The ice is pulling back right now at Strawberry Reservoir. With these warm temperatures it is coming off fast, and earlier than normal. There is already considerable open water, especially on the Soldier Creek side. It is impossible to predict how long it will take for the entire lake to open up. A warm storm coming in tomorrow may speed up the thaw. My best guess is there will be ice through this weekend, and the lake will be totally ice free sometime next week.

Many anglers anxiously awaite this time of year and try to fish when they can work baits and lures along the edge of the ice as it pulls back from shore. Action can be fast if you get in the right spot at the right time. But the fish can be finicky and success can be slow if you don't find the right spot.

Don Allphin has this article about fishing Strawberry at ice-off. It offers good tips and strategies. Here's one quote:

"Black marabou 1/4-ounce jigs are great lures to use during the ice-off period. At times, there might be a lot of open water in the main lake areas, but if you were to hike into some small, protected bays you may discover that the ice is just beginning to recede. Whenever possible, cast your jig onto the ice and then carefully bring it to the edge and let it drop in the water. This is a great way to manufacture a strike."