Hoopengarner on Outdoors
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Ice anglers hope for chilly start to 2001
Although sportsmen have already opened their Christmas presents, a few die-hard anglers are hoping Mother Nature delivers at least one more seasonal gift - safe ice.
It's been several years since Mid-Columbia anglers have seen a winter with prolonged temperatures cold enough to offer anything resembling ice fishing.
However, the winter of 2000-01 is shaping up as one that just may open up a few winter fishing opportunities.
Madonna Luers, a state Department of Fish and Wildlife spokeswoman in Spokane, said that except for north and northeastern Washington, most lakes open to fishing do not have enough safe ice.
"The best bet right now is Fourth of July Lake near Sprague. Fourth of July is a winter-only lake which opened Dec. 1 and closes March 31," she said.
Luers cautions, though, that while many lakes in the Spokane area have ice ranging 3-6 inches thick, recent above-freezing weather has been melting the frozen shells.
A good rule of thumb is that 4 inches of ice is considered safe, but the strength of ice depends on several factors, including temperature, exposure to sunlight, wind and underwater currents.
"For those brave enough to fish on the ice and in the cold," she said, "the fishing has been excellent, with trout ranging in size from 12 to 22 inches."
The ice also is still good on Hatch and Williams lakes in Stevens County, reports state fish biologist Curt Vail. Both lakes are open to winter rainbow trout fishing through March.
If sustained freezing weather returns to the east side, the Lind Coulee arm of Potholes Wildlife Area could offer top-notch perch fishing. Also, many of the nearby year-round seep lakes can be excellent for trout and spiny-ray species.
For the most up-to-date ice fishing conditions in the Potholes, call Mar Don Resort on Potholes Reservoir at 509-346-2651.
Although many Yakima area waters open to fishing are iced over, most are not thick enough to allow safe fishing.
However, should the ice melt or turn solid, Yakima's Interstate 82 ponds Nos. 4 and 6 - which are open year-round - have recently been stocked with rainbow brood trout from the Goldendale and Naches fish hatcheries.
Fish biologist Eric Anderson said each lake was stocked with 86 10-pound rainbows. Myron and Rotary lakes also have been stocked with a total of about 100 large trout.
Another top winter-only fishing spot - ice or no ice - is North Elton Pond, north of Yakima and east of Interstate 82 on East Selah Road. Jumbo trout, ranging from 1 to 112 pounds, are the rule and there is a two-fish daily limit.
Should you decide to head out for some ice fishing, call ahead for conditions.
And, if you're not sure of the thickness when you arrive at the lake, drill a series of test holes as you make your away across the lake.
Look for solid, clear ice. If in doubt, turn back.
Besides putting safety first, you'll need to outfit yourself properly to catch fish and remain comfortable while on the ice.
Here are a few essentials of ice fishing:
Tackle - Small, lightweight spinning rods and reels with 4- to 6-pound line work well. Jigs, such as the Swedish Pimples and others, tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler, maggot or Power Bait, are standard ice-fishing fare.
Ice auger - Either hand- or gas-powered augers are recommended rather than trying to chop or pound a hole through the ice. Phil's Sporting Goods in Pasco sells hand-operated augers for about $50.
Slush spoon or kitchen strainer - Once the ice hole is drilled, you'll need to keep the opening clear by straining out chips of ice or slush.
Equipment bucket and a child's sled - A five-gallon bucket with a lid works great for transporting your gear across the ice. The bucket also doubles as a seat once you get there. And, if you can get your hands on a small child's sled, you can pile on plenty of extra gear such as a portable heater.
Clothing - Nothing can ruin a trip quicker than being cold, so layer on plenty of winter clothes and wear insulated pac boots. Also, carry at least two pairs of gloves.
I'd recommend making one of them a pair of neoprene gloves for handling wet fish or straining slush.
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