the guy out on 3 inch ice, it might slip another week.
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: RuttNutt on Oct 24, 2017, 07:26 AM
I'm gonna say Nov 23rd!  ;D May be more wishful thinking than realistic prediction, but hey, I'm an eternal optimist!  ;)
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Chris338378 on Oct 24, 2017, 09:34 PM
Not soon enough.  LOL  I'm going to be optimistic and say a prayer with this one, December 10th.
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: RuttNutt on Oct 25, 2017, 07:19 AM
If this forecast holds, it may be closer to Dec 3rd!  ;) 

https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/shohola-township-pa/18458/daily-weather-forecast/2156179?day=41 (https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/shohola-township-pa/18458/daily-weather-forecast/2156179?day=41)
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: supervdl on Oct 25, 2017, 08:52 AM
Yeah, big change in the forecast - I noticed this morning. Dec 3 certainly works for me :-)
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Spider1 on Oct 25, 2017, 08:56 AM
Accuweather? I'd sooner trust the wooly worms, LOL!
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: supervdl on Oct 25, 2017, 09:13 AM
LOL!! You have a point...
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Jason1817 on Oct 25, 2017, 10:06 AM
I’m gonna guess 12/6 4.5 inch of ice in/around tioga county PA
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: IceholeHEN on Oct 25, 2017, 10:41 AM
my guess is 12/12 with 4 inches of clear
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: chez on Oct 25, 2017, 05:03 PM
Im thinkinking 1st or 2nd week january.
If we are lucky.
Weather is looking warm on most reports
Ive been seeing.
Im hoping NY gets good ice so i can get up on Oneida with the boys.
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: RuttNutt on Oct 27, 2017, 06:44 AM
Ba Humbug! We don't want to hear talk like that, Chez!  ;)
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: PaWhiskerWacker on Oct 27, 2017, 07:05 AM
We all hope for ice by 2marrow!  I fish the early stuff, once there is 1.5" I am pokin'!  I say by dec 20, just in time for a late birthday/ early Christmas present!
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: aquarium234 on Oct 27, 2017, 07:12 AM
I made it on weekend before Christmas myself last year, If I can repeat that with the start we have had so far this fall i'll be happy. I just want safe ice, I hated having to leave my snowmobile in the trailer last year as I walked out.....thank goodness for smitty sleds......I have way to much stuff to just walk out dragging a regular sled.... ::)
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: PaWhiskerWacker on Oct 27, 2017, 07:20 AM
I made a smitty 2 years back, I drag in deep now a lot of time with loads of gear.  I found that the smitty hung me up in the deep stuff?  I went to a jet sled xl and it was big enough to not tip over in the deep stuff and keep my gear up on top of snow better.  Now just a pair of snow shoes would be the bees knees
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Spider1 on Oct 27, 2017, 07:21 AM
The report I saw from Todd Crawford that said October would be slightly above average but Nov and Dec would be slightly below average for the NE.

https://weather.com/forecast/national/news/temperature-outlook-october-november-december-2017
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: RuttNutt on Oct 27, 2017, 08:57 AM
I like the looks of that, SPider!  @)  And it seems to match up with what Accuweather is saying now!
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Chris338378 on Oct 27, 2017, 02:19 PM
More good news. 
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Eyemadness354 on Oct 29, 2017, 01:20 PM
It's cold here in creekside today I'm hoping in a few more weeks water temp will fall and skim ice will start to form...I'm ready to get out on ice since the boat is winterized and Erie eyes are about done..
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: PaWhiskerWacker on Oct 30, 2017, 05:31 AM
3 days of straight rain here in nwpa, great for the steelhead! If it was just a little colder this rain would have been a crippling snow storm...
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: blackjack1 on Oct 31, 2017, 06:00 PM
according  to the wooley worm we will be icefishing by dec 17 in ne pa
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Chris338378 on Oct 31, 2017, 08:49 PM
I hope you're right. 
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: PaWhiskerWacker on Nov 01, 2017, 07:21 AM
Ice looks good here in NWPA this mornin!!!  Totally fishable!!!
(https://s1.postimg.cc/82uz6w0e63/20171101_081701.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/82uz6w0e63/)
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Eyemadness354 on Nov 02, 2017, 05:46 PM
A little on the warm side today and for the next week and a half.... That cold spell we had got me excited hopefully it returns....
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: iceman4667 on Nov 04, 2017, 07:23 PM
First week of the new year I think .   hope it's sooner
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: RuttNutt on Nov 07, 2017, 06:55 AM
Very interesting!  ;)

