Ice anglers are champing at the bit to get out and drill some holes through the cap on many local lakes, but I would advise caution. Folks that I’ve talked to that are heading up to Fish Lake, near Lake Wenatchee are staying close to the dock. The heavy snowfall we have received works against getting solid ice. The snow actually insulates the thin layer of ice that has formed and doesn’t allow it to get any thicker until we get some colder temperatures. Roses Lake would be iffy and I plan on checking on Rat Lake to see if conditions are any better. I will also try to get a report on Patterson and Davis lakes up the Methow. In the meantime I plan to get out on the upper Columbia River or Rufus Woods, now that the daily temperatures are at least over single digits. The few anglers that have been braving the cold weather to fish for steelhead on the river and for trout on the reservoir have reported very good fishing. There are certain precautions to take when fishing these areas in the winter, like inspecting the ramp before launching. Even four-wheel-drive won’t help when they are covered with ice.