I have seen reported, over the years , fishing women and men , lose their lives fishing on lake Erie. The water is so cold early season and there is always trees entering the lake after a big rain, and I have seen many, full tree's floating in the lake heading east.
So, wait until the ice is all gone and be always looking for those early spring floating trees.
You can always fill your freezer when it is safe to do so, so don't think that if you don't take a chance you will not be able to feel freezer.
Just some thoughts, so you can fish on.
~Water Dog