"Partly right. Dissolved O2 levels will increase around open water via diffusion, not from sinking per se. Water density varies with temperature and is densest at 4*C on the bottom during the winter and lightest just under the ice at 0*C. Water needs to *warm* not cool to sink during the hardwater season. This is the opposite of the open water."
And you are partially right. at 0C the water is less dense when it goes through a faze change to form ICE, which is why it floats on water. However, as I said, with the melt and run off the warm water entering the lake will get things moving, as the run off and melt is absorbing oxygen on the surface.
But anyways, the fishing will improve over the next few weeks. As for the lake conditions for getting around, the best thing that can happen is warm windy days to strip the snow off the lakes. They will be the usual slick sheet of ice, so put on some creepers and enjoy!
Drewski
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