First Ice

[wax_worm]

Head north my friends.  We have been ice fishing for the last two weeks in northern IL -- not more than 2 hours from most of you all --- there is ice in IL. MI, WI --- 2 hours is an easy drive for those that want to get on the ice.

Drive is not the issue for most.  It is not knowing the lakes, where to park, where the bait shops are, places to stay and then getting on fish on lakes that are not familiar.  If I am going to drive 2 hours and spend cash to spend a few days somewhere, I want to be on fish to make the trip worth it.  I don't get thrilled just to say I walked on the water.

[ridingerboy]

Drive is not the issue for most.  It is not knowing the lakes, where to park, where the bait shops are, places to stay and then getting on fish on lakes that are not familiar.  If I am going to drive 2 hours and spend cash to spend a few days somewhere, I want to be on fish to make the trip worth it.  I don't get thrilled just to say I walked on the water.

well said.The trip and or $$ is not as big a deal as doing well.

[crappie66]

Drive is not the issue for most.  It is not knowing the lakes, where to park, where the bait shops are, places to stay and then getting on fish on lakes that are not familiar.  If I am going to drive 2 hours and spend cash to spend a few days somewhere, I want to be on fish to make the trip worth it.  I don't get thrilled just to say I walked on the water.

Understandable.  I too don't get all worked up just being out there, catching is what excites me and determines if the trip was a success.  There are so many ice fishing message boards these days getting info isn't difficult, the locals usually give good info, sometimes following the pack works, another option is to get with a guide either fully guided or semi guided -- ice fishing guides are relatively low cost by the time you split it amongst a few people.

[wax_worm]

Understandable.  I too don't get all worked up just being out there, catching is what excites me and determines if the trip was a success.  There are so many ice fishing message boards these days getting info isn't difficult, the locals usually give good info, sometimes following the pack works, another option is to get with a guide either fully guided or semi guided -- ice fishing guides are relatively low cost by the time you split it amongst a few people.

I used to live up there (Schaumburg /Barrington area) and ice fishing opportunities seemed limited.  The Fox chain was there, but that is moving water and takes a while to freeze.   I didn't fish much up there due to the rat race that life tends to be in Chicago, but don't recall near as many lakes to try as around here.  How much is your guide service?   

[rico]

I say we all hook up and car pool to Bruce's place.  Dang, he will put us on ice, bed us down for a week or three, and his wife will cook for us whenever we are hungry.  Dang fine offer Bruce, I will check with the boys and give you an arrival date!!!!!!!!!

BTW......you don't have cats do ya?  I hate cats.

[IceGirl246]

I was looking into going on a roadtrip to either Wisconsin or Michigan to get on some ice ...got some new gear and wanting to try it out bad ..it sucks that there is no ice yet down here..anyone ever go to around the greenbay area WI or Cadillac lake MI to fish on ice....i have some vacation days for new years..trying to figure out where to go

[ValparaisoGirl]

Same here!  For me, Michigan is a plus because I all ready have my sports card.  Although, I have a sister in WI that I'd love to visit.  Decisions, decisions!  As for experience with out of state ice fishing-- I got none-- yet.   

[crappieslayer37]

Cadillac is a nice place to go. Pilgrims village is a nice bait shop with up to date fishing conditions and where they're getting them.

[revice]

Pilgrims Village is great in Cadillac, went there two years ago & they will give you good info on where the bite us on. Their cabins are just OK to stay in, I go up again I will stay in a motel.  Still a great p,ace with decent perch!
Good luck..

[FelixD]

First ice ??  You already missed it I fish the 20th of November this year .

Me too!!! 

[matfalk]

Well since gas is cheap for the moment, we should all caravan north.  I'm sure if we split it, we wouldn't spend too much!  I don't have a quad or a snowmobile to fish them bigger lakes, but I'd be willing to chip in for the cost of one!

[crappie66]

The crew is heading north for the 6th ice fishing adventure of the year.   2.5 hrs north of Chicagoland.   Plan is to catch many many many crappie.

[wax_worm]

The crew is heading north for the 6th ice fishing adventure of the year.   2.5 hrs north of Chicagoland.   Plan is to catch many many many crappie.

Good luck...post some pics!

[taxi1]

Well since gas is cheap for the moment, we should all caravan north.  I'm sure if we split it, we wouldn't spend too much!  I don't have a quad or a snowmobile to fish them bigger lakes, but I'd be willing to chip in for the cost of one!

How much does the gas price help with the high Michigan license fee price for nonresidents? You could by a lot of gas for $75.00.

[Fishking83]

How much does the gas price help with the high Michigan license fee price for nonresidents? You could by a lot of gas for $75.00.

And by "a lot" he means filling up the truck with 1 tank.

[Gills-only]

Read there is 8" ice on Lake Mitchell!!

[taxi1]

And by "a lot" he means filling up the truck with 1 tank.

Some of us don't buy those gas guzzlers. 

[Stinkybaits]

How much does the gas price help with the high Michigan license fee price for nonresidents? You could by a lot of gas for $75.00.

I can definetely say the 75 fee is worth every penny. I'm sure I ate 75lbs worth of steel head and salmon this year! At 20 to 25 bucks a pound for the no color added salmon I saved a TON of cash and had a blast doing it. I'll make sure to do some ice trips there hopefully Fishking can put me on some more Lamprey. I'm getting hungry for more bacon wrapped lamprey rolls!!!

[wax_worm]

I can definetely say the 75 fee is worth every penny. I'm sure I ate 75lbs worth of steel head and salmon this year! At 20 to 25 bucks a pound for the no color added salmon I saved a TON of cash and had a blast doing it. I'll make sure to do some ice trips there hopefully Fishking can put me on some more Lamprey. I'm getting hungry for more bacon wrapped lamprey rolls!!!

[Fishking83]

I'm done with ice fishing.  I went yesterday and had terrible luck and found out that my Vexilar battery is shot.  I also ordered a new Striker suit and 2 weeks later company tells me they have no idea where my suit is and as soon as they get one in they will ship it out.  I'm leaving on Wednesday for Wisconsin but once I get back I'm headed to Florida to go shark fishing.  My buddy moved down there and invited me to go down there and catch sharks this week.  Some fresh grouper sounds excellent anyways. 

[slabgill]

I'm ready to start wading King!!

[Stinkybaits]

OH!!!! Saltwater Lamprey waaay bigger. Fillet those off the sides of the sharks for me!

[Fishslayer81]

He says Perch are no good, but can't wait for more of those lamprey rolls.