Ice fishing in the kayak - Lake Alpine 12/7

Decided to hit Lake Alpine after my Melones trip. Raced up highway 4 and got my yak on the water at about 3pm. Gave me an hour and a half to fish before dark. The lake is low and boat ramp is way out of the water. There was some snow around the lake. I push off and begin trolling a kastmaster and a small rebel. As I get by the dam I notice the water looks funny as I am paddling towards it. Right when I hit it I knew what it was! Ice! CRUUUUNCH. As it echos through the canyon. Crap. I trid back paddling to no avail so I brek the ice with my paddle and get through the 40 yards of 1/4" thick ice. I trolled the lake 2 times around for one small fish that came off at the yak. Other than that no action. No fish marked. Water temp was an amazing 35 degrees at the south end of the lake and 38 at the north end.

Jeff
Pics coming soon -uploading

I'll be up at Eagle Lake at x-mas. If its not frozenm over I'll be battling the ice on the edge. Did your yak break through without you having to bang on the ice?

Awesome report, Ice-man!  Way to max your weekend.   

Man-o-man, did you get out this weekend.  You are really living the life.  Can we switch places some time.    Although I'll probably stay away from the ice fishing.  Nice kamikaze run up to Alpine.  Sorry more fish didn't cooperate.  Good idea on wearing what look to be neoprene waders.

Michael

Great pictures Jeff. I was thinking about you wondering how your Alpine trip would go. I mentioned to my dad that you were going up there and he said you may get into to some ice this time of the year.    Looks like he was right. I have never seen that lake that low before. Guess I have never really been up there this time of the year. Nothing ventured nothing gained...way to go on making the best of your weekend.

Ray

Looks like you had the place to yourself, must have been peaceful. 

And I thought it was cold on the delta..you make me look like a whimp!

Way to go Jeff!

Thanks for sharing some awesome pictures Jeff.

Jedmo

very "cool" report! 

I camped at Lake Alpine in early november once.  It was very cold (duh!), but there were still some fish caught. 

Really cool pictures, Jeff.  Same goes for the melones report. 

Who'd a thunk it Ice breaking with a kayak!  Too bad the fish didin't visit with you.

Question , does that cold of water have any effect on the plastic kayaks are made of ? Years ago while playing in the snow with the kids ( round plastic discs ) hit one of the discs on my thigh to knock off the snow , wrong move , brittle plastic broke quite nicely .

For the big money most charge for kayaks , I would hope the material is more durable ! Good idea or no to use in real freezing temperatures ?

I have destroyed a kayak bombing down hills in the snow. Our track quickly developed into an ice chute and then of course we had to build a ramp at the end. The bottom had become cold and rigid and then split upon impact after the first good launching.

Way to make it happen.
That shows some real maddness and determination when you troll through the ice.
You the man