Checked deep lake yesterday evening. I only went about 50 yards or so off the north end  seemed like a solid 2.5-3” of ice with about 2” of slush ice on top. A big crack opens up on my last spud strike and freaked me out. Did fish but will hopefully try this weekend. 

Deep Quarry had a lot of geese and open water on the Northwest corner.  Immediately went over to Mallard, drilled a few holes and had about 3".  Decided to set up some tip-ups and watch them from shore limiting my time on the ice.  No action after about 3 hours varying depth, frozen rain increased and called it a day.  

@Fightsfires71- no word on deep lake; haven’t been there. The ponds I fished were on had 3.5 to 4in of ice measuring with tape measure. They aren’t super deep & they are smaller ponds that freeze faster than most bodies of water. 

Thanks for the info on the golden minnow!

that's a golden minnow , they don't get much bigger ,since they have tiny mouths pretty hard to catch

bsgray:  That looks to be a golden roach minnow there.

    Checked Ice conditions at Hidden Lake in DuPage, just went to the main lake near parking and drilled two holes had about 3'' of ice.  Got paranoid though because it technically wasn't 4" and there wasn't much going on out there.  I want to hit up Deep Quarry New Years Day.  Any word on the conditions there?  Thanks in advance.  

Rural Elgin area ponds are 3.5 to 4inches with the refrozen snow/sleet. It’s strong ice. Fish are biting well. Saw a guy fishing near me catch a 17in bass. Caught about 50 panfish in a few hours fishing. Also caught this fish. Some type of baitfish for sure. 

Fished a few local ponds in Lasalle county. Ice was 2-3.5 inches. 1/2 inch of water on top from yesterday's snow. Hopefully it refreezes tonight. Caught a couple trout, bass, and gills. Be careful with the upcoming weather out there.

Tight lines....

Got out Sunday 12/27 on Channel across from Choppers. Kept 19 nice gills and 1 9.5" crappie. Fantastic Sunday night fish fry! Put back a bunch of smaller ones, great to get some early ice action. Heading back tomorrow AM. 

Good luck and stay safe all. 

Got out on monday to check the ice on private ponds in Rural Elgin. 2 to 3 inches on good ice. Checked ice depth with a tape measure. Was able to catch a few bass and crappie. Nothing big though.

I meant to say that I drove around and  Check for safe ice. Stupid voice activated texting. Hope that helps all that were looking for safe ice.