Area temperatures have melted off some ice. There is are fishable areas of open water on Elk and Walnut creeks in the upper areas as well as part of the Project waters and the Manchester Hole. Reports from the tribs have been varied, however there seems to be enough fish to keep anglers busy. Fishing pressure on the tribs is very light for now and if elbow room is what you want, now is the time. Most of the fish have been in the tribs for a while, and are weather worn, with fresh fish numbers low. Anglers on the tribs have been having the best success with eggs and egg patterns as well as shiners and streamer patterns.

Presque Isle Bay was busy this past weekend with a good number of anglers out enjoying overcast, but generally good ice fishing weather. The largest crowds were fishing off the second, and third parking lots on Presque Isle and north and northwest of Dobbins Landing. The panfish were biting and a number of limits were observed. Shiners were the most popular bait although the most successful anglers were trying a variety of baits from tipped jigs to micro blade jigs.

Ice Advisory

With daily temperatures hovering above the freezing mark and near 40 degrees predicted later this week, ice anglers should be using caution. Actual hard ice on Presque Isle Bay has varied anywhere from 7 to 12" with a layer of frozen snow and slush, but the gradual increase in ambient temperatures can thin the ice out in a short time. This crusted layer on top can make the actual ice thickness deceiving. Be careful.