https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/shohola-township-pa/18458/hourly-weather-forecast/2156179?hour=95 (https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/shohola-township-pa/18458/hourly-weather-forecast/2156179?hour=95)

12 degrees Friday night?!  @)
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: MumbleSEED on Nov 07, 2017, 10:55 AM
I think Santa is going to bring me good ice for Christmas.  If it comes sooner I'll let the first 5 people who see me on the ice attempt to smack the smile off my face! ;D
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Chris338378 on Nov 07, 2017, 11:24 AM
Right now it's 33 degrees and they're calling for snow showers starting at 12:30P.M., lows in the 20's until Friday when they're saying it's going to go down to 13 degrees, and then next week the lows everyday are going to be 34 or colder.  Hopefully this is a sign that it's going to start staying cold and we'll have an early season.   Either way this cold snap will definitely cool down the water.
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: PikeChaser198 on Nov 07, 2017, 12:00 PM
Hoping for second week of December
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: minnook on Nov 07, 2017, 12:37 PM
i been good all year .. hopefully santa will deliver by christmas
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Bob S on Nov 07, 2017, 08:15 PM
Dec 29  that's all I want for my Birthday
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Jordeli on Nov 07, 2017, 08:43 PM
I hope there is good ice on Dec. 26th, only time I can ice fish with my sons, and grandsons.
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: ducksnbucks36 on Nov 08, 2017, 11:50 PM
At this point I’m not guessing a first ice Im just hoping we get ice.  Planning on getting quite a bit of new goodies for this year (ice permitting) and I started it off with a new truck. I’ll at least be able to make it incognito for a year truck wise. 
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: spudbar sam on Nov 15, 2017, 05:29 PM
January 20
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: CowDawg on Nov 15, 2017, 06:15 PM
Well, the toilet bowl and tank in my hunting cabin was froze solid today... Does that count????  It's out in Wayne Co.  ;D

Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: nindo24 on Nov 15, 2017, 07:17 PM
I bagged my first ever archery buck on 11/4, nine point at that. I've been eye-balling ice fishing shelters since 11/5. My cousin just bought land over here in Northumberland county with a small pond on it. It's had a skim of ice on it since the last day of archery. So hopefully we'll be doing some fishing here soon, say by mid-December.
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Chris338378 on Nov 15, 2017, 08:53 PM
Well, the toilet bowl and tank in my hunting cabin was froze solid today... Does that count????  It's out in Wayne Co.  ;D

I wouldn't want to fish in there.   ;D  On a serious note, good thing nothing broke when it froze.
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: RuttNutt on Nov 16, 2017, 11:49 AM
Well, the toilet bowl and tank in my hunting cabin was froze solid today... Does that count????  It's out in Wayne Co.  ;D

I was gonna say "only if you plan to fish it", but Chris beat me to it!  :)
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: RuttNutt on Nov 16, 2017, 11:55 AM
I bagged my first ever archery buck on 11/4, nine point at that. I've been eye-balling ice fishing shelters since 11/5. My cousin just bought land over here in Northumberland county with a small pond on it. It's had a skim of ice on it since the last day of archery. So hopefully we'll be doing some fishing here soon, say by mid-December.

