Ortman likes to see others in the area, and always tests the ice it first. Wright walks the shoreline and drills a test hole before venturing farther. Pritts, who checks anglers and their catch, says that in the northern area the ice fishermen can expect to catch large mouth bass, crappies and sunfish. He said that fishermen at Speedwill Forge Lake are finding six inches of clear ice. According to Wright, Muddy Run lake measures about five inches.
Most fishermen drill their holes by hand using an auger.
If the ice gets too thick, it becomes difficult. Anglers at Muddy Run are catching mostly trout, along with some blue gill, crappies and bass, according Ortman, who owns and operates Ortman's Bait and Tackle, in Holtwood. Although there are many walleye, she said, that, currently, no one is catching them. The extended lake program, which is in effect for Muddy Run, has encouraged ice fishing, Ortman said. The program allows fishermen to keep three trout per day, provided they meet requirements, until the first day of April.