What did the wind do last night??

[Boar]

Prety heavy winds out the south yeasterday evening and lastnight. Howed that affect teh ice??

[missinminnesota]

My nephew has been fishing all day today on Red.  He said the ice is pretty good.  4" is the average with as much as 8" in some spots.  He is with 3 other guys, and they have done pretty good.  I will post his picture later tonight.  Unfortunately the warmer weather continues to delay the masses from getting out.

[kelly-p]

I didn't hear of any issues. If the ice sheet didn't move much with that wind it might be set in place fairly good.

[Portavilla]

The wind blew pretty hard last night and we had ice on the 20 foot crack that we have. After seeing it didn't move from the day prior we put together our bridge for foot traffic, this bridge was setup for Atv traffic when its ready to go. With getting through the last couple of warm days and not losing ice mass we are optimistic. Housing and when is the next item up.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

So is there a chance for wheel house being out the 16-18 or is that just a dream?

[MNsetters]

It's going to be around 40 degrees for the next week! Lucky if there is is by then . Was up there yesterday, and the ice is getting pretty soft. Not a good start to this year at all. It's my fault I bought a new auger!  Lol

[fishin4sum]

I would not expect to see wheel house traffic before the first of the year.  No ice making weather for foreseeable future.

[Boar]

yup, looks pretty tough for houses. Ill have to port it.

[Handsonthepole]

Was out twice in last 3 days and would have to say to the ones running 4 wheelers around at 30 mph+ you need to slow down or get off!  Every time you go by the ice ripples.  It also causes cracks which with the wind today could be an issue.  Ice is fair at best.  East shoreline was honeycombed with water.  South shoreline had better quality ice but around the same depth.  4-6 inches.  Fishing was better Thursday (no one within a mile of me) and Saturday had slowed quite a bit.  I like to get away from the crowds but that was just about impossible Saturday and with numerous wheelers running around and all the noise from augers and such I think it probably pushed the fish a little deeper.  Water clarity is about 2-3 feet and improving.  Hoping to get out this week again.  Definitely check with the resorts first.  

[Agronomist_at_IA]

Called the resort that I had booked to ask what he thought about wheel houses being out for the 16-18. Was going to cancel my reservation, but the guy claimed he was going to put wheel houses out next week. I have a hard time believing that there will be wheel houses out by then, and plan to call next Monday/Tuesday to see what he says before we would drive the 8-9hrs up there. If the sleeper houses are out I'm fine with going up, but am a little concerned about the safety of it.  I'm not holding my breath on the houses being out, but I can't see a resort putting out an expensive wheel house or clients on possibly unsafe ice. For those experienced what is your opinions? Also if the houses are out will they be in deep enough water to catch much for fish?

[redneckdan]

I was out all day Sat and most of Sun. I found 2-8" of ice. Fishing was best after most people left in the evening up to about 8pm. Then again from 4am until people started showing up in the morning.

 

I wouldn't risk a wheel house for the weekend of the 18th. Quads and portables would be a lot more sane.

[Rberg]

If they are able to keep most of the ice they have now until Friday there may be a chance, the long range forecast is looking favorable for making ice 24 hrs a day.

[Handsonthepole]

19 hours ago, Agronomist_at_IA said:

Called the resort that I had booked to ask what he thought about wheel houses being out for the 16-18. Was going to cancel my reservation, but the guy claimed he was going to put wheel houses out next week. I have a hard time believing that there will be wheel houses out by then, and plan to call next Monday/Tuesday to see what he says before we would drive the 8-9hrs up there. If the sleeper houses are out I'm fine with going up, but am a little concerned about the safety of it.  I'm not holding my breath on the houses being out, but I can't see a resort putting out an expensive wheel house or clients on possibly unsafe ice. For those experienced what is your opinions? Also if the houses are out will they be in deep enough water to catch much for fish?

You don't need to be in deep water right now to catch fish as long as you can get away from people.  I noticed a lot of tip ups going set in deeper water where there weren't any houses nearby.  Fishing is good during dark (morning and evening) hours because there aren't a bunch of people making noise.  Wheel house on the 18th?  Possibly.  None of the resorts/guides would jeopardize safety for fish.  Worse case is staying on shore in the wheel house and walking out to the first break.  Just a weird start to the winter.  I am starting to believe this EL NINO crap!