Up here in Iowa I fish till ice over on the river in December and start fishing again in February. I check the lower unit for water in the oil/milky oil. I plug the livewell lines and pull the pumps before freezing temps kick in. I have froze up a pump and split the pump housing before. Usually I put the Ranger away and fish with a friend who has a jon boat with no plumbing. Bilge pump is a milk jug. Cold water fish is awesome, just dress for it and enjoy. No skeeters