Big Cedar Lake

Stopped by Gonring launch around 4:00 PM and not a car in the entire parking area, felt really erie considering it's February 10th. Still ice covered, but by the looks of it and the signs of people drilling holes right off the launch and not venturing out it must be unsafe. Hopefully the colder temps at night help, don't see the day temps helping much. AND, for the idiots that always think the best way to check ice thickness is to chuck rocks from the shoreline onto the ice, do us respectful fisherman a favor and stay off this lake!

Just checked launch at Gonring (also checked ice off launch) and it's not looking good. Two holes I drilled had probably 5 inches of very soft ice, and two or three inches of solid black ice underneath. My new drill works great, but I won't be going out today and trying anymore holes anywhere on the lake. Hopefully we get some good cold overnight temps and she locks up good by next weekend. I wouldn't go out this weekend, but if your crazy enough to be smart and bring a friend and probably a life vest. Lol. 

Ice is starting to go downhill quickly. Broke thru a little bit by gonring on my way off the ice today. Don't think I'll be going out again till we get a good cold snap for a while again. Had a little luck today, caught a walleye that was barely a keeper. Also had eggs in it. Isn't it early for them to have eggs? Very slow bite all day. Stay safe everyone. 

Would not recommend any form of travel at the moment. Perhaps this coming week can firm something up. There is a max of 2.5" safe ice, some spots less. There may be a couple of inches of white stuff, but cannot call that strong ice. With springs all over, we need some cold badly.

If anyone would like some free small and medium flat heads and rosies I have about 6 dozen to give away. About 3 min. from the Gonring launch. Msg. me. Hate to see them go to waste.

Whoever is cutting sight fishing holes into the lake that are 22” wide, STOP IT. One; it’s against the law and two both of the sticks you pushed into the ice as markers @ the hole fell over.

I remarked the hole, this most recent hole is where all weekend pressure has been north east side of the lake, roughly where the no wake zone markers are during open water. This is the 4th cut hole I have found over 20” this year. 

Here's what I measured using my ruler with a T-bar on it so I can hook the bottom of the ice and read the ruler to get an exact reading.   I can see solid as compared to slush ice. 3.5" of solid clear ice, above that was an additional 3.5 of slush ice.  From last week I found I lost 2" of slush ice and 1" of clear where I was fishing.  This ice was very weak, drilled like butter. This is south of the launch.  North of the launch,  Sun I had 4" of clear and 3 of slush, I only measured one hole on the walk in. Again, this ice drilled like butter. There maybe areas with more or less. I just don't want to be on a less than area.  I decided it was time to start my new adventure, processing maple sap. That can always change it we get another cold snap but cleaned out my truck. Ended the season ​with the biggest of the season. 15" crappie.

Just watched one of you board the Edmund Fitzgerald, er try to ice fish off the Yacht Club on the South end. This person got to the south end of the bar, did an ice check, and then thankfully scurried back towards the Boettcher launch. If he’s reading this, would love to know the ice depth he measured out there.

For the newbs wanting to try the South End, a couple thoughts. 

-As of yesterday, the east shore had three inches of ice, and it wasn’t holding up well. Small water areas along the shore, and the three inch ice that was there was pretty dicey.

-the South End always has pressure cracks,and holes that don’t always seal up to the same depth as other ice around it. 

-Unless your marking a solid 6-8 inches and well below freezing temps, be sure to have a buddy with you, or let others know you’re out on the South end. 

Tight lines. 

Anders, I measured 6.5" where I was way north of gonring launch, 9" just to the south of the launch. Plenty of ice for foot travel, but the way the ice starting to resemble late ice (March ice) is going to be a problem unless we get a cold stretch. As for the fishing, the fish kicked my butt today!

Perchhound please check your private message. Thanks for bringing this issue to our attention. The coaches did garbage collection throughout the day. I can assure you and others that the team will be addressed and we will hold those accountable. Managing 48 kids on the Ice isn’t easy, but we are doing our best to introduce kids properly into the outdoors. Thanks for the support you and others do to help our younger generations enjoy and appreciate the natural resources. Coach Jay