16 Nebraskaland • January-February 2023
IN THE FIELD
By Jeff Kurrus
DOES WIND AFFECT FISH UNDER ICE?
Open water anglers know the advantages and
disadvantages of wind. Sight anglers want no wind,
shallow-water walleye and wiper anglers want wind-swept
shorelines, and clear water casting anglers want just enough
wind to break up the surface.
But what about ice anglers? It doesn't seem like wind
could affect them, given the gigantic block of ice blocking
the wind, but Nebraska Game and Parks fisheries biologist
Daryl Bauer said wind is part of a larger story.
"It's the factors along with the wind," he said. Typically,
Bauer continued, a north or west wind means the weather is
nasty and the fishing slows down. When it's from the south,
stable weather and consistent fishing are in order. An east
wind is atypical, meaning some sort of strange weather is on
the horizon. Be ready for anything, he said.
And this goes for fishing hard water as well.
"The biggest thing that changes under the ice is water
temperature," said Bauer. "When the water is warmest, the
fish are the most active."
So, pay attention to whatever weather patterns generate
warmer water, especially after the mid-winter lull when
snow cover on the ice has blocked out the sun's ability to
warm the water and also generate oxygen from aquatic
vegetation by photosynthesis.
Then, look for those south winds that blow into Nebraska
every late winter. They are the first sign of not only an
impending spring but also a ravenous bite that will soon
occur under the surface of the ice.
Travel Note: If you are planning a trip to a
shallow water lake to ice fi sh, pay attention
to the weather conditions before it ices. If
it was extremely windy just before freezing,
there will be increased turbidity until the
water settles. If possible, give these waters
a couple of weeks before visiting so you
get that beautiful, clear water so often
associated with ice fi shing.
Bluegill and yellow perch on the ice. ERIC FOWLER, NEBRASKALAND
