12-1-13

[dylan8351]

It felt good to be back on the ice today. We fished on 4" of black ice that deteriorated throughout the day but still allowed us to stay until almost dark. The fish were cruising and it was near impossible to get a pattern on them. Because of the clear ice nothing was suspending but any opening in green weeds was the best bet. Towards dark the crappie began crushing anything dropped down. We left before it was too dark so we could get off with ease as the shores were terrible.

[Champlain Islander]

Great post and pictures as usual Dylan. I drove around the island and checked out a few spots yesterday. Abnaki and Pauquettes don't look good enough yet but there were a couple of guys out on Dillenback. Carry looks fishable at least at Birdland and there were people out off the RT 78 bridge. I understand that there is 5" of black ice all along the shore going north towards Campbells but I didn't go out to check. Sandbar south and keelers are iced over but I haven't seen anyone out there. I have to do some work on the wheeler to get it ready for good ice and might get out on Tuesday on one or more of the spots I mentioned. I still have to get the ML season out of my system though B-4 I go full blast into my favorite winter passion.

[dylan8351]

A few more days of fishing would be nice but the ice lost a lot of color towards the end of the day. Depending on what the weather does I might shoot for Wednesday. I will probably put a few more days in with the muzzleloader but it will be tough if the ice sticks. Headed to Minnesota in less than two weeks to fish.

[Champlain Islander]

Fished for perch today on the west shore of alburgh and caught 42 pounds with a 50/50 mix. Not much ice and going fast with the west wind eating away at it. December 3 ice fishing on Champlain...I can't remember having that happen this early. Good luck on your fishing trip Dylan.

[dylan8351]

Glad you got out! Sounds like a decent day. I wanted to get out tomorrow but no one down this way is fishing. I will shoot my muzzleloader and check some cameras instead. Good day to spend in the woods and work in the afternoon.