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

Not to be depressing, but I think we are about six weeks away from full ice out.  Perhaps May 21st, hope I am wrong.  What will they do with the Walleye tournament if we are still fighting ice?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

14 minutes ago, JerkinLips said:

May 23rd is my guess.

That would tie the record set in 1950 for latest ice out ever, in the 99 years that records have been kept. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I’m guessing somewhere around the tourney date.  Being I’m entered, there is no way in hell I will be fishing if there is ANY ice left on the lake. Too much money invested in my fiberglass hull. Would be expecting my entry fee back..IMO. It’s the weather, can’t control it, but shi&&y all around. I can wait. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It is not looking good at all. We are at or past the average ice out for most twin cities lakes right now, and it hasn't even started yet here. At least another week of below average temps. We might have the latest data ever unless we get some way above average temperatures. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Via accuweather, the 1st night forecast above freezing is May 3rd.  Then it takes a big turn to the ??  We’ll see...cross your fingees

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just saw that we’ve had the 2nd coldest spring on record so far - second only to the spring of 1936. Vermilion was ice free on May 10th that year. Trying to stay positive here...

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Another snow storm predicted for this weekend.  I am thinking ice out will be the latest ever recorded...Going with a Memorial weekend ice out...:(:mad:

  • Thumbs Up 1
  • Wow, ❤ 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah this is a really cold April and is on pace for one of the coldest.  Won't get much melt for the first half, or even two thirds of April.  That doesn't leave much time..#heatwave.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Tom,

Hopefully the Leafs will go deep into the playoffs! This will help ease the pain of a late start to the fishing season.

Go Leafs!!

  • Thumbs Up 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

Hey guys if this hits the area start looking for ice house for opener! Leave boat in storage until August.

7CA8E5F8-B4E0-4829-80C5-2B05B1E4B00B.png

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's setting up for a very late ice out once again . My personal belief is that this could once again become a record late ice out .. I have watched  ice outs all my life ,studied statistics for many years , going back many years ...  There are so many variables when it comes to ice outs ... ice thickness and ice make up ,meaning hardness or softness of given ice throughout the winter and spring , snowfall amounts throughout winter and spring , springtime highs and low temperatures , wind speeds , wind directions , and changes in these directions that create ice shifting and movements , and rainfalls during ice meltdowns... Given certain variables, ice can go quite quick , or linger on for a long period of time ... even black , last ice can linger on for long periods .. As of today things don't look good at all for our ice out for this year . Our long range is colder than average temps both daytime and nighttime , more forecasted snow approaching,  we have a lot of thick , hard ice , . That overnight low temp not getting above freezing can really hurt the situation in the long run .. I too really used to have that wishful thinking that the ice would be out for the opener , and still do , BUT realistically it's really looking late his year  , once again ..  I know it's hard to see late ice outs , but in my past late ice out years , when the ice out has finally come and gone , the spawn is usually better , and the bite that follows is usually strong also  with the faster warming water temps that tend to follow such. .. . So hang in there all , It will eventually happen , it always has !!!   On one more note  , on years when we here in Minnesota have our late ice outs , our good neighbors to the north in Canada ,  can have even later dates for there ice outs that stretch well into June . Ugh!! 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey moose buddy’s and I were talking About that this morning for our area weather channel is saying 16-27”. We’re all done with winter but agreed it would be sweet to get that much snow. I mean heck it’s almost mid April and you can pretty much drive a truck anywhere last year we were on open water and it was 70 degrees! I give up winter will never end. Let’s look at the bright side we have snow and let’s get the sleds back out :lol: I went open water fishing on Lake Superior last weekend for 4 days. Came back done here and said ice fishing is dumb I quit. I LOVE ice fishing but open watered trying to go back to ice is really hard!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Has anyone actually been measuring ice depth on Vermilion? I tend to expect we are not only not losing ice but could even be adding. Great news if you want to be able to tell the grandkids how you fished opener from your ice shelter once. Not so good if you've got open water fever really bad!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What do you all think about the possibility of open water in the Narrows of the lake by the first week in May? 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was trying to explain to my wife last night the extraordinary significance of all of this - namely since records have been kept this will almost certainly be the latest ice out ever on Vermilion.  

We are disappointed from a rental perspective- as we often get a few weeks around opening until we come up in July - but even more so for our resort owner friends and neighbors …

Our trip will start second week of July - it will be interesting trying to figure out the Walleye / Musky fishing patterns given the late ice out …

Funny it’s almost as if God has a sense of humor related to the global warming zealots ?

