GOMH+ Today

 I will most probably throw my first casts in open water next week.

Definitely current

Erskine Lake 

The Aqua-Vu Micro died today, made for a depressing outing as I missed bites because of it.

GOMH+ Today

 

Looking East from the NW Sullivan Access

Looking SW from the NE Sullivan Access

"Turtle Creek"

GOMH+ Fish Pics (2/23/26)

 

GOMH+ Today (2/21/26)

 

It is refreezing

Wild clouds, a lot going on 

Just one bass, tonight

Lots of these though

A gang of these thugs showed up as it was getting dark

GOMH Today (2/20/26)

 

If I'm going fishing at Lake Place, Rock Lake, or Erskine Lake, it is about an 8/9ish minute detour to check the conditions at the Grumpy Old Man Hole to be back on 8 headed North.

GOMH Today (2/18/26)

 Yesterday was the end of the mild stretch of 40℉+ weather, and yes, there seems to be an increase in current and the start of the South GOMH opening up. We got rain and snow last night, leading to slushy conditions today.

My tracks today on Erskine Lake

GOMH Today (2/17/26)

 

1st Bass of Ice Season and 2026 (2/16/26)

 

BP's February Ice Off Platte Lake Spitball For 2026

 

This winter has not seemed super cold to me, but the ice thickness in the Platte/Sullivan area tells me it has been plenty cold. I have been drilling from 24-26" this past week. The warm-up and sunshine the last few days have been nice, but I don't think the sun is quite there yet to really kick the snow melt into high gear. I am pretty sure we have reached peak ice depth in central MN. I have been following long-term forecasts for a few weeks now, and they have been saying cooler-than-normal weather is on its way, but the temps keep getting revised upward rather than sustained cooler than normal temps.  Snow is the big X-factor in March and April. We haven't really been dumped on in 2026, yet. I've maybe had to use the snow blower once this year. By the end of this warm trend we have been in, there should be a lot of bare ground. Bare ground heats up in sunny weather and gets the ice melting process started from below, from the shallows to the depths. Ok I'm going to end my waffling now.

My spitball for ice off in 2026 has moved up from April 15th to April 12th for Platte Lake. I am counting on there being few March and April snows and near normal temps. Spring is in the air, I can feel it.

 

My Fantasy Bass Rosters For Lake Martin, AL

 

GOMH Today + (2/11/26)

 

Belle and Luca in the field

Spring Watch 2026, Part 2

 

As of right now, the possibility of a pretty good mid-February thaw is looking likely this upcoming weekend. Will there be open water at the Grumpy Old Man Hole a week from today? I wouldn't bet on it, but maybe. I think the snow will be mostly gone by then. The days are getting longer, and the sun is getting stronger.

Started Strong And Fade Every Day, Guntersville Fantasy Recap

 First day, I started ok. In the 98th percentile and was 1st in the Bass Boat Central group.

Ten percentage point slide thanks to Jordan Lee not catching 'em and falling outside of the cut.

Another ten percentage point slide thanks to Bryan Schmitt falling off a cliff.

Final Results: (A small drop in percentage because of losing out to people with bonus points)

I just cannot keep from picking multiple bottom quintile guys in Drain the Lake

Might as well just flip a coin.