Line Guide Freeze Ice Buildup

[Woodland Artisan]

I thought it'd be a nice day yesterday, 3/2/14, to head down to Shoal Creek between the Wildcat Glades Conservation Center and Mc Clelland Park south of Joplin and have my 2nd day, ever, of fly fishing. I was doing alright casting, for my 2nd day ever of fly casting I suppose, except that my fly line was getting a bit more stiff and curly along with some ice buildup on the end line guides. Enough ice to completely stop the fly line from moving through it and, hence, completely messing up my wonderful casting. <grin>

My question is, can anything be done to either the line or the guides to help prevent this? You know, other than going out fly fishing in 4 degree weather, that is.

[Ozark Sweetwater]

There really isn't anything that works other than dipping the rod in the water. There are several products out there but I have never heard of anything working very well.

[rumrunner]

every few casts i knock the ice out of the close eyes and dip the rest of the rod in the water.it's better than not going........

my eight wieght does better in adverse conditions,cold,wind,etc.i guess the bigger fly line is easier to work with.

catch anything?

[Woodland Artisan]

I was using a 7# rod/line and caught 3. If I hadn't been paying good attention I would have thought they were the same fish. Almost identical looking 5" perch. It was nice being out there with all of the snow, geese and quiet even though it was so cold. A few days before that I was out at Jolly Mill and caught a few there (1 small trout) while wearing short sleeves.

Had to go up to northern Missouri a few days ago so I took a look at what kind of trout opportunities there were. To my surprise, there's a stocked 'lake' (pond) in Kirksville so I decided to take the fly rod up there and get some more practice in. Everything is still frozen up there. Ponds, lakes, everything. But, not enough to do any ice fishing.

[Brian K. Shaffer]

Loon Outdoors makes Stanleys Ice Off paste. I use it in extreme cold with wonderful results.

Years ago I knew a guy who would have a real cheap-o fly line and then try to cover the guides in Chap Stik.

(That was me by the way.)

Now I use the Stanleys and it works. - Brian

[Woodland Artisan]

Thank you very much, Brian. Unfortunately, I won't have a chance to get some before my trip tomorrow up north, again, for some trout fishing. It's supposed to get down to 15F. But, I'll pick some up for the next cold fishing trip ... maybe in 8 months!