Kevin J Legg

John, Still lots of ice at Chippewa. I fished there this morning for about an hour and didn't catch much at all. Decided to quit and get some things done at home. Kring's is pretty bad and staring to open at the gaps so next time I try it will probably be by boat. I'd be hitting the Lake for browns this weekend if I wasn't going to the funeral. Hopefully next week!

I fished Chipepwa and only got a few. Seems to still be spotty but still lots of ice.I got my Lund ready to roll for Lake Ontario browns and my Gheenoe ready to slide in at Kring's. Unfortunately my sister-in -law passed away last night so I won't be getting a boat in this weekend. I may try Chippewa again tomorrow. There is still a couple feet of good ice there but shorelines are starting to deterioratein some spots. .

Good advice from everyone. I personally don't enjoy fishing in 4 footers. My Lund Alaskan can handle them but it just makes everything more difficult and it's not a relaxing day on the water as your body is constantly tense. I also have a kicker and electic motor for back up which I think is wise on the big lake.

Checked out Kring's Point this afternoon and there was one guy on the ice. Lots of open spots along the shore and some bigger spots in the gaps. The next time I fish there it will be from a boat. I then check Chippewa Bay and it looked much better. You still need to watch near shore but I'm going to fish it tomorrow. Lots of jam ice moving down the river and with warmer weather and rain in the forecast the ice fshing is nearing an end.

Sorry I did't see your post yesterday Hope your day went well as it was a gorgeous day to be on the ice.

Early I fish sticks and stinger spoons off boards in 6-20 fow trolling at 2.5-3.5 mph. 10-12 lb. test back 50-150' off boards works fine. As stated fish in colored water and don't hesitate to make a move if an area isn't producing. I fish out of Mexico, Port Ontario, Stony Creek and Henderson and all can be good. As water warms, stained inlets with a few degrees warmer water are generally great areas to look. When most water is clear and 38 degrees and you find colored water that is 42 degrees you definately want to work that area. Latter in the season move out deeper with riggers and other deeper tactics and you can stay on the browns well into the summer. Generally if you hit a fish, there will be more in the area. I've got some shalow areas marked on my GPS that produce year after year. Water color and temperature are key.

Also no trucks on the ice but plenty of wheelers.

Lots of ice and fishermen and the holes are definately getting larger as water runs down them and eats ice up so you need to keep and eye out. I took a newbie this morning and he had never icefished so we set 10 tipups with bass minnows. He was kept busy catching and releasing bass and small pike and we also caught some panfish jigging. He had a ball but it wasn't too productive for fillets.

I have used 3" and 3.5" and don't see a huge difference. I personally don't notice the recoil except when patterning loads. I ve killed them with 4, 5 and 6 shot and now generally use #5. As peviously stated, inside 30 yards it doesn't much matter. My wife flattens them with 20 gauge 6's. That said, premium shells may make a difference on occasion. If you chose to shoot at beyond 40 yards do your homework and find what works with your gun and chock. I also plan on trying the new Winchester Longbeard and I agree that a 20 yard shot is more thrilling than a 45 yarder.

I tried Krings today and only caught few keepers. I talked to a former student who hit them yesterday but not today. Taped a bunch of holes and fished inside and outside the gapsbut could find many today. Not sure where to go tomorrow.