  • Yayyyy 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I took a spin around Wakemup and head of the lakes bays last night on my snowmobile. Like everyone else is saying it’s going to be way late. There is zero open water in any narrows or off southern exposed points. None anywhere. 14-day forecast shows below freezing every night and the highest highs are in the 40’s. Need 60+ degrees, wind and rain to get rid of it. And nighttime melting. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 4/9/2018 at 11:50 AM, delcecchi said:

That would tie the record set in 1950 for latest ice out ever, in the 99 years that records have been kept. 

Let's break the record and go to May 24.  I may put the fish house out on opener.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

NO FEAR ~~~  Always be prepared.  Totally cool 2nd rig just for these type springs...an ready for it all.

Big Smiles!

T

 

 

 

 

  

LundTracks.jpg

  • Yayyyy 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Tom, I thought you would be more serious about such a thing.  Maybe all you need is a little inspiration.

 

  • Yayyyy 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm thinking 24-28 days after the first day where the temperatures stays above freezing for 24 hours. Looking at the forecast, that is probably week of April 23rd sometime. So May 21-24 would be my guess.

I've given up on opener and weekend after. Hoping ice is gone for Memorial day weekend.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I blame Al Gore for this!  We were headed in the right direction until he messed things up. You'd think a guy smart enough to invent the internet would know better.  :) 

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I checked Ice thickness in front of our place today, there's about 3" of snow and 25" of ice. I think there's still hope for an ice free opener for part of the lake. 

Ice out occurs about 3 weeks after the snow leaves the woods.:pufff:

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I need to put the pumps in extra early this year around my dock. Maybe I can speed up Ice out in our bay that will spread to the main channel. Main lake will be locked down I think for opener. Ice out up there is usually 2 weeks behind the cities. I saw a truck or van on Centerville Lake yesterday afternoon Wednesday April 11th.

No talk of the DNR delaying openers yet. I do not recall many closures over the last 15 years.

Good Luck

Steve

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This morning, I reminded the checkout lady at Menards that this delayed spring really means that we've got a couple more weeks of reprieve from the biting insects. I'm always looking at the bright side of things.

Like everyone else, I've never ice fished the opener and think that would be one whopper of a memory. I may be walking across the ice to get to my place, or even pulling my canoe behind me on a rope. I'll be there one way or another.

I've never heard of the DNR delaying opener but am always by surprised by life.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Don't think the DNR will delay opener, but i seem to recall the DNR shutting down fishing in Pike Bay on opener one year, due to ongoing spawn. Am i mis-remembering?

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

No delay or date change that I can recall , but do remember Pike Bay being closed until 2nd weekend. Same thing happened over in my neck of the woods on Cutfoot. Guessing even if the lake opens close to opener, you may see a closure there again.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mmm I was wondering about coming up before opener to get my stuff for the canoe trip.  Looking more like a quick trip rather than turn on the water, put the dock in trip.    

On 4/11/2018 at 4:00 PM, jkrash said:

I checked Ice thickness in front of our place today, there's about 3" of snow and 25" of ice. I think there's still hope for an ice free opener for part of the lake. 

Ice out occurs about 3 weeks after the snow leaves the woods.:pufff:

From your lips to God's ears....

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.




