CLEVELAND, Ohio — Arctic temperatures have anglers cutting holes in thick ice to go fishing, a welcome change after the warmer than usual winters in recent years. From ponds and lakes to the broad, ice-covered waters of Lake Erie, there are reports anglers are already finding success.
Diminutive spinning and spin cast ice fishing rods and reels are being spooled with fresh line. Ice augers and ice shanties are finally coming out of storage, as well as thermal gear, insulated pac boots, hand warmers and a positive attitude.
Reports from Western Lake Erie have been filtering in, with some walleye and yellow perch being caught by a surprising number of fishermen venturing out from Catawba Island State Park. Some shanties are already popping up on the west side of South Bass Island…