Hey,haven't you guys heard of 5 mil waders with a pair of longjohns and fleece wader pants. You don't even know you're in the water.
Basin Lakes only freeze over for one to three weeks generally (excepting the longest winters) and this year may not freeze at all if the current pattern holds.
Be aware though that when water temps are below 44 degrees the fish don't move around much searching for food. You have to keep moving and try to bonk them on the nose....usually with a leech. It can be disappointing real early, but at least you get in some "practice fishing."
The best early water for chronies is 3 to 6 feet.
Keep the sizes small. If no luck, go to 20' and try bloodworms.Hit the smaller shallower lakes not the deep ones. :p