  • Similar Content

  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the South Shore...  The focus for many this week is the ongoing deer hunting season which is a big tradition in these parts, even for avid walleye anglers.  There were some that either already harvested their deer or are more into catching fall walleyes than hunting.     Those that are fishing are taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and excellent walleye and sauger bite that is happening across the lake.  Cold weather is in the forecast in the upcoming days and weeks so that is also getting many excited. The best depths on the south end of LOW are 22-28 feet of water.     Vertical jigging with frozen emerald shiners is catching most of the walleyes, saugers and jumbo perch.  Depending upon where on the lake you are fishing, some slots and big trophies are in the mix as well, but most reports are talking about good numbers of eaters.    Jumbo perch are coming in good numbers this fall which will serve ice anglers well.  Watch out for an occasional pike or even lake sturgeon mixed in with the walleyes.      There are good numbers of walleyes and saugers across the south shore which is setting up nicely for early ice.   On the Rainy River...  There continues to be good numbers of shiners in the river, and consequently, there are good walleyes in the river as well.     Walleyes along with saugers, pike and some sturgeon are coming in up and down the river.  Most walleyes are being caught in 10-25 feet of water in various stretches of the river.   Jigging with live or frozen emerald shiners is the key. Some anglers are also still slow trolling crankbaits upstream to cover more ground and find fish. Both methods are producing solid results. Sturgeon fishing remains strong.  The catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is open into the spring when it changes to the "keep season" on April 24th. Up at the NW Angle...  As temps are getting colder, most are in the woods hunting and not fall fishing, however, for those who bundle up, fishing continues to be excellent.     A nice mixed bag with walleyes, saugers, perch, pike and crappies being caught. Very good muskie fishing with the colder water temps and shorter days.  Some big fish and some good numbers are being caught amongst the islands.  Both casting and trolling is getting it done.  
    • gimruis
      I hunt in the rifle zone so I don't have a need to use a shotgun to hunt deer, but I would be looking at this if there was ever a need to.   There could be state legislation introduced next summer that eliminates the shotgun zone completely.  It has bipartisan support.  Wisconsin removed theirs years ago and MN is usually later to follow.  They've tried to pass it more than once and it came up just short both times.  Probably just a matter of time.
    • Wanderer
      Oh, h e l l no! 
    • leech~~
      Screw that, here's whatch need!  😆   Power-Shok Rifled Slug 10 Gauge 766 Grain Grain Weight: 766 Shotshell Length: 3-1/2in / 89mm Muzzle Velocity: 1280
    • Wanderer
      20 ga has become a real popular deer round in the last 5 or so years.  The rifled barrels are zinging those sabot slugs with rifle like accuracy out to 100 yards easily.  Some go so far as dialing in for a 200 yard shot but really, by 150 they’re falling off pretty low.   I have a single shot Ultraslug in 20 ga that shoots really well at 100 yards.  Most everyone I know that has bought a slug gun lately has gotten the Savage 220 in 20ga.  Problem can be finding the shells you want.
    • leech~~
      My son always bugs me about getting a nice light over-under 20ga for grouse hunting.  I say Heck no, I'm getting a 3 1/2" 10ga so I can put as much lead in the air that I can!!     So, I'm keeping my 12ga.  
    • 11-87
      That’s almost exactly what I was thinking.  Have slug barrels for both   One for turkey and one for deer.      I have a 20ga mosseberg as well. (Combo came with the scope but never used.   I always liked the 12 better
    • leech~~
      Wanderer is right on the money and covered it well.  I was wondering too if you had a slug barrel for one of your guns?  If so you could make that your slug gun with a scope, and the other your turkey gun with the Red dot.  As you can afford it. 
    • Wanderer
      Kinda depends on if you want magnification or quick target acquisition.   More magnification options and better accuracy with a scope.  You get what you pay for too so get comfortable with a budget for one.  Tasco and Bushnell work but I find they lose their zero easier, have low contrast and don’t gather light well in low light conditions.  That said, I’m still using one I haven’t replaced yet.  Vortex has been the hot brand for the past several years for bang for the buck.  Good products.  Nothing beats Swarovski though.  Huge dough for those.  Burris is another decent option.   There are some specific models for shotgun/slug hunting in the economy brands and bullet drop compensation (BDC) reticles.  Based on experience I’d recommend not falling for that marketing ploy.   Red dots are usually lower magnification and easier to get on target.  Reasonably accurate but don’t do well with definition, like searching the brush for your target.  I put a HAWKE red dot on a .22 for squirrels and it’s been good.  For turkey, that’s probably the route I’d go.     If your slug shots are normally not too far and too brushy, I’d think a red dot could work there too if you’re only buying 1 scope.  You’ll be better off dimming the reticle to the lowest setting you can easily use to not over shine the target and get a finer aim point.   If you don’t have a slug barrel, you might appreciate one of those.  I had a browning with a smoothbore slug barrel that shot Brenneke 2-3/4 inch well.  The 11-87 would well fitted with a cantelever rifled barrel. 
    • 11-87
      Looking for recommendations on scope or red dot    I basically hunt turkey and whitetail, live in southern MN. So it’s all deer/ shotgun    looking to add a scope/ red dot as my eyes don’t work like they used to to with the open sights.    my gun options are 11/87 12. Browning BPS 12    not looking for the most expensive or the cheapest    pros and cons of one over the other
×
×
  • 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.