1st Bullhead of Open Water 2023 (Winter Kill)

 

There was a parade of floaters flowing in from Platte Lake today. So much so that I had to check things out at the cabin and see what was up there. Only saw a pike, sunfish, and bass there. Went back to the Grumpy Old Man Hole. Lost a toothy and, about 10 minutes later, snagged this jumper in the pelvic fin. A bullhead is a bullhead. The skunk streak is over. Stayed after dark and only saw a few baitfish.

GOMH Yesterday and Today (Minnow Struggle)

 

Yesterday

The Sullivan Sign was back up. Didn't even notice it as I took a quick pick, then was on my way to Brainerd for the Snatchers Banquet.

Slightly more open today

A little bit of bare ground on the hillside

Dead fish & fish struggling to breathe at the surface.
Something I've never witnessed here and an ominous sign.

It's gonna be a while before the North side of the bridge is snow free.

Hopefully, open water here by April 1st

Last Night at the GOMH

Last night I took the dogs for a car ride to the Grumpy Old Man Hole.  It is exactly what I expected in terms of open water.  No sign of dead fish but there wasn't any current to speak of so I'm not out of the woods yet as far as a winter kill goes.  Surprisingly there were no ducks, geese, loons, or swans and only a single beaver swimming  around. If tomorrow is nice with some sun I may try bringing a rod with me.

Looking out into Sullivan

(Into the sun)

Good Article Over At AnglingAuthority.com on Harsh Winters And Bass

Effects of Harsh Winters On Bass

It talks about the possible repercussions of the past two winters here in the North Country.  I sure hope one of the effects isn't a partial winter-kill in Platte Lake this year.

Why do fish die in the winter?

Nate's Fishing Blog has a excellent but sort of long post that gives the answer. Nate runs a pond management business and knows his stuff. Basically it is a post about why winter kills happen and I found his thoughts highly interesting.

Money quote:
After all this rambling, the answer to the question of what causes fish to die in the winter is simple: they either suffocate to death, or they end up on my dinner plate. Both of these causes of death will end the life of thousands of fish every winter.