princeton area ice off

[flychucker]

does anyone know how the princeton area is thawing? Im going up just before the long weekend.. now i just have to find a way to keep my young boys busy while the cronies are sinking....last year we plowed the slush mostly ..the boys thought that was the best part???also what do you guys do about loons?

[phearless]

I complain!

[chalupa]

Allison lk. webcam shows the lake breaking up nicely. Should be off in a day or two. It sits at about 2900 ft so by the time you head up, many lakes in the surrounding hills in the 3600-4200 ft mark should be good to go. Just try not to go to one that is turning over already. This can be a hit or miss proposition, so try to get current info on ice-off dates for specific lakes so as to avoid disappointment. Last year, as everyone knows, had a rather late start. Kane valley lakes came off May 6 and 7th last year, some Pike mountain lakes a week prior. Tunkwa, over by Logan lake at about 3800ft came off on the 5th of May 08, one of if not the latest ice off for that lake on record. This year it is already coming off, and the resort says they figure it is about two weeks ahead of last years pace. As far as loons go, I've had problems over the years with them but have learned to adapt somewhat to their behavior. They tend to be more of a nuisance to anglers after they have hatched their youngins as they must supply a steady supply of fresh trout and are on the hunt often. If they are stealing your fish and flies, I suggest trying slightly heavier tippet, so as to be able to land your fish quicker. Alot of loons have learned that if they wait for the fish to be released, the released, exhausted trout is easy pickins. That is why I have a net that floats. When I land a fish and I know a loon is on the prowl nearby, I simply remove the hook and let the net, ( attached to the boat) float with the trout in it. I then continue to fish, and when the coast is clear sometimes 10 minutes later, I flip a well rested and energetic trout back into the depths. This method has served me well for a long time, and was born out of the need to thwart the 2 pairs of agressive loons at Gump lake. Good luck when you go!!

[abber]

god damn loons. hate em HATE EM.