My hopes of beginning the guide season this Saturday was just a pipe-dream now that the date is almost here. 2012 and 2013 got me spoiled with a mild winter and temps above 32 by the end of February. This year, our river has quite a bit of ice on it and many deeper pools have had consistent ice fishermen on them. River levels have been low and stable which has contributed to ice forming in uncommon areas. If we do not get some thawing to break up this ice soon, I may have to wait until mid-March for totally open water.

I am sure down river flooding via ice jams will be a concern very soon especially in the Oil City/Franklin areas once things break loose.