Cold nights produce what the ice fishermen call "First Ice". First Ice is when theIce Fishing first Ice from the pier harbors, marinas, and lakes start to freeze. The ice is extremely dangerous till it reaches a uniform thickness of at least 3-4 inches. Cold nights will produce more ice, but warm days will heat the wooden piers which thins the ice next to the piers. Fishing first ice in the marinas and harbors is limited to standing or sitting on the docks and piers when access is available. The ice is too dangerous to hold the weight of a fisherman. Holes are drilled adjacent to the piers and fishing begins. First Ice can provide some of the best trout and panfish fishing of the year. The fish seem to be more comfortable with a thin coat of ice over their heads.
