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Posted

Hi everyone, figured I would post a report was on vermilion and there's 12-25 inches of ice in pike bay with about half good good ice and the rest froze slush travel via snomibile was very easy was there was some slush pockets 1-2 inches deep and its opening up near the river. Was also on burntside and there was 15-20 inches of ice maybe one inch of bad stuff the rest all good ice and travel via snowmobile was very easy was also on a small lake south of tower and there was 6-14 inches of ice some spots all froze slush other mostly good ice but shorelines were getting very sketchy ice will be around for a while yet. Stay safe out there!

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Posted (edited)

Thanks for the depressing update! Some of us were getting pretty excited when the lows were staying above freezing for a few days, but Mother Nature always yanks the fun out of our hands. I'm still hoping for navigable water by the third week of April but we need some better weather soon!

At the very least, last night I got to finally test the 1957 3hp Johnson I rebuilt over the winter....ran but needs more fine tuning. I also got to change the impeller on my big motor. I love when they actually make it easy. Thanks Suzuki.

Edited by SkunkedAgain
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Posted

It still could be an early ice out!

The rivers are all opening up  now and working their way out into the lake slowly.

Way less ice on the lake this winter then normal so that should put us ahead of the regular opener!

The ice has popped up already in pike bay and the river now has a channel cut half way to the house boat rentals!

Guys starting to set up at the hatchery already also!

Cliff

Posted
21 hours ago, SkunkedAgain said:

Thanks for the depressing update!

Anytime my friend! :)

  

Posted

Early would be nice. My project list just leaked onto a second page.....

Posted

Better get working on that list! :)

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Posted

I can't until I can get there via open water! Some of us don't have the luxury of roads....

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Posted

Typically, once the Pike river opens the end of Pike bay you are talking about at most 3 weeks until the main lake is ice free. My neighbors boat lift just broke through the ice today and so did my dog, it won't be long now.  You better start to get that fishing equipment ready for the new season.  ;)

"Ace"

"It's just fishing man"

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Posted

I am 100% ready for open water all the rods are restrung new jigs tied on and boat batteries are charged. Now just need open water so I don't have to drive up to the rainy to fish. 

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  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

On my way back from SD with Vermilion Gold. Just knocked the rust off our gear for a few days.  Turning our thoughts to fishing the Big V on opener.  Any updates on the progression of the Ice?

image.jpeg

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Posted

Vermilion is still frozen!

May really take a beating the next few days though!

Cliff

Posted

The ice in Pike Bay is deteriorating very fast now!

I expect the bay to be open very soon!

Cliff

Posted

This recent warm weather and thin ice during the winter should result in an early ice out.  The couple of cold weeks ruined my original 4/15 prediction.  I found spots of foot deep snow in the woods on Friday.  My new ice out prediction for Vermilion is 4/24

Posted

Isn't late april about normal for ice out? 

Posted

Pike Bay is pretty much all ice free from what I can see, except some stubborn ice along the shorelines in shaded areas.

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Posted

Very nice Roosterman!  MO river is unbelievable fishery.  What area were you fishing?

Posted

Raven,

We were on Francis Case in the Chamberlain area.  We fished both south and north of town.  This year predominately north though.  Yes the MO is awesome. Bigger fish other places but hard to beat the scenery of the MO. 

