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Late March Ice Conditions Bemidji/Cass/Winnie


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What is the ice like on these lakes the last week of march during a typical winter? Would going up there the last weekend of march be out of the question this year?

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 Originally Posted By: JBMasterAngler
What is the ice like on these lakes the last week of march during a typical winter? Would going up there the last weekend of march be out of the question this year?

What's a typical winter anymore? LOL...seems the winters are so up and down you don't have a clue as to what to expect. This winter has been colder than the previous 3, so if that's any indication I'd say the ice should be okay for foot travel, possibly ATV's, at that time. The main body of water/ice usually isn't the main concern, it's the shoreline ice that deteriates quickly as the temps climb and limiting access.

Buck

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Yes, shoreline ice is my main concern as well. I'm not worried about having to walk, I know a few good spots that are within walking distance. However, I'm not THAT addicted to ice fishing where I'm willing to place boards or planks across open water to get to the ice. I guess I'll just wait and see what happens, but being that this is the coldest winter we've had in 10 years I'm liking my chances. We've got 30 inches of ice down here in the metro for pete's sake!!! grin.gif

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 Originally Posted By: JBMasterAngler
Yes, shoreline ice is my main concern as well. I'm not worried about having to walk, I know a few good spots that are within walking distance. However, I'm not THAT addicted to ice fishing where I'm willing to place boards or planks across open water to get to the ice. I guess I'll just wait and see what happens, but being that this is the coldest winter we've had in 10 years I'm liking my chances. We've got 30 inches of ice down here in the metro for pete's sake!!! grin.gif

I agree JB, I'm liking our chances of a late ice season this year. Our problem was we had so much snow early on that the ice was slow in developing, but we have good ice depth now. Plus we're supposed to be -20 actual temps for the next few nights, so we'll still be making ice for a bit. Good luck when you get up this way.

Buck

Buck

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