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An Icy Winter Wraps Up At The Bay
The Ice God Ullr certainly delivered this winter on Put-in-Bay and across the Lake Erie Islands. While ice conditions fluctuated throughout much of December, a stretch of single-digit temperatures in January firmly set the ice in place, creating some of the best opportunities for winter recreation the islands have seen in years. For a community accustomed to the quieter pace of the off-season, it was a welcome reminder of how vibrant island life can be, even in the heart of winter.
Fishermen positioned their shanties in the customary areas off the West Shore and near Rattlesnake Island, as well as in the frozen stretch between the Lime Kiln Dock and Catawba. A few shanties were even spotted just south of Starve Island. Ice anglers took full advantage of the solid conditions, enjoying access to waters that are typically navigated only by boat in warmer months.
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Highs And Lows Out On The Ice
Snowmobile and ATV traffic was steady throughout the season. Riders were observed traveling across the ice to smaller neighboring islands including Green, Ballast, and Sugar. In addition, visitors made regular trips over the ice from the mainland. Groups reportedly traveled from Marblehead, Catawba State Park, and even as far as Oak Harbor. One particularly ambitious group proudly claimed to have visited five islands within a four-hour span—an impressive feat that highlights the unique geography of the Lake Erie Islands during a strong ice year.
Unfortunately, two island residents experienced mishaps when their machines broke through the ice in areas that are rarely, if ever, traveled—near Ballast Island and off Starve Island. By God’s grace, there were no injuries beyond bruised egos. Reports indicate that both an ATV and a snowmobile went through the ice near Ballast Island, serving as an important reminder that even in excellent ice years, conditions can change rapidly and unpredictably.
Islanders Know PIB's Ice
Ryan Stoiber offered timely and thoughtful advice: “People don’t get hurt on the ice in bad ice years. They get hurt on the ice in good ice years. This has been a great ice year. We’ve been able to do a lot of things on Put-in-Bay, around the islands, on the ice that we normally couldn’t do. But the weather’s getting warmer, and things that we did a day, two, or three days ago are now going to become very unsafe. So please, go back to your old standards. We don’t cut Victory Point close. We don’t go in the south passage. We don’t go behind Gibraltar. We don’t drive on Alligator Reef. Please be safe and do the right thing. This is the time, right now, when people get hurt or die.” His message resonated strongly as temperatures began to moderate and the character of the ice shifted.
The season also included several memorable gatherings. An impromptu soup party took place off the Boardwalk early in the month, followed by a larger celebration on Valentine’s Day on the ice off Middle Bass. There was even an island wedding for Jordan Beck and Megan Beckwith with around 30 people in attendance on the ice by the Boardwalk. Islanders enjoyed ice skating near the Boardwalk and in Squaw Harbor, embracing the rare opportunity to glide across frozen harbor waters. Ice boating enthusiasts, however, found conditions less than ideal due to rough and uneven ice surfaces.
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A Great Winter At The Bay
Anglers had notable success as well. Maria Hristovski landed a 19 lb. catfish through the ice—the largest she has ever caught. Meanwhile, this year’s “Most Expensive Fish” distinction goes to Griffin Sheehan. A rare visit to his shanty by ODNR wildlife officers resulted in a $140 citation after he was found angling without a valid fishing license.
For those who were unable to experience the activity firsthand, social media provided a front-row seat to the winter excitement. Posts by Sara Booker, Susan Byrnes, Paul Jeris, and Aaron Schroeder effectively captured and shared the season’s highlights. In addition, many followed the action through local webcams, particularly those hosted at putinbay.com, which offered real-time glimpses of island life on the ice.
When all was said and done, it was an exceptional winter on the Lake Erie Islands. South Bass Island demonstrated once again that even in its quietest season, Put-in-Bay offers a distinctive blend of recreation, community spirit, and natural beauty that makes island living remarkable year-round.