Well, ice fishing is here. The rumor mill is that Cowans Gap has four inches of ice, same as Meadow Grounds and Howard Dam (Sayers-Bald Eagle) has six inches of ice. Make sure you check the ice depth before you go though.

Tear drops rigged with wax worms is always a good choice through the ice.

I had some people asking me where to get the Vertical Lures Jig X. Keystone Country Store carries them.

Another good winter fishing technique is fishing plastic bait. Grubs-worms and sweet beavers worked slowly are a good choice. Plastic baits Texas-rigged with a parasite weight is a good combination. The weight has a loop on it that fits over the hook and more or less holds the bait in place. This saves you from pegging the weight and saves your line from getting nicked up. The plastics won't slide down the hook shank and honestly will save you money on plastic baits. They are also very affective on Senko type worms and Flukes.

You still want to target steep slopes and bluffs. Also check the beginning of creek channels. Cast to the top of slope. Fish the plastics back on slack line, hold your rod at the10:00 o'clock position and lift it to the 1:00 o'clock position. Make sure your line is slack though. Shack your rod tip in between lifts and the bite will more than likely be like your line gets heavier when you move the bait. Remember, fish slow. Weight size is more dependant on the wind. Lighter weight is best. Fluorocarbon line is what you want. Line diameter is pending the cover you are fishing. Plastic colors that work good are chartreuse pepper-green pumpkin and watermelon hues. Don't forget the jigs.

Remember,take a kid fishing. It could make for a great, big fish picture.

Tip: Don't be afraid to try a 10- 12 worm. It might surprise you.

Darick Brumbaugh is a resident of Fort Littleton and bass tournament angler.