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Maryland => Ice Fishing Maryland and West Virginia => Topic started by: FishDeepCreek on Oct 23, 2003, 06:27 AM

Title: Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: FishDeepCreek on Oct 23, 2003, 06:27 AM
Anyone else ready for ice yet? We had a small blanket of snow this morning,up here at Deep Creek gotta feeling we will get some ice early this year. Got some new toys im ready to try out on the ice, wont be long!
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: Fat Boy on Oct 29, 2003, 09:49 PM
Lemme know when you get out on some good ice and I'll head West and join you!

I can't wait for ice!  I can't wait for ice!  I can't wait for ice!  I can't wait for ice!  I can't wait for ice!  I can't wait for ice!  I can't wait for ice!  I can't wait for ice!  I can't wait for ice!  I can't wait for ice!  I can't wait for ice!  I can't wait for ice!   ;D
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: FishDeepCreek on Oct 30, 2003, 10:18 PM
Ill put up a post when we get ice, as I did last year. Im really looking forward to this season, my luck we will get a mild winter lol. Got a new Vexilar FL18 propack, im dying to try out. Going to pick up a gas auger in a few weeks, last years ice was thick towards the end of season (2feet in some spots!) I plan on drilling lots of holes for hole hopping in the evening when the walleye bite sets in. Been also cranking out a bunch of ice jigs, that im dying to try out too!
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: mr._freeze on Nov 04, 2003, 08:01 PM
Man , it sounds like you took care of all the things I was planning to do in the off season. Unfortunatly open water season purchases like a couple new rods and reels, a new trolling motor ect. keep getting in the way. It just needs to stay cold all year ! Then I'll actually be ready for ice fishing. Keep hope alive though might be able to talk Santa (Mrs. Freeze) into a few of those items.
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: FishDeepCreek on Nov 12, 2003, 06:23 AM
Im bad about that too. Going into Bass Pros, Gander Mountain etc. I say to myself im only going to pick a few small things , then end up spending more than I should have. But you only live once, and if you have fun with it then what the hay. The cold air will be here soon, snowfall is expected tonight-tommorrow once the cold front moves in. Hopefully by X-mas we will have some fishable ice like last year. Early ice last year was tops!
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: genz_man on Nov 12, 2003, 04:23 PM
Just spoke to fat boy today and it looks like we will head your way FDC. If you would like some added company. We do not know fishing locations very well on DC during ice season and would be more then glad to share tackle, Info, Etc. It would be a blast. Looking to this coming ICE SEASON with much anticipation. :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: FishDeepCreek on Nov 12, 2003, 07:53 PM
Ill keep you guys informed, on ice conditions as they become availible. Hopefully we will start to get ice soon, we were out ice fishing before Christmas last year, the first ice bite was top notch. Hopefully the horse perch like the pic below will be back at it again. The pic is a Deep Creek Giant, that I iced at early ice (one among the many we caught). Another place to get info or conditions is at www.fishdeepcreek.com. Click on message board from the main page. No I am not affiliated with that page,just happen to have the same user name. It is run by Brent Nelson who is a guide on Deep Creek. I go under the handle "Rock" on that web forum.

(http://www.photobucket.com/albums/1103/FishDeepCreek/JumboYellowCompare.jpg)
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: genz_man on Nov 14, 2003, 04:31 PM
I am going to do some searching around for a fishtrap and maybe a gas auger. Not sure about the auger but it looks like the fishtrap is going to be a must if we are gonna hit DC this season. Thanks for the link I will check it out. That is one heckuva sweet pig perch.  ;D :'(
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: FishDeepCreek on Nov 14, 2003, 05:54 PM
Take a look at the Scout Model Fish Trap, Ive been 100% happy with mine! Gander Mountain is stocking them now. I think a one man is the way to go, I prefer a Trap over a clam for speed of setting up. Also a one man is a little easier to haul. I bought the Scout model, is does not have the zipper door, which I do not need. I rarely use tips ups, I do set up a deadstick, so running in & out of a shanty isnt a big deal, plus is takes only a second to flip open a Scout. If you do decide on a Fish Trap Scout, look carefully! Some Gander Mountains are carrying an older model for $149. It is an older model, and I think the one that is going for $199.00 is a lot better. The older model does not have side vents/flaps, which is not great for using heaters! Also the new Scouts have dark blue lining for dimming the inside of the shanty for sight fishing, and better illumination of Flashers. The dark interior does work for sight fishing, the floor gets a glowing hue to it if its sunny out. I was amazedd how far down I could see my ice jig with the Fish Trap, even iced a few perch watching it through the hole!
