Well the sudden onset of winter has reduced the numbers of rainbow fishermen to those true diehards that still ply the frigid waters of the river mouths in search of their quarry. I truly enjoy fall fishing, but I must admit that walking through three feet of snow just to get to the river does dampen my enthusiasm.
Unless we get a break in the weather sometime soon I fear that I’m stuck in that no-man’s land between fall fishing and ice fishing. Methinks I’m not alone and with that being said there are a couple of precautions that we all must consider at this time of year.
1. It will be some time before lakes are frozen to a safe thickness, and with all the snow it will likely be quite sometime before we have safe ice.
2. Be careful when wading into rivers at this time of year. Shore ice often forms and can conceal drop-offs and fast currents underneath. Wading through ice to get to open water can also result in torn waders that will quickly end your day on the river.
3. Always wear a floatation device. Even in shallow rivers a fast current can sweep you off your feet before you can react. With water temperatures only a few degrees above the freezing point your muscles will cramp and you will be unable to function in a very short period of time after falling in. If you’re still fishing from shore a flotation suit is a great idea. It will keep you both safe and warm.
When fishing in cold weather safety should be your number one priority.
Lloyd
Unless we get a break in the weather sometime soon I fear that I’m stuck in that no-man’s land between fall fishing and ice fishing. Methinks I’m not alone and with that being said there are a couple of precautions that we all must consider at this time of year.
1. It will be some time before lakes are frozen to a safe thickness, and with all the snow it will likely be quite sometime before we have safe ice.
2. Be careful when wading into rivers at this time of year. Shore ice often forms and can conceal drop-offs and fast currents underneath. Wading through ice to get to open water can also result in torn waders that will quickly end your day on the river.
3. Always wear a floatation device. Even in shallow rivers a fast current can sweep you off your feet before you can react. With water temperatures only a few degrees above the freezing point your muscles will cramp and you will be unable to function in a very short period of time after falling in. If you’re still fishing from shore a flotation suit is a great idea. It will keep you both safe and warm.
When fishing in cold weather safety should be your number one priority.
Lloyd
Posts
.jpg)