I've always stacked immediately after splitting. I can't stand clutter and a pile of wood takes up too much space + it's easier to cover with a tarp if stacked.

I gather with a loader bucket and keep piling it up next to my outdoor wood burner.
When snow comes i throw a tarp over it and it works fine for me.
whatever is easier. I dump on top of pallets to keep the bottom with some air circulation.
I figure by spring it will be gone and i can start all over anyway.

That looks like a lot of missed fishing time to me.....