Ice Fishing 2026

[West Basin]

Report a few days ago from buddy on South Bass Is said ice was 8-10 inches. Which means by today (Tuesday, Feb 03) it is probably a few inches thicker, more like 10-12 or more. A few days of little or "neutral' ice growth, then we hit the figid temps again for the weekend.

Heard Catawba State Park had to shut down parking last weekend due to overcrowding.

Ice crack opened up off Turtle Creek a few days ago. Haven't heard if it blew back or iced over.

Catch rates seem to be hit or miss. Yes, most people that did well didn't post anything. 0-4 walleye seems to be the overall success, but location is hard to come by. Lot of area out there now to fish, and the fish move around, so pick a spot, check it with your fish finder (if you have one), / fish it for awhile, and if no luck - move!

As always - be darn careful! Stay away from anyplace that looks "iffy" and stay on the traveled paths.

[stampman]

As a person who believes in equality I have my wife walk ahead of me on the ice.