Congrats on your first bow-buck!  @)  You'll always remember that one!  Forecast is looking good for mid-Dec ice-fishing!(at least up here in the Poconos)
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Chute82 on Nov 17, 2017, 06:21 AM
Well, the toilet bowl and tank in my hunting cabin was froze solid today... Does that count????  It's out in Wayne Co.  ;D


Heard rumors of giant brown trout in that bowl...but the owner posts his property and don’t let anyone fish
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: wiredstone on Nov 18, 2017, 06:16 PM
Dec 16th would a great birthday present for me
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: crappie-tom on Nov 19, 2017, 08:31 AM
12/26 probably.  ;D   I miss ice fishin.
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Flyboyroy35 on Nov 19, 2017, 06:31 PM
Central park.  I'm gonna guess 2nd Sat in January
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Spider1 on Nov 20, 2017, 06:21 AM
snow and ice this morning! I don't think I'll be walking on ice for the thanksgiving weekend but wont be long before we'll be drilling holes.  :tipup:
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: RuttNutt on Nov 20, 2017, 08:38 AM
Yep! Mid- Dec!  ;)

https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/shohola-township-pa/18458/daily-weather-forecast/2156179?day=26 (https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/shohola-township-pa/18458/daily-weather-forecast/2156179?day=26)
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Chute82 on Nov 20, 2017, 09:36 AM
End of deer rifle season I was on the ice last year.. then by x-mas it was all gone...
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Kov619 on Nov 20, 2017, 06:43 PM
Chute82.  How much ice were you on last year in ins....
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Chute82 on Nov 21, 2017, 06:11 AM
Chute82.  How much ice were you on last year in ins....

I was on a private lake and had 4”. It’s surrounded by big hills so doesn’t get wind and sun beating on it so freezes fast.  I only walked out about 100 yards and was alone so didn’t adventure to much.  Just spud a hole and fished for a few hrs.  Canada last year was also a bad year.  I could punch my spun bar through most of the ice.  Airboats were being used and the locals pulling their perm huts fast.
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Van_Cleaver on Nov 21, 2017, 09:31 AM
If I had to guess I'd say a couple intrepid guys will be fishing by Dec. 7 at elevation. That said I'm not going out on 2-2.5" of ice myself. ;) probably mid to late Dec. for the fortunate. Some of us have to convince our wives to let us go in the pre-Christmas madness that is sure to come. ::)
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Kov619 on Nov 21, 2017, 10:59 AM
The ice for me has to be 4 or more.....I would not fish on 31/2  last year  os I fished open water in Eire  last year in February....and did  very well......
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: RuttNutt on Nov 21, 2017, 01:45 PM
Some of us have to convince our wives to let us go in the pre-Christmas madness that is sure to come. ::)

My wife learned a long time ago that it is much cheaper to let me go ice-fishing while she(alone) does the pre-Christmas thing! And I usually remind her every year!  ;)
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Chris338378 on Nov 21, 2017, 04:16 PM
That's a good idea.  If she makes you go just put a few expensive things in the cart and if you hunt take her to the gun counter and tell her you want to get a new gun, just make sure the price is over $1,000.   ;D
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: NEZ on Nov 21, 2017, 08:37 PM
I was up by Penfield last Monday and at the boyscout camp pond was frozen.  It had one inch of ice one it and was nice an clear.  It's coming.  I say I will be on Black Moshanon on 12/27 on 4 inches of ice.  Pray for cold nights and NO FREAKING WIND.  That killed us last year.  Nez
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: RuttNutt on Nov 22, 2017, 11:31 AM
That's a good idea.  If she makes you go just put a few expensive things in the cart and if you hunt take her to the gun counter and tell her you want to get a new gun, just make sure the price is over $1,000.   ;D

That's the idea Chris!  ;)

