Noah Johnson Daily Press An ice angler packs up for the day at the Escanaba Municipal Beach after a morning of ice fishing on Little Bay de Noc.

ESCANABA — It’s that time of year again; the ice has covered the Bays de Noc, and anglers are out braving the cold weather for a day or days of ice fishing. Whether it’s pike, walleye, or perch, anglers are having a great start to the season.

“We got a really good start this year, and it’s went from the worst ice imaginable last year to the best; it’s really solid,” said Paul “Blade” Bloedorn, owner of Blade’s Bait and Tackle said.

Blade opened Blade’s Bait and Tackle in 2020 with his wife, Lacy.

“They’re super anxious to get out there and I would say it is now full-on busy season,” Lacy said.

Blade talked about the ice conditions, saying the ice is excellent this year. He explained that ice quality is determined by how clear it is, saying a black color means the ice is strong.

“If it’s milky white, it’s still fine, but it’s not as strong as jet black, hard ice,” he said.

According to Blade’s recent measurements, the ice is currently 10 inches thick and getting close to 11 inches.

He said there is also a good amount of fish in the waters, meaning anglers are catching more fish.

“Most of the ice anglers are catching plenty of fish, and there are so many fish out under that ice; it’s unbelievable,” he said.

He said the reasons for the amount include increased stocking efforts in the past few years.

Blade also pointed to last year, saying because of the ice conditions, or lack thereof, not as many individuals were out fishing, meaning fewer fish were caught that season.

“There’s so many good spots out on the Bay to fish that are productive for fishing, whether it’s perch, walleye or pike. Those are the three targeted species,” he said.

Since there are so many good spots to drop a line, it’s important to remember to show courtesy and proper ice fishing etiquette to others out on the ice.

“There’s a lot of different places to fish, and nobody has to get concentrated on each other unless they really want to be near their buddy, you know, but otherwise, probably one of the most offensive things is when somebody’s out there fishing, and somebody gets within 20 yards; we say it’s a 50-yard minimum, but that seldom happens,” Blade explained.

The outlook for ice is amazing, according to Blade, who says the area could get an abundance of warmer temperatures and still remain strong enough for anglers.

“I don’t think we’re gonna be turning back in any way,” he said.

Blade expects the ice to hold through March 15, the official last day for walleye season.

Those looking for a great spot to drop a line should head north above Gladstone.

“Anywhere above the narrows of Gladstone is good for anybody to go take a stab at ice fishing and can be pretty confident that they’re safe,” Blade said.

Those new to the sport or who want an expert’s opinion of a good spot to set up can call Blade’s Bait and Tackle for their guide/shuttle service.

“That’s a guaranteed way to get out on the water and not have any worries about where you’re at,” he said.

Blade, along with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), encourages anglers to exercise caution when out on the ice.

“Be aware of what’s in front of you all the time; ice is constantly changing,” Blade said.

He said there are a couple of pressure cracks on the ice, but otherwise, the ice is solid.

“The ice itself away from those pressure cracks, which are two or three main ones; unbelievably good,” he said.

DNR put out a release, urging those on the ice to exercise caution.

“Nobody plans to fall through the ice, but you should be prepared in case it happens,” Lt. Skip Hagy, DNR law enforcement supervisor in Newberry, said. “If you fall through the ice, the most important thing is to remain calm and return in the direction you came from. Return to the ice where you broke through, and pull yourself out of the water, rolling onto the ice. Don’t try to stand. Instead, crawl to help distribute your weight until you feel you’re safely away from the weak spot. Seek help immediately to prevent hypothermia.”

The DNR says it’s essential to check with local bait shops (like Blade’s Bait and Tackle) to get an idea of the current ice conditions, but also do your own due diligence.

Avoid wearing white clothes or gear as they are harder to see in snowy conditions; try to wear bright colors to increase your visibility.

DNR also recommends the ‘buddy system’, and telling someone who is staying on shore where you will be and when you plan to return.

An inexpensive safety tip is to carry ice picks or even screwdrivers on your torso so they can be easily reached if you fall through the ice.

“Ice picks are inexpensive insurance, a great purchase or gift for anyone who ventures onto ice-covered bodies of water,” Hagy said.

Blade provides an update regarding the ice conditions each day on his blog, which can be found at

www.bladesbait.com/blades-blog.

On Monday, Blade’s blog looked ahead to the weekend.

“I would think that this weekend will be the last hurrah without truck traffic. After that, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday overnight temperatures are forecasted to be subzero, and on a couple of days 2 degrees is the predicted high. That’s certain to expand the playing field well south of Gladstone and Escanaba,” the blog read.

Blade’s Bait and Tackle is located at 8923 Bay Shore Drive in Gladstone.

The shop can be contacted at info@bladesbait.com or by phone at (906) 420-8494.