Typically small lakes under 200 acres are the first to have first ice. Another tip is to avoid fishing alone at first ice. Early ice can also be one of the most comfortable and easy periods to fish. While temperatures are cold, prolonged periods of sub-zero cold are rare. Although nights are cold it is not unusual to be on the ice and have temperatures above freezing during the day.
Access is also easy at first ice.
Most of the action occurs within a short distance from a lake s access. With only limited snow cover, moving around on the ice is no problem. However, if there is snow on the ice, extreme caution is advised. No fish is worth putting your life on the line. Large predator fish are on the prowl, and finding consistent action on many lakes and flowages is no problem.