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: icefishnfool on Nov 15, 2003, 02:16 AM
hey FishDeepCreek....any ice there yet ....I am from Bedford County PA and frequent the lake for those jumbo Perch.........I got some nice eyes last year also .....would not mind  meetin up on the ice and gettin some fatties with you this year ...keep me posted ....thanks ....how about High Point ? heard anything about the ice there yet ?
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: FishDeepCreek on Nov 15, 2003, 05:25 AM
No ice yet, the weather has turned sharply cold now, but I think will rise again for the next few days. Last year we didnt get fishable ice until mid December, and if memory serves me right it didnt start to glaze up at all until the beggining of December. But as I stated I will post condtions as they become available. I cannot physically check ice out in all areas, generally ill check Marsh Run cove, and a spot in the South End Of The lake. Last year Marsh Run Cove, was only maybe 2 1/2 inches a the start of the season, while the South end was 4-5 inches thick, so it can vary greatly from one end to the other! As far as High point, im quite sure there is no ice at the moment. I have never fished High Point, in fact I dont really fish PA too much. Deep Creek Lake is just at the end of my road, so its kinda hard to go elsewhere, especially since the fishing is good on Deep Creek!
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: genz_man on Nov 16, 2003, 06:36 AM
As far as the shelter goes thanks for the tips. My buddy fat boy reminded me that a shelter would be a good addition seeing as we are getting older and not as impervious to the cold as we used to be.:P For deep creek has your experience been better during early ice for perch and crappie or is late ice best? We kinda want to get an idea ballpark wise as to when to plan on hooking up with you. We just pull our homemade sleds behind us packed with most of our gear but for days where the weather conditions are tough it would really be nice to have the shelter.  :'(  Is there enough room in the shelter you recommend to haul most of your gear ?!?
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: FishDeepCreek on Nov 16, 2003, 07:55 AM
Depends on how much gear you haul. The FishTrap scout has a rod hammick under the seat rail which is nice, it will hold a mess of rod & reel combos. I carry a Mr heater propane heater a plano box full of baits, my Polar vision and a minnow bucket, and lots more fine. The only thing thats may be a challenge will be the gas auger, but i think it will haul that fine. One of the thing I dislike, and it dosnt matter what kinda sled or shanty you have is if there is real slushy snow on top, it builds up and can be a pain to pull! Its not usally like that we had a couple days that it did. I dont like to carry a huge shanty around, because I do like to move if the fish arent biting, instead of sitting on the same spot all day. As far as time of year, first ice last year was tops! They were really turned on, but as the season progresses, you have to move to different areas. First ice there usally in the coves, mid season out on main lake points, late back in the coves. There excpetions of course, thats just a generalization. Also last year I didnt have a vex, I think it will be a good tool, for during the mid season when the bite sometimes gets tough. Also as far as crappies, Ive had no luck with them through the ice, they tend to be very mysterous after Spring. If you do find crappies, they are huge! One thing about Deep Creek is that panfish grow very big!  I fished for panfish all over MD, Deep Creek takes my top pick hands down, one reason why I moved here!
