Taking advantage of the ice and the hungry fish
to be found underneath it was something that came quite naturally to me.
Living along the banks of the Susquehanna River it was only a matter of
time before I gravitated to it in quest of the plentiful walleyes that
dwell there. I recall the ruckus it caused when I started posting about
all the fun I was having fishing frozen river eddies on the North Branch.
I was called a lunatic, irresponsible, crazy and worse, those were
the days.
My first experiences fishing on a river occurred
when I took a road trip to test myself ice fishing on the St Lawrence
River in the Alexandria Bay area. The results of the experience were so
positive that I continued to make the trip a yearly event for a half dozen
or so years. I explored the Wellesley Island access points many of which
are located on state park land and are maintained minimally for ice fishermen.
Pike were my fishy targets back then and I had days of catching several
dozen of them. Fishing Wellesley Island at Lake of the Isles yielded pike,
some monster largemouth bass and perch too. River ice fishing was great
fun.
After, ice fishing the St. Lawrence I was ready
to test the Susquehanna River and see if the eyes of January were as hungry
and ready to bite as they had been before ice up in December. I was not
to be disappointed as the walleye fishing was awesome the fish were fat
and willing to bite a baited jig or a minnow dangled below a tip up. Besides
the 'walleye I caught muskellunge and northern pike with an occasional
carp or channel cat turning up too. River fishing was a productive and
exciting ice fishing adventure.. During this period of time I was traveling
back and forth from NJ to PA up to several times a week. Every time I
crossed the frozen Delaware I found my self wondering if it would be as
ice fishing friendly as the Susky. Having fished both sides of the Delaware
while chasing shad in the springtime I remembered a few spots the should
have nice thick and safe ice to test the Big "D's" ice fishing. For my
first attempt I went up into the Delaware River National Recreation Area
on the Jersey side traveling north well up into the heart of the Rec Area.
There I selected a large eddy that was always a good shad producer. Once
on the ice I found it to be about 14 inches thick and well frozen. I drilled
a line of holes along the contour of an island up the back channel keeping
at least 7 or 8 feet of water below the ice as I went. It wasn't long
before the flags were flying and I had my 3 walleye limit including one
28" trophy.
Ice fishing on rivers is riskier than fishing frozen
lakes and ponds. This can be attributed to the flowing water found in
them. When fishing rivers seek out eddies or other places where the current
is reduced by obstructions. Sharp bends in the river will frequently create
the slack water conditions required for ice to develop into safe evenly
frozen sheets similar to what we find on lakes and ponds. Islands can
create conditions favorable to safe ice fishing spots. places where tributaries
enter the river can also make sizable river eddies.
The Susquehanna's North Branch is blessed with a
good number of slower moving eddies where ice can accumulate and thicken
unhindered by the stronger current found in the main channel. One thing
to note if you decide to give riverine ice fishing a try is that many
(not all) of the best locations are located adjacent to public boat launches
or other public access areas. This holds true on the Delaware, the Susquehanna
and the St. Lawrence rivers it must be more than a coincidence and have
some basis in the planning of these facilities. If you decide to give
river ice fishing a try take a friend bring a rope and a life saving flotation
device. Take care getting on and off the ice. Pay Attention to everything
while you are on the river, pay attention to wet spots and any visible
color variations in the ice. I like to take a spud along. I poke and pry
at the edges before setting foot on river ice. If you are shaky about
fishing on frozen lakes and ponds then this is not going to be for you.
Ideally you should have ice experience and confidence in your ability
to read the ice. Ice fishing rivers can be a rewarding ice fishing adventure
give them their due respect and you could have your best day ice fishing
ever.
If you want to learn more about river ice fishing or the sport
of ice fishing in general, we are here to be a friend, lend a hand and
be a resource in your icy pursuits. Whether you are a beginner or an icy
veteran seasoned by many winters spent on our frozen lakes, you will find
a warm fire, good friends, and extraordinary tales when you step through
the doors of www.icefishin247.com.
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