Buckeye Angler
with Jack Kiser
Based on what we've experienced of autumn's weather thus far, this looks like another Ohio winter that could be devoid of any extended periods of safe ice for hardwater angling.
Of course, there are few certainties when it comes to Ohio weather,
However, the fact is that safe and productive ice fishing is not on the agenda some winters in the Buckeye State.
Still, a whole lot of the colder part of the calendar remains no matter how mild fall may be, so ice anglers keep both prepared and optimistic when reviewing our picks for Northeast Ohio's top projected ice fishing spots for 2009-10.
As an added bonus, however, I'm going to include some key productive open-water options to consider should your ice fishing withdrawal threatens to morph into a serious case of full-blown cabin fever.
Let's begin with local ice-fishing options:
* Lake Erie -- It's problematic for some due to travel distances and problematic for everybody due to the big pond's legendary resistance to any kind of early freeze. This is due to Erie's sheer mass and proclivity for retaining warmth. Reliable sources for up-to-date conditions like trustworthy Web sites and the Ohio Division of Wildlife are critical.
The upside is the potential for not only the biggest walleye of the year, but white bass and tasty yellow perch galore.
* Mogadore Reservoir -- Portage County's legendary panfish lake deserves its lofty status not only for its perch, redear and crappie populations. It's far east end is reliably the area's first sizeable fishery to offer safe, fishable ice every year.
* Lake Milton -- This is arguably the area's most underrated ice fishery. Though crappie tend to run small here, they are available under any bridge area. Walleye bite better here under the ice than without it and the yellow perch are of regularly healthy size. Consider blade baits here.
* Lake Punderson -- Probably the state's most underfished bluegill and/or trout fishery extant, and ODNR officials regularly ask why. Bluegill are often deeper here than most are used to finding them, but when you do, the variety of trout species present are always a bonus.
* Portage Lakes -- These lakes often freeze early, especially at panfish favorites Mud and Rex. Try generally underfished West and Turkeyfoot for the better crappie.
* Nimisila Reservoir -- This nearby Portage Lakes fishery is a shore-fishing favorite in the open-water season and can be productive under the ice. Crappie outshine other species present, including saugeye.
* Berlin Reservoir -- Crappie are the main goal here, especially just outside the shoreline cover.
* LaDue Reservoir -- Located just south of Punderson, this Geauga County hotspot receives more pressure, even during winter hunting seasons. Perch run small, but crappie are better and backbay bluegills are outstanding. Walleye stick near weedline areas.
* West Branch -- Full of loads of varying species, but it's always carried image as a tough ice fishery. A handfull of consistently happy locals would beg to differ.
* Local ponds -- that's right. Some of your very best opportunities can come from local fishing holes.
I never recommend going ice fishing alone\ and I double those concerns when fishing these often isolated holes.
I'd rather be on the ice with 30 other anglers in my general vicinity than have the best pond or strip pit all to myself.
Productive as they can be, if an accident occurs in such an isolated setting, no one may ever really know what became of you.
Having said that, another attractive feature of these small waters in their tendency to freeze earlier -- and better -- than bigger waters.
Not willing to brave the ice? Check out this winter open-water options.
* Ohio River -- I'm thinking here of a personal favorite warmwater discharge located a mile or two downriver of East Liverpool on the West Virginia side. Other pools offer similar opportunities, sometimes for some big fish, like stripers and cats.
* Summit Lake -- This South Akron bassing haven lies just south of Interstate 76. Warm water discharge from southside salt factory provides just what winterbass anglers feeling the itch need.
The only issue is the water quality is questionable.
* Lake Erie -- Among the literal "hotspots" are Avon, Fairport Harbor's "bubble"and Ashtabula Harbor's inner breakwalls. Surprising varieties of fish lurk close to shore.
Editor's note: Readers can reach Jack Kiser via the Web at www.buckeyeangler.com.
E-mail: stowsports@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3113