Early this past weekend, anglers ventured forth on Chautauqua Lake and other inland lakes. Chautauqua Lake draws the largest crowds, and rightly so, the yellow perch, bluegills, crappie and walleye are among angler targets. The south end freezes first because it is the shallowest part of the lake, but first-day anglers must use caution. It’s a good idea to walk out slowly with a spud bar, ice spikes and a trailing rope with a flotation device. These use the spud bar to test the ice surface in front of the walk at three points: left, middle and right. Then, take two or three more steps and repeat. Eventually, the ice thickness will be tested with an auger, and fishing will begin. Remember, safety first.

After testing the ice near Greenhurst, Cameron Smith of Bemus Point found it unsafe. However, the cold weekend chill was a boon. Moving to Burtis Bay, he reported, “The shore ice was thin and sketchy, but only the first 20 feet or so from shore. After that, the ice was 4 to 6 inches thick. Setting up his pop-up Eskimo fishing hut about 100 yards out, the ice was solid and the water was 4.8 feet deep.”

Smith, equipped with a small heater that only stays lit if the carbon monoxide detector says it is safe to breathe, caught several small yellow perch using a tiny tungsten jig tipped with a fathead minnow from Hogan’s Hut. Despite the initial challenges, he was thrilled with the first-day outing. Small jigs, spoons, bait rigs and tip-ups are common for ice fishing, all deployed with very lightweight fishing line, typically the order of the day for any ice trip. Line test of two to eight pound test is typical.

From December to February, ice thickness and safety conditions should always be checked before venturing out, as conditions can vary, especially with the forecast for later this week. Anglers looking for access to the lake usually park in any of the many parks that surround the lake shore. Be sure you have permission to park if you are on private property, those Sheriff’s Department tickets can be disappointing during the holiday season.

The inside of an ice fishing hut is spacious, wind free, and safe, allowing for short sleeve accommodations with a fishing line in hand if the heater is turned up. The heater is equipped with a carbon monoxide detector. Photo courtesy of Cameron Smith

Anyone looking for a map of the lake and the surrounding smaller lakes of Chautauqua County, with park locations and places to eat, bait and tackle shops and more, please visit [https://www.tourchautauqua.com.%20/]https://www.tourchautauqua.com. Request a visitors guide and share the information with your neighbors and out-of-town friends.

Gotta love the outdoors. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah.

CALENDAR

Nov. 23 to Jan. 19: Late Canada goose season — South Area. See syllabus.

Dec. 25: Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah.

Dec. 26 to Jan. 1: NYS Southern Zone holiday deer hunt season for archery, muzzleloader and crossbow.

Jan. 4: Clays-for-Cash sporting clay shoot, Hanover Fish and Game Club, 780 Overhiser Road, Forestville, 8 a.m. start, last clay: 11 a.m. Info: 716-480-2202.

Jan. 4: Free Fur-Handling Workshop, Collins Conservation Club, 2633 Conger Road, Collins; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., call Patti Wattengel, 716-337-2556 for info.

Jan. 4-5: Hamburg Gun Show, 5820 South Park Ave., Hamburg, 9 a.m. open, $10 entry, Info: nfgshows.com.

NOTE: Send Calendar info or related outdoor news to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com.