Rainy river ice out spring 2016

[riverrat21]

Hey guys ..last year was my first rainy river spring fishing experience,and it was a blast...I'm trying to plan a few trips for this spring.I have spawning walleyes on my mind... What's everyone's experience with past few years ice melt????I think we were up there the first two weekends of april last year out of birchdale....with the late ice this year should I be planning on end of March???????

[ANYFISH2]

So many variables, always hard to tell for sure.

What size boat do you have to fish out of?  Usually by March 20 or so small boats over shore ice is a go at Birchdale.  Within a week or so the county (bless them) clears Birchdale for bigger boats.  The last week of March till the end of season has been best for us.  

Timing is everything on the river catching the big push of fish up river, water temps, and making it there before the Little fork breaks loose or they increase (significantly) flow from the dam.

We usually guessed 7-10 days after open water hit frontier, we would go.  Been burned a few times and have hit it on the head a number of times.  Keep watching here for updates as well as the royal Dutchman's and clementsons reports.

[riverrat21]

Thanks for the reply...now that I think about it,we launched out of frontier both times last year....this year I'll be fishing out of a 16.5' alumacraft tiller,so pushing out wouldn't be a huge problem.....I feel like with the late ice this year and relatively warm winter ice out may be earlier!!!guess I'll just have to wait and see....it can't come soon enough!!!!!!!

[ANYFISH2]

I would also think the ice would leave earlier this year.  However, the best fishing, water clarity dependent, I still think will occure from early April till the end of the season.  Photoperiod and water temps really drive the big push to spawn IMHO.

[JacobG]

So many factors. Yes some are more predictable than others however I have been doing this for 15 years now and every year is different. Been there middle of March and also middle of April. Just never know. Good point about the little forks as well! I've been on the wrong side of that mess as well. Also saw the rapid blow wide open a few years ago and that was a site as we were right there when it happened. Awesome display of mother natures power. I have always had the attitude of drop everything and go when it is time. Some guys don't have that luxury to be able to do that but that's the best way to do it and usually ensures a good trip. Shouldn't be long I don't think. Least not for this year 

[mikeg1]

Getting excited for the spring run. With our group we have people that need to ask off work time. Planned out trip for March 31 thru April 4. I think with the season we have had our timing should be good for open water but never know what the fish will do. also based on reports from people that have been there recently of only around a foot of ice on the river. Also know a group that fished recent in front of pine in 19-20 ft and did well.mostly sauger but lots. 

I remember that year she broke open hard. was staying on river . was fishing up by wheelers til thundrstorm hit. went back to cabin and river had come up almost 4 feet. so full of debris you could walk across it if it was not moving. amazing site.

[Uncle Rico]

Does anyone else think it looks like open water reaches the Little Fork already on the satellite image from a few days ago?  Let the waiting begin I guess.....

[Tony S]

Probably some of the thinnest ice in a while going into spring this year.  If it's an early ice out like 2012 (I think?) and there is a month of fishing before it closes it will be nuts toward the end.  Little snow to melt and dry extended forecast looks good for not getting muddy.  I'm an optimist.  I'll be up there ASAP just for the thrill of getting out in the boat again and hopefully catch some fish on early trips. Generally the fishing isn't dynamite upriver right off the bat, but there have been years that were exceptions.  Lots of people try to fish where the ice sheet is breaking up and they follow that downstream until they meet the fish coming up from the lake at some point.  If you can be flexible and willing to travel, including being prepared to fish in 4-Mile Bay it can really save a trip sometimes. I'm lucky I am only 2 hrs away so can make numerous trips up there in a spring. 

[ANYFISH2]

A friend reported today that the river was open approx 17 miles east of Birchdale this afternoon.  If this accurate we may only be 2-2 1/2 weeks away from open water at birchdale!

It is get close, I can feel it!

I am not sure if the Royal Dutchman still reports here, hopefully they can confirm.

[IceHawk]

Nice Report hope can keep this thread going with fresh updates! I'm ready

 

[riverrat21]

Thanks for the updates everybody....can't wait to get on the water up there....we are planning on Easter weekend and the first weekend on April....keep the updates coming!!!!greatly appreciated

Check out the royal dutchmans page on facebook....by the sounds of it they are thinking about 11 days earlier then last year......they posted a open water pic yesterday!!!!!!!can't wait!!!

[slammer]

Don't think Clementson will be reporting this year.  Website says they will not open for spring fishing.

[TYEE FISHER]

Plan on heading up to pelland in the morning with my 1800 tyee. Any word on walleye reports? I herd the landing is wide open. Anyone herd if it's true?