Got out today despite the wind and cold on a local Westchester reservoir. I'll have more info in my forum report. Suffice it say we did fine and survived the weather. Here's my nice 4lb 8oz largemouth and Arthur's 3lb 6oz smallmouth.

Well for those of us who prefer the warmer weather, the ice has started melting away on most of the NYC reservoirs in our area. There's still spots with ice but the hope is that the rain and warmer days may clear things up by April 1st. Keep your fingers crossed that we don't get one of those late winter storms.

Now's the time to finish up all those off-season projects of organizing and maintaining your gear. Each year I think I'm getting better at formulating a plan and reorganizing my gear. As usual. I may revert to old habits a few weeks into the season but for now I'm much more organized.

Best to all as the new season gets closer. Be safe, have fun, let us know how you do out there.  Vinny

Here's a great link to the DEC page about ice fishing. There's also links and info about the regulations for each body of water.

Just uploaded a bunch of images from my last few years on the reservoirs. Enjoy them and let me know if something doesn't work with my new setup. The link is on the left side menu.

   Finally got a chance to sneak out and go fishing with my good buddy Dominic (Unionbass on the forums). Since we expected wind we decided on hitting Bog Brook. Some reservoirs, like Cross River, are just brutal when it's windy. It helps to share boats or have boats on different reservoirs to have that option.

   The temperature was in the high 60s with the water temps about the same. The water was calm with just a hint of fog at 7:00am. when we first launched we noticed a lot of baitfish breaking the surface and cast into those areas with crankbaits, small swimbaits, and topwater lures with no luck.

   Of course wherever we rowed the big fish breaking the surface were in the distance. I did see a wonderful site as a brown trout (I'm pretty sure) broke the surface and jumped fully out of the water. That would have made my day even if we didn't catch any fish.

   We did end up with a few nice largemouth bass in some of our regular spots. Dom was successful with his crawdad type jig and I did fine with my topwater Sammy. We got off of the water about 2:00pm when it started to drizzle so the weatherman was right for once and we got in a nice morning of fishing. Here's Dom and me with a couple of 2lbers...

   The DEP had their annual "Take a Child Fishing Day" at Kensico Reservoir today and it was a pleasure being there with everyone. The rainy night before may have cut down the crowd but the families who stopped by thoroughly enjoyed themselves and caught fish.

   Sponsored by the DEP and K.E.E.P with donated bait and equipment from Bob's Bait & Tackle the fishing started a little slow but soon picked up with all the children catching sunnies, rockbass, and nice size largemouth bass. The winners, shown below all caught more than the one fish that put them ahead in the contest for largest fish. Their brothers, sisters, cousins, and friends also caught some nice fish and had a great time.

The DEP is having a "Take a Child Fishing Day" this Saturday, Sept. 13th, at Loudon Cove on Kensico Reservoir. It is a "Free" event for the whole family. Bring your rod and reel, some will be available also. A NYS license and access permit are not required for this special event.

Call the DEP Watershed Office of Public Affairs at 914-773-4553 to reserve your spot. The day begins at 10:00am and ends around 1:00pm. There are prizes and treats for all children. Loudon Cove is located off of Route 120, approx. 1/2 mile north of the Westchester County Airport entrance.

Co-Sponsored by KEEP, the Kensico Environmental Enhancement Program.