River Ice Out!

[UncleKes]

I drove over the 694 bridge yesterday about 2: 00 in the afternoon and I see the ice is out. I expect is was the 42 degree temp we had on Saturday. I wondered how far North is goes? I will probably drive over the 610 bridge on my way to work just to see and let you know.

Anyone North of there please post if and when the ice goes out in your area. Now that March is here I expect the river could move ice any time. I don't really think we had good ice all year in my stretch anyway. It kept opening and freezing, opening and freezing.

Tight Lines

Uncle Kes

[UncleKes]

As I siad in my post (above) I drove by the river via the 610 bridge. The ice is out from the Coon Rapis Dam on South at least as far as the Falls of St. Anthony. I presume it extends a lot farther as South as well. Except for a few icy areas along the shore it looks like you could fish the river with your long rods for panfish if anyone wanted too. My guess is the icy areas along the shore will be gone in the next couple of days as well. Most of the icy areas were along the East bank. It looked like the West bank was pretty clear of ice and snow. I should think the Perch will be stacking up near the feeder streams pre spawn in a week to 10 days if this warm front keeps up. Bear in mind perch spawn in 50 to 65 degrees water temperature like a lot of panfish do.

If anyone knows how far up river the ice is open please let me know.

Tight Lines;

Uncle Kes

[Write-Outdoor]

At leastup to Elk River I know for sure!

I saw two anglers below the Highway 101 bridge just yesterday!

[Grant]

of course it never really froze up my direction... crusted over for a few days when it was so freaking cold a while back, but open otherwise. _really shallow_ but open

[Eskimoman]

River is still locked up above the St.Cloud dam. Below the dam never really locks up all the way. There is spots with just the main chanel open and spots open all the way across. Not ideal fishing conditions. Ice by shore and backwaters would be okay to fish but I would be extremely carefull were you go. Will report back when it starts breakin up. I am ready for some smallies!

[rockman]

The river has been open west of the Parrish Ave./Wright Cty. 42 bridge(goes from Elk River to Otsego)for several weeks now.The river west of the Hwy. 101 bridge has been open for quite a while,as well.

[Sartell Angler]

locked up tight north of Sartell dam! I'd drive a truck up there if I had any reason to.

[Iron Cowboy]

I live on the miss a few miles south of the clearwater bridge and she's locked up tight here too...looks like its going to be a while yet.