Countdown to Go Time Part 2

It's almost here. When are you hoping to get out and what part of the state? 

Couldn't find the original thread, so I started this one.

I started to pull out my ice gear and inventory it. I did order some new tip-up line from Amazon. The forecast showed me I don't need to be in a hurry. Last year I was able to drive my 4Runner on a local lake 4 times (12 inches of ice). I'm hoping to have more of those opportunities this year. I remember when I arrived in Wisconsin in '96 (Instructor for Machinist Mate "A" school at Great Lakes Naval Station as an MM1 /Petty Officer 1st class) how excited I was for Winter, and how mobile I was determined to be on foot. Caught a lot of fish too!! As I get older, I find excuses not to go, and really only look forward to early ice pannies, then to driving on and watching tip-ups from the warmth of the SUV. I'm old and lazy now. I kinda miss my younger spry self.

40s near 50 next week.. looong time a comin!

The cold weather that was supposed to deliver ice on time for once in SE Wisconsin has gone by the wayside, and it now looks like we'll be above average until at least Christmas. 

Good thing I'm numb to this kind of thing after 10 straight years of it!

Way to go pike,nice start to the season.

About 4 inches of ice today. Some parts less though, but it’s kind of obvious by the cracks and darker shade… Fishing was slow, but Good to finally get out!

Tzeilstra- If you know of any shallow waters, I think you’ll have a good chance to ice fish. Just my two cents. I’m heading out Wednesday morning. Most lakes open. But with thousands to choose from, there are some options up north.

Went for a ride yesterday. Two on mirror lake in wisconsin dells. About 2 inches of ice. I walked out a little ways but think I'll wait a bit yet.

n. pike - you're breaking my heart! I'm heading north (Crandon area) for Thanksgiving and had my heart set on doing some fishing on Friday. Doesn't sound like many lakes locked up very well despite the cold temps. The water temps probably started out too warm due to the heat the week before, and the winds didn't help us either. 

That’s pretty far south. But if it’s a shallow water, you never know. Up north here, most lakes are still open. But some of the small ones up here might be ready for the early-birds.. Haven’t drilled any holes yet. But some good signs. Got down almost to zero last night.

Here is a picture of Mud Creek today. And Maple Lake. Maple lake was open just two days ago. So I don’t think this is very thick. But it’s only gonna grow exponentially from here.

Saw a Fakebook post today from Lake County, IL where a guy posted photo of a bass on ice. Claimed he weighs 168 & is on 2.75” of ice! I’ll wait.