Deep Creek Lake Ice Fishing Adventure

Type: Nontidal
Region: Western
Location: Deep Creek Lake

The Northern Garrett High School Envirothon Club, teacher Rebecca Kenyon-Sisler and I ventured out onto the thick ice of Deep Creek Lake to have some fun ice fishing - a first time experience for all the students and the teacher. We made our own ice-rods by simply duct-taping a reel to the top part of a two-piece rod, tied on a # 10 hook, attached a bobber and a couple of sinkers to the line, and used live minnows for bait. Thank goodness we had a power auger to get through the 12 inches of solid ice! It wasn't long before the first bobber was pulled under the ice and a nice 19.5 inch Chain Pickerel was soon on top of the ice. Every student caught at least one fish, and the cold day was made more tolerable with a large thermos of hot chocolate and homemade brownies!

Pictured: 1) Emily Fratz with her first Chain Pickerel 2) the Envirothon Club: Rebecca Kenyon-Sisler, Katie Carpenter, Blake Upole, Madi Gallagher with her jumbo Yellow Perch, Emily Fratz, and Brandon Raley. 3) Rebecca with her 13.75 inch Yellow Perch, and 4) Katie with her last-minute Yellow Perch