It’s Ice Fishing Time! There are those who venture out onto the ice in single-digit temps, drill a few holes, drop lines and wait.
That’s ice fishing in the Poconos – a pastime tailored to the heartiest of souls whose rewards take the shape of an old-fashioned fish fry, a hot pot of creamy chowder, and a simple bit of bragging about the unfavorable conditions faced.
Wanna’ try? We rounded up some of the top ice fishing spots. Grab your tip-ups, your bait (and your long underwear) and get out on that ice!
Here are the lakes:
and
Frances Slocum Lake in Wyoming, just northeast of Wilkes-Barre.
Get your fishing license in a jiffy here.
— Test ice thickness with an auger before recreating. Four inches of solid ice is the minimum recommended thickness for a single person. Seven inches of solid ice is the minimum recommended thickness for small group.
— Always carry safety equipment and know how to use it.
— Spread out. Crowds can put too much weight onto one area.
— Be aware of changes in ice thickness across a body of water. Perimeter ice is weaker due to shifting, expansion and sunlight reflecting off of the bottom.
— Avoid areas with protruding logs, brush, plants, and docks. These structures absorb heat, weakening the surrounding ice.
— Avoid areas with multiple or intersecting cracks, and standing water over ice.
— Venturing out on ice alone is not advisable. Take a friend along for fun and for safety.
— Wear a PFD (life jacket).
— Check the weather and plan accordingly. Several days with temperatures above freezing will weaken the ice.
