I'm curious for some feedback on what's happening to the water in a small 50 acre lake, with one main creek channel and a max depth of about 25ft.

 

The lake is partially frozen, so the area's I can fish are limited.  I am thinking that the frozen vs open water has more to do with surface temperature, and that the deeper water, even if it's under ice, could be more stable.

 

Not sure if I'm on the right track or not, but I'm trying to learn something from this and increase my odds of putting my presentation in front of fish in the open water that is available.  

 

Thanks!

Yes, you’re on the right track. Water is most dense at 39.6 degrees or thereabout, so most of the water deeper than 5’ or so regardless if ice covered or not will be warmer and more stable. Temps increase several degrees rather quickly as you move away from the actual ice sheet (vertically or horizontally). I’d focus more on the terrain under the open water you can fish rather than the actual area covered by ice.

I got one of my biggest fish when I casted a vibee/silver buddy onto an ice shelf and let it fall into the open water

I also lost a nice fish about 5 casts later as she grabbed the bait and ran it under the ice slicing the line

 

 

Most times but not always, surface ice forms in the calmest water first... The bank that blocks the wind will freeze before the open water with waves rolling through in the middle.  

Float n fly should work in open water zones.

Tom

I would look for wind blown shorelines especially ones with sun on them..this time of year a degree or two difference can really pull fish into water so shallow it may surprise you

If the wind is warmer then the water fish shallow. If it's colder then the water then fish deeper. If the ice is thin enough you can punch through it? I think ive tried that a few times though it could be a little sketchy. When the lakes thay cold thr major factor is water clarity; if its clear you can catch em. Everyone knowd cold muddy water is tough as a boot. If you really are a fisherman theres no confusion thatll keep you off the water. Go rip there lips

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.outdoorhub.com/news/2018/02/07/video-bass-smashes-ice-gulp-topwater-lure/amp/

 

You gotta throw tubes and inch across the top of the ice haha