Environment
Cold weather anglers flock to thick ice; effects of ice on fish mixed
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By DARCIE MORAN
Capital News Service
LANSING — In a few years, Michigan anglers might have the polar vortex to thank for good hauls. But in a few months, they might have it to blame for particularly disappointing catches. Fish experts are keeping a close eye on how winter conditions progress, a clue to how fish populations in the Great Lakes and Michigan’s inland lakes will fare. The recent cold and resulting ice might give some fish eggs a better chance of survival, Michael Hoff, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fish biologist, said. But other fish could die in droves due to lack of oxygen mixed with other stressors.