Kevin J Legg

Wow what a hot topic. Responses sound a bit like a Trump rally. As sportsman we need to work together for the good of our resources. As a retired biology teacher I find the student's project a very interesting avenue for them to become involved with conservation issues. Hopefully they are using scientific data in their decision making. We all know what market hunting did to animal populations. People do get greedy when $ is involved and also get very efficient at harvesting which can lead to problems. If commercial fishing is to continue we need to keep a very close eye on fish population and be able to regulate their harvest if populations begin to wane. Living in Jefferson County I am well aware of the commercial fishery and, yes, have occasionally sold some fish. I believe it is important that the DEC do an ongoing study of those fish that can be sold as populations can change fairly rapidly. I truly believe we all want to see fish populations remain at sustainable levels and if we work together and use good data in decision making my grandkids and future generations will be able to enjoy what is such an important part of my life and many others.

I love the boards. They enable me to run 3 lines a side and two off riggers with my 18' Lund Alaskan. Most everyone is running them so when I approach another boat I assume they are running them and make sure there is room. I think the in lines are a little easier to run but I have run both big boards and in lines. Like the spread they give me.

Nice job Ryan. Was hoping to get out this weekend but doesn't look like I'm going to make It. Water has really warmed as we couldn't find over 36.5 on our first trip.

Ryan, It was a bit over 37" and fat so I'd guess around 12-13.

I hunted solo laying out in cut corn with no decoys. Lots of snows around and I managed to drop a few. Since I'd previously only shot two I was happy with my wet, muddy morning. I think the very heavy fog was a big help as they were nearly in range when I could see them.thousands of birds

Spoons in shallow 6-8 fow took most. Caught one on a jointed rapala. Green was best color.

With the nice weather we decided to hit the lake this morning. It was great to be back on the water and we even found a few Browns and had a nice surprise of a 37" pike.. Nice to fish with bottom feeder again.

Thinking of hitting it in the morning.

Thanks for the feedback

Temperature and winds are looking decent for next week. Hoping to get out to chase some Browns. Should Mexico launch be clear?

Hit the river again yesterday with a group of 8 anglers. It was a slow day with only two pike iced, a 33" and 25". Lots of dink perch but no keepers. The snow, ice layer and some slush made for tough going. Snowmobiles were ok but wheelers would have difficulty. Not sure what today's heat and wind will do but believe it will be a a slushy mess.

Looks like we are back into winter mode.

Fished again yesterday and there was 7" of good ice. Glad I could take my 4wheeler, shanty, and heater on the ice as there was a brisk north wind. Lots of dink perch to sort through but ended up with 18 keepers and a 26" pike. Looks like some very cold weather for a few days and then warm again.

Very nice report

Bottom-feeder check pm

Thanks for the posts. I was hoping Mexico was open.

With the warm winter temperatures I was wondering if there are any launches on the big lake where I could drop my 18' Lund in to get a jump on the spring brown trout fishing. A couple years ago I had some great fishing in March when we had an early spring. I'd love to get an early start this year as the last two years have been pretty slow for me.

Fishing again today and we lost about a quarter of the ice we had Saturday. Down to about 8" but still good ice. Tomorrows warm temperatures and wind will likely take out a bunch more. Caught 5 pike and released the 3 smallest which were barely keepers. Perch have been smaller than Saturday and scattered but still ended up with 40.

I saw a fish swirling on the surface years ago and netted a skinny 37 " pike that had a bullhead lodged in it's gullet. Also once netted a 20" smallmouth with a large bluegill lodged in it's throat. Sometimes their eyes are bigger than their mouth but it is amazing what they can eat. Big lure big fish?

I heard about the guys that went through. I try not to be very risky at this point in my life. With good ice and lots of possibilities here, I will likely stay north and take advantage of all this area has to offer. So many options on the Indian River Lakes, the River and the Big Lake bays. Thanks for the heads up and concern.

My friend Rich has a place on Honeoye and did pretty well catching perch and some walleyes. Yesterday he had a slow day. I may run down and join him if the ice holds up. I believe the ice we have should be here for a while. I really like pike, just need to fillet out the Y bones.