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: genz_man on Nov 17, 2003, 05:57 AM
Cool. Fat boy along with myself have old zercom units. We really like them. I have seen and had a short chance to use the new vexilar color flasher but I think ours are better. Dunno just personal preference I guess?! When we first started ice fishing we did not have sonar. I cannot believe I fished without it. We will try to get out there during early ice weather depending. Keep us posted as to your conditions and we can try to get something together. We move alot trying to locate fish ourselves when the bite is off. I think I am going to pass on the gas auger and get the trap around x-mas (money depending) and if not will have to brave the elements one more year but I hope not. I am sure using a shelter will take a little getting used to. Do you get to do any night fishing and if you do has your luck been decent? We have lanterns but will need to get a couple of heaters also. Money just flies out the door when it comes to fishing. Always something new to buy:'( Thanks again for all the helpful info it is much appreciated. ;D
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: FishDeepCreek on Nov 17, 2003, 05:15 PM
Ive fished in the dark a few times, strangley the fish bite turns off once full dark sets in. I really didnt fish much at night during the ice season, I plan to this year. My brother didnt have a shanty last year, and night time (and day time!) gets pretty darn cold. Look into a Mr Heater Buddy Heater, I fish in my trap on pretty cold days with no gloves or hat! Almost like fishing in a heated car. Usally the time right before dark sets is great, mainly for walleyes, they really turn on, and I feel the best time for them is then. I think they must go pretty shallow in dark. Id like to run into a nighttime crappie bite one time. I plan on night fishing more this year. As for lanterns, I picked a new LED tent light called a bonfire (Galyans near you has it) The LED units last a long time on a set of batteries, and burn bright, but not too bright that it would shoot light down an ice hole. You really dont need a gas auger until late in the season, early ice was maybe 5 inches, and my Mora cuts it quick. Late season however we had 2 feet of ice, and it was a royal pain! Ive tested my Fl-18 on open water, this year, I am amazed at this unit. The bottom zoom feature will work great on Deep Creek, almost every walleye, and perch I iced last year was near or at the bottom, which is where I think the FL -18 will shine. Oh and one more thing, Deep Creek is loaded with chain pikerels, so bringing a good supply of ice jigs is a good idea! I dont like using steel leader on small jigs, so I carry a big supply of ice jigs. Alot people dont like the pikerels, I think there a blast on ice rods, and an added bonus.
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: genz_man on Nov 17, 2003, 05:49 PM
Man you are talking about a great time. I love fishing for picks in open water.....they give one helluva fight. I would like to try for walleye also. We can do a nightbite. I really enjoy night time fishing cause you can do better then you think you can sometimes........the cold can zap you if conditions worsen so staying warm is going to be a major priority but not impossible. If we pick up the traps those lights you mentioned will come in mighty handy. I will scout around for them. I have never caught a walleye thru the ice so that would be really neat. Looking forward to hitting the ice soon.
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: Fat Boy on Nov 19, 2003, 12:47 AM
The key to night fishing for panfish is to find a bunch of fish in the day and set up there at night, especially if you get a few crappies mixed in.  A group of people fishing with lanterns draws them in.  For me, a day trip would mean only about a couple of hours at night because GM and I have a long drive home.  If we stay the night, then we'd be up for a longer night bite.

FDC, you're getting me fired up.  I'm envious so much of you because you're from our area down here, relocated, and have that hot spot so close by.  But, heck, someone's got to enjoy it so it might as well be you ;)!  Lookin' forward to hookin' up.  With 3 flashers out there it's easier to find the fish, that's for sure.  I've haven't done well at that lake through the ice but what I've caught has been nice - jumbo gills, jumbo perch, and some walleyes.  I like to fish jigging spoons a lot too and haven't tried them there too much.  They are big fish baits on other lakes that I fish.  Crappie are kind of weird, in the winter they tend to move to the deep basins, but not too deep, like 25' to 30'.  In that lake, I guess that would be some of the coves.  They often suspend, especially at night.  So, if you haven't fished with a flasher before, that may explain why you don't catch many crappies there.  Your slab calico numbers will increase dramatically if they inhabit the areas that you like to fish simply because you can see them.  They feed up, rarely feed down, so knowing where they are in the water column is half the battle, the rest is what area of the lake.  

By the way, have you caught trout on that lake through the ice?  I've heard that there are some pretty big ones in there.
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: icefishnfool on Nov 20, 2003, 08:57 PM
I caught a big brown there last year in mchenerys cove ...29 inches , while jign for perch
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: genz_man on Nov 22, 2003, 04:49 AM
Are there any trout in DC? I do not mean where I have to go to work ....hahaha :'( That would be an added plus. How is the weather out that way? Is it getting any colder?
