Ice melting quickly now...

[buzzbaiter]

A few Sussex county ponds that were solid just last week are partially to almost fully open. Any with streams feeding into them are opening up quicker. Amazing considering we were sub-freezing for about 5 full days not long ago with night lows around -5 to -10F. I'll be buzzbaiting soon!

[Punkinhead]

If it wasn't sketchy before then it should be now. Getn the boat ready. Keepn the sled out just in case. Lol

[acabtp]

That rain that came through last night was 64°. Totally destroyed all that was left of the ice and snow around here.

They aren't going to have to cut holes to stock trout this year, that's for sure!

[logs22]

Originally Posted by buzzbaiter

A few Sussex county ponds that were solid just last week are partially to almost fully open. Any with streams feeding into them are opening up quicker. Amazing considering we were sub-freezing for about 5 full days not long ago with night lows around -5 to -10F. I'll be buzzbaiting soon!

I caught my first bass of the year (not worthy of a picture) on a Senko at my local pond this morning, almost felt like summer:-) That warm rain last night (66 degrees here at 1 am!!) did the trick. I figure the fish was my reward for spending the better part of last night bailing water out of my basement with a shop vac. May try my luck again in an hour or two before the cold returns tomorrow.

[buzzbaiter]

Seems like the larger waters are opening quick too. Some never froze completely(Merrill) at all. I think it was a late freeze and with the water so warm in in January, it was thin ice at best. Looking at webcams, seems like Hoptacong has a lot of open water too save a few sheltered coves.

Picture of Lake Wallenpaupack in northeast Pa. Middle of the lake is clearly open. Big lake + wave action = no ice.

[Chrisper4694]

even the back coves or hopatcong are opening up. lakes end area looked totally open and mudhole has big open spots.

[buzzbaiter]

My "control" pond is the one opposite the rockaway mall (I-80 west side just past exit 35)with the beaver lodge in the middle. I drive by it every day so its a spot I can monitor and its size compares favorably with most places I fish. Its completely clear now. It was all frozen just a week ago.

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.9113.../data=!3m1!1e3

FYI: never fished there but it looks good. Pretty sure its on private land. No access via 80.

My other control pond: Sheraton pond. Its clear now too.

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.8609.../data=!3m1!1e3

[Chrisper4694]

Originally Posted by buzzbaiter

My "control" pond is the one opposite the rockaway mall (I-80 west side just past exit 35)with the beaver lodge in the middle. I drive by it every day so its a spot I can monitor and its size compares favorably with most places I fish. Its completely clear now. It was all frozen just a week ago.

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.9113.../data=!3m1!1e3

FYI: never fished there but it looks good. Pretty sure its on private land. No access via 80.

My other control pond: Sheraton pond. Its clear now too.

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.8609.../data=!3m1!1e3

always wondered what that pond was, but it looks fenced off.

[MattK]

Anyone visit some of the lakes up north? Musconetcong cranberry or aeroflex? How are they looking?

The pond outside my office is completely open which is a good sign!

[njfish4life]

I always wanted to check out the pond by the Sheraton. I see it every time I take the exit for Rt 10 from 287 N. Just never thought you could walk back there.