Ice-fishing hopes melt, but fear not

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Ice-fishing hopes melt, but fear not

There’s no shortage of winter activities for most outdoor enthusiasts

by Dave Golowenski / THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH


Columbus, OH - January 08, 2006 People waiting for an ice-fishing season might have a long wait, but winter holds other opportunities.



John Hageman Jr., a veteran ice guide on South Bass Island, reported by e-mail a few days ago that the prospects for plying his trade were "much less promising" than they had been a few weeks ago, when a premature chill caused an ice sheet to form over much of western Lake Erie and on most central Ohio impoundments.

In late December, a few people got out on foot to cut holes and dip lures off Put-in-Bay, Hageman said, but those tentative efforts were not rewarded with much action. Further, with the recent run of mild weather, "the thin ice has deteriorated and is unsafe for use."

A cold snap could cause the ice to thicken, Hageman said, but the earliest date for relatively safe fishing wouldn’t come before Jan. 20.

"Last year, we didn’t start until Jan. 25, so there’s no need to panic yet," he said, "but you might say that we’re at least mildly concerned about a short or no-ice season."


• Ice or none, eagle watching can be enjoyed safely by all family members from the comfort of a heated vehicle. Ohio Division of Wildlife biologists will be compiling reports on eagle sightings through next Sunday as part of a nationwide survey to determine wintering eagle populations in North America.

Those who see a bald or golden eagle can make a contribution to science by phoning in details to the wildlife division’s Crane Creek Wildlife Research Station at (419) 898-0960. Bald eagles are a common sight at Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area, north of Marion.

As reported by John Switzer in last Sunday’s Dispatch, as many as 13 bald eagles have been sighted at one time at Hoover Reservoir. Jim McCormac, a wildlife division naturalist and president of the Ohio Ornithological Society, said the current gathering of eagles at Hoover is unprecedented. Hoover’s allure? Plenty of dead shad makes for fine feathered dining.


• One way to work up an appetite is by taking a winter hike. For those who like to get out among the trees and wild critters, three hikes will be offered next Sunday at Mohican State Park in Ashland and Richland counties, about a 90-minute drive northeast of Columbus. The first hike starts at 10 a.m. Phone (419) 994-5125 for information.

The 41 st annual winter hike will be held Jan. 21 at Hocking Hills State Park, with continuous starts 9 through 11 a.m., on a 6-mile walk from Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave. Bean soup, cornbread and hot chocolate are on the menu. For details, call (740) 385-6841.

Also at Hocking Hills, a sweethearts hike is scheduled 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 11, starting from Ash Cave. A fire and refreshments are on the agenda. Phone for details.


• Guided owl walks will be held Feb. 4 and Feb. 11 at Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County, starting at 7:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required. For information, call (419) 892-2784.


• Many people prefer their outdoors to be indoors, at least during the bleak season. A slew of shows, starting with the Cleveland Mid-American Sail & Power Boat Show, which opens Friday and runs through Jan. 22 in the I-X Center, can scratch most of that kind of itch. A one-day bass clinic is scheduled for Saturday, and a walleye and steelhead clinic will be held Jan. 21. Pre-registration is required for both. Phone (440) 899-5009.

Also this month, the Northeast Sport and Travel Expo is scheduled Jan. 27-29 at the Summit County Fairgrounds in Akron.

The Columbus Sports Vacation and Boat Show will be held Feb. 9-12 in the Ohio Expo Center at the Ohio State Fairgrounds. The Ohio Muskie Show is scheduled for Feb. 24-26 at the Buckeye Hall of Fame Cafe. Also next month, the popular Hoover Fishing Seminar will be held Feb. 25 at Walnut Springs Middle School.

Among the March attractions is the Cleveland, Sport, Travel & Outdoor Show at the I-X Center. The dates are March 11-19. Closer to home and nearer to many a hunter’s heart is the Deer & Turkey Expo on March 17-19 in the Ohio Expo Center.

By that time, walleye will be spawning in the Sandusky and Maumee rivers, unofficially kicking off the spring fishing season. Just beyond that is another turkey season.


• Archers have until Jan. 31 to fill that deer tag. Grouse and rabbit chasers don’t have to quit until Feb. 28. Further, the trapping season, depending on the quarry, also runs through Feb. 28 in most of the state.

So while ice would be nice, the lack of same offers no excuse to lay low.