Days before the vernal equinox, I have begun to see the gradual emergence of ice-out here in New England. Of course, the Cape lakes will be the first to open up as usual, and the northern lakes to follow a few weeks later.

This past weekend, I checked out Lake Wequaquet in Barnstable County. From the North ramp on Shootflying Hill Rd., it was completely open. I wasn’t able to see over to Bearse’s or over past Huckins Neck, but I’m sure if there is ice that it is minimal. Along with Wequaquet, I know that several other Barnstable County ponds and lakes are open, as well as the Nickerson State Park waters.

Unfortunately, I think this may be one of the only places with a lot of accessible water. There is no open water in Middlesex or Berkshire Counties that I know of.  And it doesn’t look like Ill be hunting for smallmouth up north till mid-April at the earliest!