An Early Start For Ice Fishing

We have been fortunate enough this year to have an early ice fishing season. A few of us have been getting out onto a local lake and having great luck. The location is Rickett’s Glen State Park in Red Rock, Pa. The water is Lake Jean, nestled on top of Red Rock Mountain. It is generally the first place in our area to freeze over and the last to thaw out because of the high elevation.


The main species are pickeral and perch. They greatly outnumber the other fish species in the lake such as largemouth bass, blueguill, and very few crappie. The fishing is generally good as long as you know where to go.


The weather is 10-20 degrees colder than at the bottom of the mountain, and ALWAYS windy. Not a slight breeze, but 10-20mph with 30-40mph gusts. It can be trying at times to fish, but is worth it. There are a few coves you can tuck into, and one or two other spots that are blocked by the woods, but mostly you hunker down and put your back to the wind. Here are a few pictures from the year so far.