A strange, mild Winter

The Winter of 2014-2015 was absolutely brutal as the snow and ice stated in late November, melted off around Christmas, and then things got cold again around the New Year.  From there on till mid April we endured record levels of snow and daily temperatures well below the freezing mark.   It was a Winter that felt like it would never end.   The ice on the Kennebacasis was about 2 feet thick, even out in the deep water, making the task of drilling holes for ice fishing a daunting task.

Norton Shore Road, adjacent to the Kennebecasis River

This year however things are quite different.   More often than not it seems we are enjoying temperatures above the freezing level.   The snowfall has been minimal and there have been many days like today where a stroll down the street requires no more than a light jacket, ball cap and sunglasses.   Really this has been the mildest winter I can ever remember here in Eastern Canada!

For ice fisherman this isn't a good thing.   Folk looking to set up their shacks for smelt had to wait till after the New Year to get out on the ice, and then with one of many rounds of mild weather, several shacks in a few different areas fell through the ice.   This past week again, we had temperatures so mild, thick fog blanketed our town as the ice and snow dissolved away.   I haven't heard if any shacks went through the ice again last week, but I wouldn't be surprised if a few did.

What does all this mean for us kayak anglers?   Well with the ice easily 15 inches thinner than it was this time last year, I would expect to witness a much earlier break up in the rivers.   We may be able to have the kayaks in the water come late March if the mild temperatures continue!   

Rowan catching a feed of smelt

While I enjoy getting my kids out on the ice to catch a feed of smelt as much as the next guy, I really do miss getting out for a paddle chasing sturgeon, stripers, pickerel and more around our lakes and rivers.   Having a lot of Facebook friends in the southern part of the U.S. and other countries continuously posting pictures of their catches from kayak doesn't help!  

So here's to the sun and the mild temperatures!   Lets get the next 6 - 8 weeks over with so that we can get back on the water!