Ice fishing has moved into high gear on several Michiana lakes although everyone is still urging caution when moving around.
As much as seven inches is being reported across northern Indiana and parts of southern Michigan as of today (Friday, Jan. 25), but the thickest ice remains on channels, bays and protected areas.
Although its been cold enough and makes ice nightly, the east winds at the forefront of the current cold spell left some of the main lake areas open longer. They have since frozen and become snow covered, so hazardous areas arent easily recognized.
Bonnie Kelley of Lakeville Bait south of South Bend said anglers have been all over Pleasant Lake and some are fishing near the nature center on Potato Creek. Kelley said some walleyes and bluegills are being caught in front of the ramp at Lake of the Woods in Bremen.
However, the ice derby on Lake of the Woods was postponed this weekend because some areas of the lake remain unsafe. The derby will go as scheduled the following Saturday.
Dave Garber of the Tackle box in North Webster said ice fishermen have been all over the backwaters of Webster Lake and reports of fish catches are coming from the Slip and the Kettle area of Wawasee, near the Dance Hall on Tippecanoe and close to the ramp at Dewart.
Kevin Claire of Lunkers said bluegills are being taken in 6 to 12 feet of water on Eagle at Edwardsburg and the morning/evening bite seems to be best.
The snow cover seems to have made fishing a little better than it was when the ice was so clear, he noted.
Anglers also have been on the north end of Stone Lake at Cassopolis.
Another warming spell moving in next week should trigger even better fish activity, but that weather system may bring some rain with it.