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: FishDeepCreek on Nov 22, 2003, 06:08 AM
Yes there rainbow & Browns, some get pretty big. Most anglers catch them near the dam during open water season, jigging kastmasters or drifting minnows in deep water. During the ice season I believe the cold water makes them deperse. I did have a field day a couple time out on Deep Creek on trout,during the open water season, my brother and I limited out in maybe 10 minutes. We kept seeing a large dark cloud, we tossed out Storm Pigmy spinners they nailed it everycast. I think we boated over 20 rainbows a piece. Its not always like that, trout can be kinda hard to find in there, but they are there. The weather here has been unusally warm for November. We should be shoveling snow by now, instead the weekends high will be in the hi 60's! A cold front is coming in on Monday with a chance of snow showers. Were gonna hit the lake tommorrow on the boat one last time, try to nail a few Fall walleyes & smallies. As for species of fish heres what Deep Creek Offers- Northern Pike, Chain Pikerel, Crappie, bluegill,Yellow Perch, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, walleye, Pumkinseed, Rock bass, carp, catfish (bullheads)Smallmouth bass, Largemouth Bass. The lake also has a healthy population of golden shiners, which is a good forage for the predator fish. A real common forage too, that ive noticed is baby bluegills. We caught a bunch of small mouth, and even yellow perch, and pikerels that puke up these fish when hooked.
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: genz_man on Nov 23, 2003, 04:43 AM
It is always cool to get a mixed bag on the ice. I love catching trout when you can get them to hit. They fight really well. Sounds like we are gonna have to put a serious hurt'n on them this year. I will start getting more seriously geared towards ice fishing over the next few weeks. Will start by pulling out the old sled and checking hand auger and other assorted hardware. Gotta go hit the store for some propane also. Ahhh so much to do so little time. :'(
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: Fat Boy on Nov 24, 2003, 12:50 AM
Yep, gotta get equipment in order too, GM.  Remember my burned out lantern?  I gotta order new parts for that.  Also, gotta sell my truck and git me a shanty!  I decided that it's far more important to have something to put the Team Ice Shanty sticker on than just to keep warm ;)...

Gotta clean and/or paint my jigs and spoons too, get reels in order and put new line on them too.  I already got a new rod, skimmer, cleats, and a few jigs at Gander MT.  And, I've got a good vehicle to get to all the spots too now.  I'm considering personalized plates, maybe Fat Boy...

Gosh this is fun just thinking about the upcoming season.  If only the weather will cooperate.  FDC, if you don't have ice, will you consider traveling E or NE to Central PA if they do?
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: mr._freeze on Nov 26, 2003, 08:00 PM
Last year things were freezing up by the end of deer season. Deer season starts Saturday. It's only two weeks long!! Lets hope for a repeat!!
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: FishDeepCreek on Nov 27, 2003, 05:51 PM
Was out on the lake last weekend (Deep Creek) water temp is 42 degrees F. Fishing was way slow, did pound a few swedish pimple, hooked something nice in about 20ft of water but it popped off. Also watched a nice sized trout, slash the water surface. The temps are starting to cool off, there callling for a significant snowfall (few inches) on Friday night and Saturday Morning. Im hoping for some fishable hardwater by X-mas again! Will keep posted when ice appears!
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: Freezin on Dec 02, 2003, 10:05 AM
Yes Friend I too can't wait to hit the hard water at Deep Creek.  I have fished there several times and it was awsome!  I fished mostly in the mchenry cove, I don't know if this is the best spot since I'm not real familar with that huge lake!  I did however catch some huge perch and bluegills, 1 walleye and a pike so it cant be the worst spot on the lake. -   KIT                                                                                                                              
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: FishDeepCreek on Dec 02, 2003, 06:13 PM
McHenry Cove (Marsh Run Cove is the real name, but everyone calls it McHenry Cove) is not a bad cove at all. Ive done well there too. Id look into getting yourself a Topo map, and explore other areas too if you can. Deep Creek is tough for accsessability, and parking. I think this year we may resort to having my a drop off done to spots. There some areas I really liked to have try, but lack of parking makes it hard.
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: mr._freeze on Dec 02, 2003, 09:02 PM
I know what you mean about access. When you get alot of snow it's even worse. Still I see alot of folks fishing in spots and wonder how they got there. I'm guessing they must have got dropped off. On another note I bet it's getting kinda cold up there. I'm not going to miss the early ice walleye bite this year! FDC , thanks for keeping us informed.
