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coming up new years weekend. are the fish biting?hows the ice conditions nd what remote chance is there of driving out? would be going out of highbanks. any info will help inquiring minds.

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glenn,

I went up to the birches landing this evening to check the ice.

I want to start plowing out there asap, but it's just not quite thick enough for my 3/4 ton. at least not for my liking.

the general concensus of fisher's coming in tonight was 11 1/2 inches anywhere they were.

I went out a mile drilling every 1/4 mile.

the first 1/4 mile was 11.5 inches.

half mile out, 11.5 inches.

3/4 mile out 14 inches.

I think that was some old stacked ice, though it looked clear and solid.

at one mile I found once again, 11.5 inches.

the bad news is we have only gained 1 inch in a weeks time.

the good news is, that we have gained one inch in a weeks time.

the other good news is that tonight after the front rolled outa sight, the temps dropped, actualy below zero by 6 o'clock.

it's still right around zero.

lets keep this up for another week and I would say i will have the ice i want to start making the road.

the fisher's reported slow fishing today, but in my opinion, they were coming off right when the bite would have been starting. I dont get it, unless people are just to nervous to be out there after dark??

I think a half ton with chains would be good to go next weekend, just watch out for cracks. the ice will move tonight after having been 32 degrees just yesterday.

use your gps and follow your tracks back after dark and keep your eyes open for new cracks. watch for steam with your headlights. a tell tale sign of a new crack.

just be damned careful allways on the ice.

if you have access to an atv or snomobile, it might be wise to error to the side of caution just one more week.

good luck and merry christmas!!

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Fished Friday. Did decent. Nice size Northerns, few Jumbo's, lots of small pesky perch, and actually decent Walleye's in late afternoon which was a pleasant surprise. Ice was good but we stayed with sled's and four wheelers. I'd suspect driving will be happening soon if it hasn't already.

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Happy Holidays from High Banks!! Rick was out yesterday drilling holes 2 1/2 miles out in front and found that average ice was 9-10" and areas near the cracks were up to 13". This cold front moving through should help make some ice, however if you have New Years plans - I would still probably plan to bring the atv or sled with.

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thanks for the reports. will it be easy enough to get around with an atv with a snowmobile trailer attached? anyone getting any fish to speak of? happy holidays everyone and hope santa is good to all.

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I would suspect that if you are coming up to winnie in the near future...don't drive a truck on it. There is plenty of snow on the lake and some large drifts that will make for thin spots. I think the ice is at least 2 weeks away from driving on it...weather permitting. Just don't want to see anybody going through. Seems this happens every year. Be carefull!!

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Thanks for the reports,Highbanks and Jason too. It's appreciated. Have a good Christmas everyone! Stan C.

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