White Bear Lake

[crstliner1750]

Is it feasible to even launch a boat on White Bear, Ramsey County Beach?

[RuKiddingMe]

Absolutely - they must have dredged it this year about both sides of the launch pad are usable and they have the dock out.  What they don't have out is the channel markers exiting and entering the lagoon/launch area, I found the sand coming in in the dark.

[drscholl14]

About 20 people off of the launch at Bel Aire today. Heard 4-5 inches however I have not been out there myself. I would not go any farther east then that for now. The east part of the lake just froze over today.

[GeluNumber1]

Went out of the VFW today. It was about 5 inches, with 4 inches in some spots. It was a slow bite; you had to get away from the crowds to find fish, and when you did you had to finesse them. Still, got about 5 bluegill and 3 perch. Some people around me had pike as well. It was a beautiful day to be out on the ice.

[Herky2002]

Be careful out there guys. Off the north end there was only about 2-3" today, and it thinned out closer to Ordway Bar. I couldn't believe there were guys over there punching holes. The 5" perch and 15" northern aren't worth going in for!

[TurnUpTheFishing]

I fished that area the other day. I wasnt out too long. Nothing was biting shallow and I found that 2" ice scouting into deeper water and got out of there. I was surprised to see others so far out on that thin of ice. I agree, not worth the chance of going through. I hear some guys went through on Bald Eagle.

[Pigmeat]

Fished the hole out from the VFW yesterday. About 6" of ice, fished around 16 fow. Slow for me. Got a decent crappie right away on red glow jig and grubs, then small gills. Punched a lot of holes, didn't mark anything. Dusk and later got a few more crappies on a plain hook and minnow under a float near the bottom. Took the minnow readily when they came by, but no interest in jig with plastic or meat.

Edited January 14, 2016 by Pigmeat

[Pigmeat]

Any current info on ice thickness out from the VFW?

[lazyhounedaleth]

Found about 8 1/2 of ice in about 10 feet of water. Saw couple of trucks out in the middle of everyone as well.

[Tom7227]

Just got a report at the Quick Stop today that a car went through by the rock bar on the north end this weekend.

 

[dknbanderson]

I was straight out from Bellaire on Sunday just east of the crowd and had 12 inches, but as I moved toward the island it was only 8-9 inches of ice... be careful. Was hoping to get my perm out there, but I'm waiting.

[uninc4709]

Looking at going out of mahtomedi beach, anyone know if people are driving their trucks out yet? Haven't been on bear yet this year

[dknbanderson]

Was out yesterday off of Bellaire, quite a few trucks out there, 9-12 inches of ice.

[uninc4709]

eesh quite the difference in ice! guess I will just walk it out! thanks for the update.

[SaintPaulPaul]

On ‎2‎/‎1‎/‎2016 at 0:45 PM, dknbanderson said:

Was out yesterday off of Bellaire, quite a few trucks out there, 9-12 inches of ice.

9"-12" of ice and all the weight from the snow...and they'll still drive their trucks out.  There's nothing swimming in WB worth sinking my  F150!

[Walleychaser]

Went out yesterday by the VFW and found 12-13" of ice but lots of snow on top. Tons of people driving out but I will stick with the sled this year. Lots of small sunnies and some hammer handle pike as well. Beautiful day to be on the lake!

[MrSchrute]

Anyone have an update on the ice conditions out from the VFW?

[mr.kong]

It's still pretty thick. I went there the days ago it was stl about 8 to 1o inch

[crstliner1750]

I was out yesterday, was having a good time until a pontoon owner thought that driving between my boat and the shore while I am 50' from shore was a good idea.  TWICE, she did it, first time I let it go and moved to the other side of the lake, then 30 mins later here she comes again.  This time I placed a cast right in front of her, a kid in the front says "MOM", she turns and looks at me, and I let her have it, telling her that this was the second time she had done this, you don't go between another boat and shore when the other boat is so close to shore, and if she doesn't know or care about water rules, then go park the thing.

[drscholl14]

Went out from Bel Aire today and found 5 inches of good ice everywhere I went. DO NOT go very far east from that access. The east part of the lake past the point just froze.

[drscholl14]

Was out on White Bear the last two evenings.  Yesterday was very wet with anywhere from 1-4 inches of water on the lake.  Fishing was ok.  Out again tonight and the conditions were much better.  The standing water was frozen making it a nice easy walk out.  Make sure you have your cleats.  People are driving but the ice is down to 12-14 inches on the east side of the lake.