Use caution on the ice

Several readers have asked me to caution the die-hards who have it in their minds to tempt fate on local and area lakes. We are not at the "safe ice" stage yet. Stay off the ponds and lakes.

Can I make it any more clear? Just because the nighttime temperatures have dipped below the freezing mark, we have yet to have a hard freeze. And with the heavy snow cover that just arrived, that simply means whatever freezing process already started will be slowed because of the warming effect of the snow on the surface of a lake.

Here is the fishing report:

Fox Chain: Based on local conditions, some of the more popular early ice-fishing spots could be open by Saturday or Sunday. That includes the ever-popular T-Channels, and some back areas of Channel Lake.

Lake Michigan: The perchers are out in force, especially on Navy Pier.

Chetek, Wis.: Ice thickness ranges from 4-6 inches on many area lakes in this northern Wisconsin area. Former Schaumburg resident John Plaza reports crappie and bluegill anglers have scored well, especially those venturing out on the Rice Lake ice.