Ice fishing conditions

I usually think of ice conditions on most Mat-Su Valley lakes as being thick and stable by the first week of January, however, some recent happenings on ice-covered waters have me thinking, “Be Cautious and Careful.” It started with my nephew doing some hiking and ice fishing on the Palmer Hay Flats. While wading through deep snow on Wasilla Creek, he found a thin spot in the ice and went through. He thought his foot might have gone all the way to the bottom, however, he was immediately attempting to get out as soon as possible, and once out of the water, he did no further exploring of ice conditions in the immediate area. He suspected the thick snow layer may have insulated the ice-covered water enough that the ice never developed normal depth for this time of year.

Palmer-Wasilla Core Area Lake — overflow

My friend, Dan Suprak, told me of a recent family ice fishing trip he went on, where the family fished a stocked lake near Palmer. First thing they did was dig through the snow, clearing a spot for their tent on the ice, however, as soon as he drilled a hole through the ice, water started running up onto the ice through the hole. Evidently there was such a heavy snow load weighing the ice down, that it forced the water underneath up as soon as they punched through. Dan said he merely moved on to another spot, then drilled through without moving the snow cover. That way his group was able to fish on top of packed snow without getting as wet. It is likely, however, that water seeping up into that snow layer would likely make for messy conditions for the next group that could go to the same lake, hours or even days later.

Eagle River - Dangerous Ice

A recent event covered in local news sources told of a man and woman walking a dog that got into the water at Eagle River, when they attempted to get the dog free, the woman went through the ice — and last I heard had not been found. Moving water and especially fast moving water often does not freeze as thick, however, I suspect the same thick snow cover may have also played a role in this thin ice situation.

Be Cautious — Check Ice Conditions

Considering each of these three events together, would cause me to consider potential ice conditions before venturing out on ice-covered water — and then check the conditions before venturing too far from shore — and continue checking ice conditions if moving to other ice-covered locations. Because of likely overflow conditions I would also suggest wearing warm rubber-bottomed boots. As the case with my nephew — simply walking about on ice with thick snow cover increases the likelihood of finding a patch of thin ice hidden beneath the blanket of snow. Be even more cautious near areas of flowing water — streams, rivers, or lake water outlet and inlet areas. Places where others have been fishing recently should be some of the safer locations to try — but as mentioned earlier, they may or may not have overflow on top of the ice.

While I often dislike ice fishing in the wind, wind action can often blow snow cover away, forming a thicker ice layer that floats higher on the water below — with little or no overflow.

Stocking Plan — Comment Period

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has mentioned that its fish stocking plan is out for review — this is the public opportunity to provide input on the state stocking system, including species, numbers stocked, projected returns, and locations stocked. The comment period is scheduled for January 2 -31, 2024. Those who would like to make comments, voice concerns or ask questions may contact Summer Woods - Tunney at 907-269-0781 or email: summer.woods@alaska.gov

2024 Deshka River King Salmon Run Forecast

ADF&G has released its Deshka River king salmon forecast for 2024 calling for a total return of 6, 671 fish. In addition, the forecast calls for a return of only 3 fish in the older 1.4 year freshwater/saltwater age class that in the past has encompassed the most female fish in the return and often was the largest age class component in many of the large returns once experienced at Deshka River. According to this report the 2022 Deshka River king salmon spawning escapement of 5,440 fish was the second lowest on record — with an even lower escapement of 3, 741 king salmon passing Deshka River Weir in 2023. The Deshka River spawning escapement goal is 9,000 - 18,000 fish — making it appear likely no sport king salmon harvest may be allowed at Deshka River, for the third year in a row during the 2024 fishing season, and even more likely catch and release king salmon fishing may be prohibited during the open water fishing season starting May 1.

There is always hope for better Mat-Su Valley returns of 4 additional salmon species during the second half of the summer salmon season in 2024.

Good Luck and Fish On!