Text by Doug McDevitt
Photo by Wiley Wood

For many who enjoy the outdoors, grabbing a rod and heading out to one’s favorite fishing hole is as enjoyable and serene as almost anything can be. But all good things must come to an end. When the first flakes of winter flicker in the air, rods are disassembled, tackle reverently organized and the colorful lures packed away––for some, that is. For others, winter heralds the emergence of the ice fishermen.

They are a hearty breed to be sure. Born of the continuing desire to remain outdoors, they are not cowed by winter. Our area is blessed with a combination of factors that create a perfect environment for ice fishing. Our waters hold a variety of game fish from trout, to bass, to catfish, not to mention the innumerable beautiful and vibrant panfish that are in every body of water. Our moniker as the Ice Box is a clear indicator that our microclimate is a great for ice fishing. 

Ice fishing is so popular that there is a national association for it, the United States Ice Fishing Association, or USIFA. A camaraderie among the fishermen can be seen almost anytime one passes by a lake or pond. Groups of fisherman are gathered at the shore with their equipment either arriving or leaving, laughing and sharing their stories. Groups out on the ice can be spotted clearly enjoying themselves as the smoke from grills (yes, grilling on the ice is perfectly safe) lifts into the sky, and the parties enjoy deep friendships. If one prefers solitude, that can be had as well: all lakes and ponds are big enough that one can always get away from the crowd.

While ice fishing is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors in the winter, there are some safety concerns to be aware of. Frank Christinat has been ice fishing in Norfolk for most of his life. Frank and his son Eli regularly head out, but not, Christinat says, unless the ice is at least five inches thick. Christinat also advises to look at the ice and  avoid any wet spots, or ice that is on or near moving water, particularly an outflow. Christinat dresses warmly in layers, pointing out that it is always easier to take off a layer or two than find yourself without an extra layer to add on. He also has a collapsible, three-sided wind shield that he can position to block the wind, and he says that really helps keep him warm.

Ice on a body of water can be surprisingly strong. Four inches can easily support the weight of a human, five inches can support a snowmobile, eight to 12 inches can support a car and 12 to 15 inches can support heavy vehicles such as trucks. Christinat periodically checks the ice depth as he ventures out, drilling a hole with his ice auger and measuring the thickness. He says he starts his season mid- to late December and goes until late or early February, depending on conditions. A normal year sees ice about 12 inches in thickness, but so far this year local ponds have a cover of only seven to nine inches.

There are a few public waters nearby that can be fished such as Wood Creek Pond, Tyler Lake, Winchester Lake, Stillwater and Burr Pond, but many lakes are privately owned and require permission from the owners to be accessed, so check first before heading out.

So when the forecast begins to suggest that winter is upon us, there is no need to hole up indoors. Layer up, hike, ski, skate or walk out on the ice, make new friends and create new adventures. There is a warmth on the ice that a fire cannot provide, but time with friends and family can.