Ice Fishing
Are you done for the season?
Rain wasn't as bad as they predicted in Vilas Co today and the temps were cool. So, basically, a 34 degree day with light rain much of the day. Turned to snow around 6:00. Could have been worse. Cold rain doesn't seem to affect ice much. For example, we had an inch of ice on our road coming in yesterday, and there still looks to be an inch as of tonight. Nothing really changed.
So, a little more ice season yet! Gotta get out while we can.
Sawyer county lakes are still solid as well, had 20" on 4 different lakes ranging from 100-800 acres. One lake opening up a bit along the shorelines but otherwise no issues. Cold weather this week should prolong the season another week. Fishing was great as well, love this time of year.
Ice was in great shape today. Quite a few people out at various lakes too.
No slush. Easy to get around. Everything really solid. Had about 18 inches. Yes, it's in layers, and who knows how long it will last, but it does look like we've gotten a bit of an extension to our season these next 10 days or so.
Fishing was decent. Barometer started around 30.70. That's huge. Dropped steadily through the day.
I was usually looking forward to ice fishing in March. I would even take my spring break vacation in Minocqua. Now? I would like to make a trip up there, but I am more likely to just do my end of season maintenance and put stuff away. One of these years I am going to go north for the perch bite at dawn, then down to south central WI and chase gills with fly rod on the same day. Fun daily double action.
Heading out tomorrow in Vilas Co. Will report how ice is.
My job duties are up in the air for a few weeks here...so might be able to get on the ice a number of times before ice out. Been really cold the past few days, giving us a bit of an extension to the season. Once it warms up, the ice will go pretty fast.
I am, and I'm pretty sure these guys are now too
https://fox11online.com/news/local/rescue-efforts-ongoing-as-ice-breaks-off-in-bay
No way! Some of the best is yet to come! We still have very fishable ice up here and the forecast looks decent to hold on for a while yet at least. Very little sunshine. Don't see any major rain. And, highs are in the 30s and low to mid 40s, with lows often from 17-25 degrees. Hoping to fish through March, but it won't be as long as usual. Usually mid to late April up here!
I was done with the slush fest up north but now it firmed up. I was up two weekends ago and the lake was like a salt flat. Easy walking. I burned some carbon outta the sled ripping about. Anywho, the crappies were cooperative and I hope to be back up at least one more weekend to set out a bunch of tip downs and enjoy the warm weather with fam and beer.