Ice Fishing in New England

The lakes and ponds in New England always seemed frozen for half the year, and when winter settled in, we found a way to make the most of it. On weekends we would head out ice fishing, drill a few holes, set the tip-ups, and settle into the strange little world that only happens out on a frozen lake.

On slow days we used to joke that it was really more like “ice drinking” than ice fishing, but the best part was never just the fish. It was being outside, laughing with friends, walking across a frozen pond, watching for a flag to pop up, and turning a cold winter day into a memory.

It sure beat spending the whole weekend inside. That was the point of it all.

As Mom used to say: “Go outside and play!”

Ice fishing on a frozen New England pond — Ice fishing in New England — part fishing trip, part winter gathering, and always better than staying indoors.

Playing ice hockey with an empty beer can on the ice — Playing a little “ice hockey” with an empty beer can while waiting for the fish to cooperate.

Waiting for an ice fishing flag to pop up — Waiting for a flag to pop up — the classic ice fishing mix of patience, hope, and cold feet.

Old Toyota used on the ice at Bare Hill Pond — We would buy an old car — this was a $50 Toyota — and use it on the ice all winter.

Looking back, these were simple days, but that was the beauty of them. A frozen pond, a few friends, a handful of tip-ups, and a whole winter day outside.