Mohawk Lake, located in the town of Sparta, and is a favorite destination for anglers seeking the thrill of ice fishing.
My father was a Deputy Game Warden in Warren County. Every year, the local division would do an ice fishing outing at a chosen lake. I was able to tag along and enjoy the day fishing and listen to the adults carry on and tell questionable jokes and stories. I was 15 at the time...
Pictured below, my father on the left.
Mohawk Lake, nestled in the rolling hills of Sussex County, transforms into a winter wonderland when the cold sets in. Its shimmering surface, covered in a thick layer of ice, attracts ice anglers from far and wide. Surrounded by a forested landscape, the lake offers a tranquil and scenic setting for a day on the ice.
Mohawk Lake is home to a variety of fish species, including perch, pickerel, sunfish, and even trout. Ice fishing enthusiasts eagerly drill holes through the ice, hoping to catch a big one. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice, the thrill of the catch is always a heart-pounding experience.
Ice fishing is not only about catching fish but also about bonding with friends and family. As we wait for a nibble, breakfast would be made with a coleman stove and coffee on an old tee pot. Notice the Red Flyer being used as the cooking table...
The lake is stocked with striped bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, catfish, and trout. We mostly caught yellow perch and would clean and cook for lunch.
The gear we used:
Ice Auger: This tool is used to drill holes through the ice, creating access points for fishing.
Ice Fishing Rod: Shorter and more compact than traditional fishing rods, ice fishing rods are designed to work efficiently within the confines of an ice shanty or shelter.
Tip-ups or Ice Fishing Reels: These ingenious devices are used to suspend baited hooks in the water. When a fish bites, a flag or indicator pops up, signaling a catch. These are what we typically used.
Bait: Popular choices include live or preserved minnows, waxworms, mealworms, or artificial lures. We used live minows.
As the sun begins to set over Mohawk Lake and the ice begins to glow in the light, I cherish the memories created during my fishing and outdoor adventures.
Great memories!