* a big thanks to Brian for allowing us to share his invaluable
still water ice out tactics & strategies on flyguys.net! It’s a
spring ritual observing Canada Geese defending mating
territories and watching grown men in small aluminum boats
trying to break up ice on an interior lake. Yes, spring is in
the air and these anglers are jumping the gun a little but with
good reason. They know the incredible fishing that can occur
during the first few days after the ice has left or is leaving a
lake. In order to understand why fishing can be so good we have
to step back and understand the changes that have occurred under
the ice during the long winter season. Most small interior lakes
are covered with ice and snow for between 5 and 6 months. During
this period there is little if any replenishment of oxygen.
Green plants die-off and decompose due to the lack of sunlight
and photosynthesis. This composting of plant matter also
utilizes oxygen. As winter progresses the amount of available
oxygen decreases. By late wint