I live in ny in sullivan county and this is going to be my first big year for fishing.  Last year i got started late and was stuck pickeral fishing.  How much after the ice finally melts is it possible to catch a bass? Or right after and what lures are good. Please help

As soon as you can get on the lake!! Just fish jigs and hard jerkbaits real slooowwww.  That's what I would do.

Scott

Watch out in NY the Bass season does not start until the 3rd weekend in June. The state protects the bass until after the spawning season. Any direct targeting of bass can get you fined.

I think I'd go nuts if Texas had a closed season.  Good luck when you get on the water!

As soon as the water hits 40 degrees, the water will "turn over" and there will be good oxygen all around the lake, causing fish of all species to become more active. Fish like Scott said, real slow, because cold water bass will be sluggish. When the water reaches 50 degrees, bass will enter the pre-spawn stage and begin feeding heavily. Look for them on shallow flats where the water warms quickly, preferably along the north side of the lake or in sheltered bays. Watch the weather, looking for steady warming patterns - if a cold front comes along, it will most likely drive the bass back to the depths. And listen to sarget! If you're going to fish bass, be stealthy, and don't keep any. If you happen to see the authorities aproach, make sure to have a small jig or something tied on and tell 'em you're fishing panfish! I got busted for fishing out of season last year, and the fine was quite hefty!

I think I'd go nuts if Texas had a closed season.  

That's why there are so many head cases here, yours truly included.  :'(

As soon the season opens and you can wet your line. Just remember ***SLOW***

fish as slow as you can then slow down somemore.

when the ice melts

I like to cut holes in the ice and fish!

I know guys who have caught some nice smallies when there was ice still on the lake edges.  They cast a tube or blade bait on the ice, drug it off the ice and into the water and not too soon after entering, BAM!

In other words, fish when there is open water to fish.  Fish get active far sooner than most realize.

Brad