Stepped out on the hardwater for the first time ever today (fishing, that is) and it sure was interesting. First off, we didn't catch anything on the jigs and spoons we used, all tipped with mealworms, but this was more of a "let's work out the kinks before we get fancy" type outing. Second and more oddly was the fact that the big pond we went 45 mins away for was 100% blue water! After over a week of sub-freezing temps! Wanted to know if anyone could hazard a guess as to why, especially because the water closer to home had 4 inches of ice and this pond, where the air temp was consistently colder, maxed out at 1 inch, and only within 10 or so feet of shore. I think it might be because it's spring fed but I would think that would maybe only affect 30 feet or so around the spring. Any guesses?

I was wondering about that, but I've only heard of one spring in the lake, and it's off in the corner. And if I had to guess, I'd say the water from the spring maybe topped out at 45 degrees, because that's where the trout hang out in the summer. That may very well be our answer, though.

Hi all ! I think I can help. Iv been ice fishing for better then 50 years. There are alot of things that go into making ice or not on any body of water. Air temp, wind, size of the pond or lake, sun, turn over,etc. First the top of the pond water must freeze to form a shell over the water. Then the wind will play into things. The lower the wind chill the better. This will make ice from the top down into the water. It should be clear and hard. This is the best ice. If the ice has alot of air in it (white or patchy) it will not be as strong or hold as much weight per inch. Ice from snow melt has air in it as it forms from the shell up. And if the pond did ice over and then melt this can cause the water to turn over and warm all the water in the pond. This will give you a slow refreeze. The size of the pond and location will play a factor too. The bigger the water the longer it takes to freeze over. A spring will keep the water warmer longer. But it can stilll ice up. The wind is a big factor too. Even in very cold weather the ice will not form well if it is not wind blown. The more wind (speed and wind chill ) the faster and harder the ice will form. If you have alot of wind blockers (trees, hills, etc) it cant get to the water. I hope this helps with your ??? And as for bait try minnows or B maws for pan fish. Tight lines and bent rods (fish on , fish on) Life member 91

Good info, fish or die, definitely cleared up a bunch of questions I had. I think the tall trees around the pond may have contributed to the lack of ice, and along with the spring which feeds the lake, I think we have our answer. Thank you both very much!