MADISON, Wis. — Even though it's late December, it does not feel like it outside.
Flint Sansone is an angler based in the Madison area and at the end of December, he usually starts unpacking his ice fishing gear.
“When the winter comes I ice fish the triangles and Monona Bay Cherokee Marsh usually freezes first,” said Sansone.
Sansone didn’t expect to be out on the ice this early in the season, but he expected the weather to be colder.
“I didn’t expect it to be this warm, I thought [the ice] would start freezing up a little bit but not be safe [enough to walk on] yet,” said Sansone.
The abnormally warm temperatures aren’t only affecting anglers throughout Wisconsin, they are also damaging many businesses that rely on the recreational sport to stay open.
Pat Hasburgh is the owner of D&S Bait and Tackle shop in Madison and he said no ice means no winter business.
“It is definitely taking its toll on business because that’s what we do. We sell bait to folks that are getting out ice fishing,” said Hasburgh. “If nobody is ice fishing, then no one is coming through the door.”
Hasburgh said the weather is also changing what people buy from his shop.
“This last week, with the holidays, I sold a few long rods that you would use for open water,” said Hasburgh. “Mostly people buying gifts for folks but it was interesting because I sold more long rods last week than I did ice fishing rods."
Sansone often fishes in Monona Bay and said every weekend the shores are packed with anglers.
Even though he and many others would like to get out on the water, he believes there is an upside to a late freeze.
“One thing I always say, when it’s late ice, it gives the fish a break from being harvested,” said Sansone.
For an up-to-date report on fishing conditions in the Madison area, Hasburgh frequently posts a fishing report.
Learn more by following this link.