Cold snap brings out the ice fishers on Mogadore Reservoir

Staff Report
·2 min read
Bill Molesky of Alliance headed out to the Mogadore Reservoir off Route 43 in Suffield Monday. He said he caught mostly perch between about 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Bill Molesky of Alliance headed out to the Mogadore Reservoir off Route 43 in Suffield Monday. He said he caught mostly perch between about 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

A bit more snow fell on Portage County on Monday to add to the foot or more that fell on the area in the Martin Luther King Day storm.

And forecasters say temperatures will likely not reach above freezing before next week. The coldest day will be Wednesday when daytime temperatures won't get out of the teens and at night will dip below zero.

Eric and his dad Rick Copeland caught mostly crappie on Mogadore Reservoir off Sunnybrook Road. These fish were already frozen stiff by around 2 p.m. Monday.
Eric and his dad Rick Copeland caught mostly crappie on Mogadore Reservoir off Sunnybrook Road. These fish were already frozen stiff by around 2 p.m. Monday.

The cold snap has made for great ice fishing on Mogadore Reservoir, which was dotted with ice huts Monday.

According to the National Weather Service of Cleveland, there's a chance of snow today, Wednesday and Friday.

Fishers estimated the ice was probably 5 to 8 inches thick on the Reservoir.

Streetsboro Parks and Recreation Director Greg Mytinger said ice is safe to walk on at a thickness of 4 inches. He said cars can be on ice at about 10 inches thick.

Springfield resident Rick Copeland, left, and his son Eric Copeland, of Tallmadge, took a day to catch some fish in their ice hut on Mogadore Reservoir Monday.
Springfield resident Rick Copeland, left, and his son Eric Copeland, of Tallmadge, took a day to catch some fish in their ice hut on Mogadore Reservoir Monday.

Ice safety tips

The Ohio Department has some tips for those interested in venturing out on the ice to catch dinner:

• Always fish with a partner or in an area with several other anglers present;

• let others know exactly where you are going and when you plan to return;

• place a cell phone in a plastic bag to protect it from moisture in case of wetness;

• sprinkle sand around your feet for better traction on the ice;

• always take along a personal flotation device seat cushion or wear a life vest; and

• avoid areas where feeder streams, springs, bridge pilings, docks and dam structures since ice is usually very thin there.

Father-son duo Rick and Eric Copeland used this SONAR device to find a good fishing spot on Mogadore Reservoir. WIth it, they are able to sound the depth of the reservoir (27 feet) and also get an indiication of how many fish are around. They said they can even watch their fish swim over to their bait with a series of green flashes around the dial.
Father-son duo Rick and Eric Copeland used this SONAR device to find a good fishing spot on Mogadore Reservoir. WIth it, they are able to sound the depth of the reservoir (27 feet) and also get an indiication of how many fish are around. They said they can even watch their fish swim over to their bait with a series of green flashes around the dial.

Those who end up falling through the ice should try to remain calm. If boots are loose, slip them off so it's easier to tread water.

To get back on the ice, use an awl if it's within reach or try to swim out, accelerating so the upper body gets on top of the ice. Once back on the ice, keep clothing on, which will still offer some insulation even if it's wet.

To help someone else, let them grab a fishing pole to help them get out of the water and call for help.

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Cold snap brings out the ice fishers on Mogadore Reservoir