Posted

April 29 - May 1 Is LTA I believe

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  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • smurfy
      🤣 not fer some of us!!!!!!!!!!
    • smurfy
      i couldnt find it.....but maybe???
    • leech~~
      Looks great! Thought we started a smoker thread?  🤔
    • leech~~
      Well, that's not getting 10 years old now is it!  🥱🥱
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the South Shore...  Ice fishing remains strong across Big Traverse Bay, with resorts and outfitters still in full swing offering both day houses and sleeper fish houses. The bite in February has been excellent, with lots of fish being caught and plenty of opportunities for fresh fish fries. Some ice roads are now extending over 20 miles out, keeping anglers on productive schools of walleyes and saugers. Ice conditions continue to build, making this one of the best late-season ice years in recent memory. If you’re fishing on your own, bring an auger extension, as ice thickness is significant. Most fish houses are positioned over deep mud, while some remain on or near structure. As always, expect to sort through some smaller fish, but that’s a good sign of a healthy fishery. With fish houses allowed on the ice through March 31st and walleye and sauger seasons open through April 14th, the extended season on Lake of the Woods offers plenty of time to plan your trip. Pike fishing never closes, and with the thick ice conditions, this year is shaping up to be fantastic for targeting trophy pike. March: The Go-To Month for Trophy Pike March is prime time for big northern pike, as these aggressive predators begin staging for the upcoming spawn. Lake of the Woods is loaded with pike over 40 inches, and tip-up fishing can be lights out this time of year. Anglers targeting pike should set baits under tip-ups in shallow water (6-15 feet) near pre-spawn areas, weedy areas, river mouths, or back bays. Current Fishing Depths & Patterns: Most fish are being caught in 26-32 feet of water. Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout, pike, tullibees, and even some crappies are in the mix. Suspended walleyes are showing up—watch electronics closely. Plenty of limits are being caught, with many anglers taking home bonus perch this season. Best Techniques: Jigging Line: Jigging spoons with rattles tipped with a minnow head continue to be the top producer. Lipless crankbaits and jigging rap-style lures are also working well for aggressive fish. Lures with built-in lights have been very effective in the stained water (Reminder: In Minnesota, lighted lures are legal as long as the battery is mercury-free and the hook is attached directly to the lure, not on a dropper line). Deadstick: A plain hook or small jig with a live minnow, set 6 inches to a foot off the bottom, continues to catch neutral or less aggressive fish. Time of Day: Bite windows vary daily. Some days, mornings are best; other days, the afternoon bite turns on. Walleyes can move through at any time, so staying patient and watching electronics is key. On the Rainy River...  Mornings and evenings continue to be the best times for targeting walleyes. A jig and minnow or jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head remains the go-to presentation. Sturgeon fishing has been solid, with some giants being iced (Reminder: The current sturgeon season is catch-and-release). Safety Note: Ice conditions on the Rainy River are good, but they can change rapidly due to current. Always check with resorts or outfitters before heading out. Up at the NW Angle...  Ice fishing remains excellent throughout the islands region of Lake of the Woods. Resorts are moving fish houses regularly, keeping guests on active schools of walleyes. Anglers are catching a nice mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, and tullibees. Big crappies continue to be caught just over the border in Canada. If you're interested in targeting crappies, check with a NW Angle resort for guide services and ice conditions. Plan Your Ice Fishing Adventure! Lake of the Woods offers an extended ice fishing season, with:  Fish houses allowed overnight through March 31st  Walleye & sauger season open through April 14th  Pike season never closes—March is prime time for trophies!  Perch and crappie seasons open year-round Whether you’re looking for a day house rental, a sleeper fish house, or comfortable lodging at a resort with or without a meal plan, there’s still time to plan your late-season ice fishing adventure.    
    • smurfy
      Off da smoker!😉
    • smurfy
      At least he's got a shirt on! 😊🤣😜
    • leech~~
      Sounds like a nice last day.  I like how you photoshop a different shirt on that same picture the last few years!  🤣
    • JerkinLips
      Beautiful day on Vermilion Sunday for the last day of walleye season.  Lots of people were fishing in portables, or out in the open.  Was entertaining watching many of the wheel and skid houses being pulled off of the lake.  Checked half a dozen spots where wheel houses were removed and didn't find any trash at all.  Sounds like people are getting the message.  I may go out on the lake when the snow is melted to do a further check and cleanup if needed.   Fishing was average for this time of the year.  Had a decent bite from 2pm to 4pm when I caught my biggest eye (pictured 22 inch).  Decent finish to a good season.  Now on to lake trout fishing.   Hope everyone had an enjoyable and successful ice fishing season.  Going to be a long time before this year's open water season.  
    • smurfy
      Thanks Kettle! I'll bring mine with but won't be until  mid march
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