I found the new Striker Ice Predator Jacket online 20% off at Dick's(thanks to a tip I saw here) and she didn't even balk when I told her how much. Got the matching Hoodie and trapper hat online at Cabela's too!(Dick's didn't have them) She didn't even mention that when she saw it on our bank statement. Guess she knows it's cheaper for me to get the specific stuff online than to have me wandering around in the stores like a kid in a candy store!   ;D
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Peccavi18 on Nov 23, 2017, 08:21 AM
The shopping trick is funny cuz it's true, I do it all the time when she forces me to go grocery shopping (we end up eatting steaks or junk food she refuses to buy on her own) or anywhere I don't want to. Don't get me wrong I don't mind shopping I just don't like to do couples shopping, I'll gladly get stuff if we need it but its in and out for me. Amazon on my phone does 90% of any present shopping.
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: supervdl on Nov 28, 2017, 06:53 AM
Now looks like mid-December at the earliest.
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: RuttNutt on Nov 28, 2017, 11:38 AM
Yep- if all goes well, I will be on the ice the morning of the 15th!  ;)  I have to pick up my son from college in the afternoon, so was already thinking about taking the day off. Looking at the forecast, this just may work out! (unless they keep pushing the cooldown back further............... ..  ::))
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: chez on Nov 30, 2017, 06:46 AM
Well, the toilet bowl and tank in my hunting cabin was froze solid today... Does that count????  It's out in Wayne Co.  ;D

Good For Brownies Bro....
The bowl is provably  allready thumbed with corn
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: wiredstone on Dec 01, 2017, 08:00 PM
I will be checking early lakes next weekend. They were locked up last Friday. Water temp is ready :icefish:
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Eyemadness354 on Dec 02, 2017, 01:09 PM
Well I'm happy to say ponds had skim ice on them again  this morning I seen... And after Wednesday looks like the cold is here so shouldn't be long I will try to get out and check some spots next weekend to see if they have caped over shouldn't take long water temps are where they need to be....😁😁😁
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Robbie L on Dec 02, 2017, 05:29 PM
I was at Merli Sarnoski today, Most of the lake was iced over....Best guess for fishing ice for me in NEPA
is Dec. 20......       Rob
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: mike r on Dec 08, 2017, 03:32 PM
SOON I HOPE
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: supervdl on Dec 09, 2017, 06:42 PM
 5 inches of snow and still snowing at my house in NEPA - hope this doesn't throw us back on the timing for first ice
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: dickerson_jared on Dec 09, 2017, 07:25 PM
Posted on a private Facebook page this morning. Somebody beat us all to it.

(https://s33.postimg.cc/vv83zwz2j/Screenshot_20171209-202147.png) (https://postimg.cc/image/vv83zwz2j/)
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: ducksnbucks36 on Dec 10, 2017, 09:35 AM
If iverything works out I may be on some water at somewhat well known spot end of this week.  Had about an inch yesterday, and I can’t see it not making at least 3 or 4 more with this weather we’re about to get
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: wiredstone on Dec 10, 2017, 11:48 AM
I stood on ice yesterday ,but not enough to fish
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: 1MOFISH on Dec 10, 2017, 02:28 PM
If iverything works out I may be on some water at somewhat well known spot end of this week.  Had about an inch yesterday, and I can’t see it not making at least 3 or 4 more with this weather we’re about to get
;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)
ya me too
GOD BLESS
mo
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Kov619 on Dec 10, 2017, 04:43 PM
THE FIHING STARS WILL BE ON MUDDY CREEK ....ON THE LAKE OF LA.......
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: RuttNutt on Dec 10, 2017, 05:08 PM
5 inches of snow and still snowing at my house in NEPA - hope this doesn't throw us back on the timing for first ice

I think we’re ok! We got 6+ in Pike Co, but it apparently got absorbed and my local lake is capped with an inch of ice.

