Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Recommended Posts

Tuesday, May 7. Temps today was a sunny 79 (warmer than forecasted), and at 8:30 it's still 70 degrees and a SE wind at 9mph. I drove to Blackduck at 6pm and snapped a few pictures, the public access has open water out about 30-40', which is a difference from yesterday, the southshore has spots of open water, and the eastside shoreline wasn't open as far. Tonight's low is suppose to be 46; tomorrow is to be 65 with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. A couple of people had walked out for ice fishing on some of the area lakes on Saturday, but wouldn't recommend it because the shorelines are breaking up. First Photo: Public Access; Second Photo: SE shore

full-686-32875-7may2013.jpg

full-686-32876-7may2013b.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the update Drake. We are watching closely because we have a big trip planned up there for a week from Thursday.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Picture from today (Thurs, May 9) at noon. It may not look like there is much of a difference, but there is some. The open water area is a bit larger and covers more of the shoreline area by the public access, but we still have a ways to go. Yesterday we didn't get any of the thunderstorms that they thought was possible; today we weren't to get above 55 but already in the 60's, and a NE wind at 17mph. Tomorrow is to be 61 with a 50% chance of rain and winds S15; Saturday is currently showing a high of 44 and 30% chance of rain and NW winds at 23mph. the wind can change things up, but there's a lot of changing for Blackduck to be open in 2 dayts for Opener.

As for Upper Red Lake, follow the forum, and ask questions or call Hillmans, Morts, Rogers, Westwind, etc before heading up. Morts on the south shore today wrote: The ice is holding tough on Upper Red with just a little open water along the shorelines. Fishing will not be an option for most around here this week-end. The main rivers are closed to fishing to allow the walleye to spawn. With some decent weather and wind we hope to see the ice out before the second weekend?

We will see, stay tuned. Again, that is on the southside and that's a huge body of water so check with those on the east side too. Be safe!full-686-32919-9may2013.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for all the updates Drake wink I and I'm sure quite a few others appreciate it wink

Did you see that walleye over by the Jetty's?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You are welcome! Yes, it was. Pretty cool out (46, with windchill its 39; and suppose to get down to 24 tonight); and we've got a pretty good northwest wind blowing; so about to head over to the lake to see what that has done to the ice!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We just got back from driving around and looking at some different lakes, what a difference from lake to lake. Turtle River Lake is about 80% (rough guess) and noticed that the River is closed for fishing until May 17 for walleye spawn; Many of the smaller lakes in the area are wide open now, which is great news for our folks wanting to hit the other lakes in the area for walleye and some panfishing! The third picture is of Benjamin (trout lake) that I took at the great beach that is there-this picture is taken at the beach area for those who are familiar with the beach just to show the rise in the water level on that lake.

On Blackduck Lake the winds have made a big difference since yesterday, there is more open water and there are spots opening in the middle now, BUT THE SECOND PICTURE is taken at the SAME PLACE as yesterday...notice the ice was pushed back towards the southeast corner-what was open yesterday is now full of ice. With the winds the ice will shift around, and what is NW winds today is switching to SE tomorrow.

Side note: Be careful driving up this way, the deer are REALLY thick and are out feeding literally on the sides of the roads, we saw tons on all the different roads we took to look at lakes so just keep an eye out when driving.

full-686-33017-11may2013bd1.jpg

full-686-33018-11may2013bd2.jpg

full-686-33019-11may2013benj.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Looking much better today. This was taken Sunday at 5pm, thinking in the next couple of days Blackduck should open up like many of the other smaller lakes in the area! And Happy Mothers Day to all you moms out there and dad's that play Mr. Mom! full-686-33020-12may2013.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Another big difference on the lake today..can you believe I forgot the camera, but will go again tomorrow to take the pictures. The access is open more, the docks are not in as of today, and you can see more discoloration of the ice. The southeast corner that had been filled back with ice yesterday today was wide open with the shifting of the winds pushing it to the north shore; it was great seeing the waves that the winds were causing to help break it up more!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What a beautiful sight...May 14, the latest we've seen for Blackduck L full-686-33112-14may13.jpg

ake to be Finally fully open

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • jparrucci
      Very low, probably 2 feet lower than last year at ice out.
    • mbeyer
      what do they look like this spring?
    • SkunkedAgain
      I might have missed a guess, but here are the ones that I noted:   JerkinLips – March 27th, then April 7th Brianf. – March 28th Bobberwatcher – April…. MikeG3Boat – April 10th SkunkedAgain – early April, then April 21st   Definitely a tough year for guesses, as it seemed to be a no-brainer early ice out. Then it got cold and snowed again.
    • mbeyer
      MN DNR posted April 13 as Ice out date for Vermilion
    • Brianf.
      ^^^45 in the morning and 47 in the evening
    • CigarGuy
      👍. What was the water temp in Black Bay? Thanks....
    • Brianf.
      No, that wasn't me.  I drive a 621 Ranger. 
    • CigarGuy
      So, that was you in the camo lund? I'm bummed, I have to head back to the cities tomorrow for a few days, then back up for at least a few weeks. Got the dock in and fired up to get out chasing some crappies till opener!
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   Lots of ice on the main basin, but it is definitely deteriorating.  Some anglers have been fishing the open water at the mouth of the Rainy River in front of the Lighthouse Gap.  The rest of the basin is still iced over. Pike enthusiasts caught some big pike earlier last week tip up fishing in pre-spawn areas adjacent to traditional spawning areas.  8 - 14' of water using tip ups with live suckers or dead bait such as smelt and herring has been the ticket.  Ice fishing for all practical purposes is done for the year. The focus for the basin moving forward will be pike transitioning into back bays to spawn,  This is open water fishing and an opportunity available as the pike season is open year round on Lake of the Woods. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. With both the ice fishing and spring fishing on the Rainy River being so good, many are looking forward to the MN Fishing Opener on Saturday, May 11th.  It should be epic. On the Rainy River...  An absolutely incredible week of walleye and sturgeon fishing on the Rain Rainy River.     Walleye anglers, as a rule, caught good numbers of fish and lots of big fish.  This spring was one for the books.   To follow that up, the sturgeon season is currently underway and although every day can be different, many boats have caught 30 - 40 sturgeon in a day!  We have heard of fish measuring into the low 70 inch range.  Lots in the 60 - 70 inch range as well.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  Open water is continuing to expand in areas with current.  The sight of open water simply is wetting the pallet of those eager for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th.   A few locals were on the ice this week, targeting pike.  Some big slimers were iced along with some muskies as well.  If you like fishing for predators, LOW is healthy!  
    • Brianf.
      Early bird gets the worm some say...   I have it on good authority that this very special angler caught no walleyes or muskies and that any panfish caught were released unharmed.        
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.