Cowbanks 1/25/13

[Del Gue]

Decided to walk out to the cowbanks today and see what the ice was like. With the cold weather and using an ice growth chart I estimated 6-7 inches of ice to be there. When I drilled the first hole I found 8 inches of ice. I think I may have been the first one out there this year because as soon as I started drilling holes for my Salmon tip ups, all heck broke loose. The ice would crack, shift, split, spit water in the air and move trying to get rid of all the pressure. This went on for a few hours and then a large pressure cracked popped up a little farther out. After that it was quiet. Fishing was slow. No Salmon on any of my 12 tip ups (I know, I know, big surprise) and no white perch. Tried all the same spots, lures and tricks I used last year but only ended with a half pail of average Yellow Perch. Ice was great but stay away from the crusty stuff. Drilled a hole in the middle of it and it was only 2 inches think. The clear ice ranged from 6-8 inches. By tomorrow morning there should be another inch added to it. Good luck!

[raz]

Thanks for the ice report Dave.
Now...how will i find time this year?