Clearwater Ice

[Parmer]

How much ice is on Clearwater? Are there any ice castles out there? Was out there 2 weeks ago and there was 8 or 9 inches. Any info would be appreciated. 

[mrpike1973]

Was out on Tuesday roughly 12 inches I drove from BJ's I have a smaller SUV. Did not have much luck but very cold out that day good luck.. I did see a few larger houses out there. Please be safe and check though.

[Parmer]

Ya my buddy was out there this morning. He said they are driving trucks past the island out of BJ's I guess. I am not too fond of driving on that lake. 

[jgrimmz]

Any update? I'm planning to head out Saturday, but won't be driving on the ice just yet

[Dash 1]

I haven’t been on it yet, but several vehicles on it when I drive by.

[bowkill78]

Doesn't anyone fish Clearwater any more.  Always seems busy when I am up there.  How much Ice is still on the lake???

[IceHawk]

Clearwater is actually one of my go to walleye lakes just a hard nut to crack some days. Still a premier lake that many fish. It always kicks out all sorts of good fish. I am personally fond of the nice Eyes and crappies out there. looking forward to hitting it once walleye season opens. As far as Ice not sure on that but we have been getting a good rain all day and some of the other lakes were looking pretty black locally a hour ago. 

[Rick G]

There was still some grey ice on the main lake as of yesterday. Most of the shoreline is free, you could get a boat in at Bob's bay access. 

[bowkill78]

Thanks for the replies gentlemen.  Looking forward to my spring trip to Clearwater.  As far as Clearwater goes it is definitely a tough nut.  I love how much depth range it has and how many different ways you can catch fish.  However, if you don't know the lake it can jump up and bite you.  Can't tell you how many times I've seen people being drug back in after they tore off their lower unit.  Good luck on opener.

[jigginjim]

I have been guiding on Clearwater the past two plus years. Talk about jump up and get you. That is a fact, many small humps in the center of the lake that cost you a prop or lower unit if you're not careful.  But the fishing can be great or it could be so-so.  All depends on timing,  early season Crappies, and Walleye fishing can be great.

  Last spring, I had a couple out on a guide trip out 3 biggest Crappies totalled over 5 lb.  We only kept 9 fish total, for our 4 hr guide trip, throwing backing many big crappies for years to come. Yet, To provide our bite we did bring some back in to the baitshop.  I have photos on my Facebook Jiggin Jims taxidermy Ryks.  

  So far those Crappie have not shown up in one of my spots but a beaver sure has been busy gnawing off the trees at Bobs bay club access.

  Other waters are ice free, as today, including Clearwater, Buffalo and Deer lakes are at flood stage due to Crow river backing up the waters. Two of the three accesses have docks in on Buffalo lake, The DNR has not gotten  out many wright county lakes yet. Crappies are just starting to hitting the shallows but most are still hanging out in deeper water.

  Jiggin Jim's Fishing Guide service And Taxidermy.     ifishmn.net / get the NET!

[mrpike1973]

Thanks for the report! I have not had to much crappie action either yet it's just been to cool.

[bowkill78]

Its crazy to me how the Annandale area folks are so quiet.  So many lakes around.  I know somebody is fishing.  Getting ready for my first of many trips to that area this year and am really looking forward to it.  Just wondering what the water temps have been and if the panfish are biting?  I'm sure I'll find em when I get there, but nice to have a little heads up.  Good luck to those on the water.

[jigginjim]

    Water temps have been up and down, a few lakes were just starting to hit 60º and bang cold front with cold air temps and the

water temps dropped. Some places you may find 55º to 60º,  while going into another lake or even going to a smaller bay some

temps are nearing 65º.   Just depends on what lake and the time of day you're going out.  Good luck. 

 

 

[bowkill78]

Thanks for the reply.  I'll be on Clearwater for a week.  Can't wait.  Covid lockdowns and nonstop work sucks.  Need a fishing rod in my hand.