Ice-out (sort of…) on Conesus Lake, NY

by kevin on March 15, 2009

in Kayak Bass Fishing

Well, the water was 36-37 degrees F, but the only way the slowly widening patch of water was going to get fished was in a boat that you could carry to the waters edge from a parking lot. Kayaks fit the bill! Me and my buddies Pat and Sean decided to give it a go on Conesus Lake, NY.

We figured that the fish would be piled up near spawning areas, but it must be a bit early because all we found in the likely spots were a few scattered fish. Sean was the only one that hooked up and got one into the boat – a nice smallie. This was Sean’s first time ever in a kayak and he did great (obviously).

I may have made another convert to the sport of kayak fishing…

Early ice-out smallmouth bass on Conesus Lake, NY.

Early ice-out smallmouth bass on Conesus Lake, NY.

-Paul

Tagged as: BlueDaksi, Conesus Lake, kayak fishing

  • 36 degrees is very cold. What type of clothing do you wear and have you ever fallen in ??
  • Paul
    I've been kayak fishing for over five years and have never accidentally dumped over in my kayak. The fishing kayaks that are being made today are extremely stable.

    That's not to say that it couldn't happen. When I am not in a group and on calm water, my cold water apparel is thick neoprene chest waders with insulating under garment. I can stand in 35 degree water for over an hour without getting cold. I was out on the water for over two hours a couple of weeks ago when temps were in their teens and I stayed toasty warm. I'm sure that if I went into the drink, it would be a different story, I've seen demonstrations of how neoprene chest waders with a chest belt will keep you dry and warm in the event of an upset and I take care to not be out in deep water when it's cold if help is not close at hand.
  • I've never dumped in a kayak. Not even once. My bigger concern would be spray and such. I wear chest waders sometimes if it's wicked cold, or just water proof pants from Columbia Outerwear if it's just chilly.
  • WoW! When you going again?
  • Paul
    Weather permitting, I want to go out again on Saturday. What do you think? Can you make it?
  • Paul
    Lord willing, as long as the weather cooperates, I will be going out a minimum of twice per week . You're welcome to join me anytime. I plan on doing some kayak fishing on Black Creek near RIT campus every Monday afternoon, 2:20-4:40pm starting in a couple of weeks.

    -Paul
  • I can't get there til 5:30, but I was thinking the same. In behind ARC by the mouth. Seeing that smallmouth opened my eyes to what March and April might bring.

    In truth, i wouldn't have thought to head out for bass yet.
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