Long Lake near Mercer.  What about smaller, shallower lakes?  Will they freeze sooner?  Thinking Lake Evelyn or Deer Tail.  Sorry, I have zero experience ice fishing. 

Depends what lake and where on which lake.  Some lakes are open.  Some are locked up.  Others in between.  I fished on 2.5” last night near mercer.   I know other were out as well.  In general its pretty bad but that all will change by the hour with the snow and cold that is coming.  What lake are you wondering about?  I may have info.

Was on a backwater in Price County on Saturday. Had 5”. Main lake was frozen over previous days. Looked at it today when I came home. Main lake was 50% open. Unless you are on a back water or bay, it’s not ready yet from what I’ve seen.