(https://s2.postimg.cc/doga0orph/23_B54_F82-_DC53-4_A5_B-8_BD9-54_B64_A9_FF090.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/doga0orph/)
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Chris338378 on Dec 10, 2017, 06:21 PM
The biggest help for us is if a lake had open water the snow would push down whatever ice it had and help flood it which would freeze up and add to the ice thickness.  I checked a spot yesterday and that's what happened.  My big concern is that we don't end up getting snow every couple of days and it builds up a thick blanket on the ice, that'll be a problem.
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: captain54 on Dec 10, 2017, 06:44 PM
Don't know if it's muddy creek but it will be LA. 2" inches of hard clear and the dare devils will be dancing for those tasty bass. Glad we all got float suits.
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: ducksnbucks36 on Dec 10, 2017, 07:38 PM
Better hope for absolutely perfect conditions for LA unless you plan on fishing the super shallows. Still a lot of open water    On Saturday.  Not saying it can’t happen but it’s not worth gambling
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: captain54 on Dec 11, 2017, 01:22 AM
Really ducksnbucks,you don't think risking your life over 4 fifteen inch bass is worth it. Came on it's party time.lol
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: 1moslab on Dec 11, 2017, 04:47 AM
its hard to believe your an ice fisherman.or woman?
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: chez on Dec 11, 2017, 06:24 AM
I think they will be safe,disable ice in way he county this weekend.
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Spider1 on Dec 11, 2017, 06:24 AM
I don't think the snow is gonna hurt much. But I'm gonna be careful and not waste my time trying to walk out onto an inch or 2. Some guys tend to think they are super coolio cuz they walked on thin ice and caught a fish. whoopeee. Something to post on facebook. All it takes is that one time that stuff happens to ruin your day... or your widows day. Is a few fish really worth not being there for your kids graduation, wedding, grandkids... NO. No fish is worth risking your life over in this day and age. If you're standing over shallow water I say what the heck, have fun and be prepared to be laughed at. But if it's more than 4-5 ft, you are risking a lot. If it's deeper water, well... just leave a note so they know where to start looking.
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: captain54 on Dec 11, 2017, 07:04 AM
Absolutely right Spider 1. My lucky days of being the first one on the ice are over. I always had to be the first one on,took plenty of chances... To be young and dumb is one thing and think your invincible........ but to be old and dumb is another..I'll be on when there's 4", I'm sure there will be some fish left. lol  I hope we have a long and stable ice conditions. I sort of got use to ice fishing three months a few years back.
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Spider1 on Dec 11, 2017, 07:09 AM
Hey Captain, what part of the state are you from? I just checked the long range and they are saying cold temps with a moderate to light chance of snow in the NE for the next month. They said we would get a few nuisance snow storms but nothing crippling. Looks like we will have a good season!  :tipup:
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: RuttNutt on Dec 11, 2017, 07:13 AM
You’re right Spider! You won’t catch me WALKING on 2 or 3”!!!!
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Chris338378 on Dec 11, 2017, 08:29 AM
Yep 4 inches nothing less for me, I have way too much to live for and I'll be damned if my kids are going to loose their Dad over a fish.
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: Kov619 on Dec 11, 2017, 03:39 PM
(https://s18.postimg.cc/jkse83dr9/AF98_C973-_B2_C7-4_E0_E-_BE1_C-975_F2571_A40_A.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/jkse83dr9/)
Last year I did not ice fish was on a lake to ck ice  found the ice to at most 31/2 ins.  Gin clear Thought  2 more days and we will ha 4 ins...but did  not get on it rained and more rained ...warm temps ... my buddy and I did a first put the boat in the bay in Eire in February temps in mid 60s and 70s....ticket for jumbo perch 5 trips  5 double limits of perch some Steel Head ... and gills....but would loved to be on ice but so goes it ...hope to be walking on ice this year ....4 ins or more. Be safe don’t take word of others ck ice for your self on safe ice....MERRY CHRISTMAS ....AND hope Santa brings us safe ice
Title: Re: first ice, best guess
Post by: ducksnbucks36 on Dec 11, 2017, 05:08 PM
Long term forecast changed again.  Only have sun mon and Tuesday for rain.  And high temps.