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: genz_man on Dec 04, 2003, 06:07 PM
Looks like we are going to get our first taste of snow-rain-sleet tomorrow and sat. I can feel the ice forming up right now. Cannot wait to get out on it ;D Can you fish right out from the boat ramp ??? My occasional fishing buddy took me up during the fall a couple years back and it looks like it would be a great spot but not sure what it is called or it's exact location on the lake. It will be a blast once we can get up that way. Looking forward to hooking up this year DC :'(
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: FishDeepCreek on Dec 06, 2003, 06:49 AM
You can fish out of the state park, but you will have to do alot of dragging to get to the lake. The other thing is that area freezes up later, because it in the main lake area which is hit with winds. The bottom there is more rocky, but people do fish that area with success. Ive always prefered the south end of the lake year round, although I do fish some spot further up. The south end is more weedy, and softer bottom, the top tends to be more rocky & deeper. I guess it depends on what species of fish you may be after.
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: genz_man on Dec 07, 2003, 06:38 AM
Well when we hook up with you do you have a decent spot for us to access the lake? Fat boy is good at things memory wise but I cannot find my way to work the next day ??? He would more then likely know what or where you are talking about. How much snow did you guys get and what are the latest lake conditions? If this cold snap stays in place you guys will not have to wait much longer. Near DC where I live the temps and weather can go up and down like a yo-yo sometimes.    
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: genz_man on Dec 07, 2003, 07:12 AM
Forgot to mention the walleye stuff I needed to ask you. I have not had the opportunity much to hit the hardwater for walleyes. I mainly fish for perch and crappies. Fat boy is more accustomed to using spoons and whatnot. I am not that experienced and would like some tips for what tackle I may need to get. PM me if you would rather discuss it off the main board. :'(
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: FishDeepCreek on Dec 07, 2003, 01:47 PM
Swedish Pimples, & Kastmasters, in gold are good. Swedish pimple thats silver with orange tape on it is good too. My bro had luck with small orange whistler jigs. They even hit tear drop type baits too, but probably prefer more traditional walleye ice lures. We always tip with minnows, or piece of minnows. Ive picked up a few Salmo Chubby Darters to try this year, I was unable to find any last season, so didnt get to try them then. Forage minnows from Northland work too. Ive made a fwe largers sized "pounder" style jigs that I want to try this year as well.
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: genz_man on Dec 08, 2003, 04:05 AM
Thanks again for all the info. How is the lake looking? Did you guys get pounded with snow? I would imagine the ice is forming up as we speak. It is pretty freakin cold now in our neck of the woods and I imagine 5 to 10 or more degrees colder out your way. I hope the warm temps for mid week do not happen out your way. Looks like it may be a big rain maker.
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: FishDeepCreek on Dec 08, 2003, 05:28 PM
I dont think we had the snow like you guys had, maybe only 5 inches if that. NOAA was predicting 8-15 originally, but it never happened. It did get cold last night and the lake got a good boost on freezing. See my newest post for a pic & details!
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: Jim_C. on Dec 09, 2003, 12:40 PM
Hey Genz Man and Fat Boy, I'll be on the ice this weekend in Central Maine.  We had 2 to 3 feet of snow, but the noreaster blew the lakes pretty clean.  We had 2.5 to 5 inches of black ice before the snow.  I just got my Garmin GPS unit yesterday and should get my maggies tomorrow.  Sunday, I plan to be on Taylor Pond working the bass and jumbo panfish.  I love Winter....and it's great to be in a place where it's 5 moths long. ;D

Jim
Title: Re:Getting Close To Ice Season.
Post by: genz_man on Dec 10, 2003, 04:41 AM
Jim you lucky devil you.8) I have to order up some maggies. Looked like we were going to get a decent cold snap AND now we are gonna get warmer temps and blasted with RAIN >:( Oh well will wait a couple more weeks then I guess. Keep up posted Jim. If you have a digicam take a few pics. I just got into digital photography and really like it. Started burning them onto cd's to make a big collection and all. Well gotta run. Good luck and don't fall thru :'(