Ice out date predictions

[Scoot]

Lets start the annual poll. I predict that the ice will be out for decent sized boats to be able to launch at Frontier on March 20th. I'm hoping for earlier, but that's mostly wishful thinking.
Who else has a guess???

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Scoot

So I got dat goin’ for me… which is nice.

[Guest]

HEY SCOOT.
I WILL VENTURE A GUESS AT MARCH 29TH FOR BIGGER BOATS AT FRONTIER. OUR GROUP HAD TO PLAN A TRIP FOR THE LAST 6 DAYS OF THE SEASON. WOULD'VE RATHER GONE AS SOON AS IT OPENS, BUT YOU KNOW HOW IT IS SCOOT WITH THE PLANNING PART AND THE THINGS THAT GET IN THE WAY.. GOOD LUCK TO ALL THIS YEAR, SHOULD BE MORE PRODUCTIVE THAN THE PAST FEW. HOPEFULLY THERE WILL BE MORE DAYS AVAILABLE FOR EVERYONE TO FISH IT THIS YEAR.
BRAD K

[Beckman]

March 14th - small boats

[evntam]

One warm day, and everyone starts to dream of ice melting and tossing around in the boat.

So, I think March 24, 4:27PM, Birchdale Landing - clear all the way to the ramp...

[Lund 18]

I'm voting for the 20th of March for small boats at Birchdale. When the water turns to choclate like you say, how long does it take to clear up?

[White-tips]

It takes weeks to clear up. The Big and Little Forks can really wreck good fishing plans.

[Jeremy Donabauer]

I predict it will be early April for large boats at Birchdale. I am also worried about the snow melt turning the river to chocolate milk like three years ago.

[trophyhunter]

There is less ice and more current than the last couple of years. I think(hope) it will be early. My guess March 23rd. I just hope with all the snow that it doesn't melt too fast or the river will turn to chocolate like dunns pointed out. I can't wait.. Going for a tune-up on the Mississippi river on Sunday! I just love this time of year!

[certified jumbo]

March 15 -small boats, also am worried big time about cloudy waters. if the water is chocalatey in color, back up and go home. but i sure hope it isn't.

[Tom Stay]

March 20th has been a logical estimate over the years for small boats at Birchdale for the past 15 years. With lots of snow for run-off this year lets just hope it melts slow and not a bunch of 50 to 60 degree days in a row or we will see the chocolate milk effect. When the river gets dirty like that it usually is at least a week before things begin to clean up enough for the walleye to see your bait good enough for them to bite. Cross your fingers and hope for the best. I believe we are all wanting to scratch that early open water itch.

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[BDR]

I'm betting on Birchdale by March 24th and Frontier by the 28th. I do use a beater boat just for the river and not afraid of busting ice like last year. Hopefully this year I wont pop any rivets and have leaks again.

I am ready!!

Brian

[Sandee]

These are past opening dates for small boats at Birchdale - going over shore ice in most cases.

1996 - April 9th
1997 - March 27th
1998 - February 29th
1999 - March 16th
2000 - March 3rd
2001 - March 19 / March 29 **
2002 - April 1
2003 - March 29

** So much fun, it opened twice!

My prediction? Hmmm crystal ball says ~~ March 13th ~~

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[Sandee]

Mile Marker #174
18 miles to Birchdale

(Corrected mile marker)

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[This message has been edited by Sandee (edited 02-26-2004).]

[This message has been edited by Sandee (edited 02-26-2004).]

[Guest]

Sandee,
Is that what locals call Shockee's curve or was that taken just east (or actually South) of Indus?
SRR

[Sandee]

Corrected my mile marker - it is #174

That is 6 miles from Indus!

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[Sandee]

Mile Marker #168 on 2-29-04

Also, for those who have questions on the level. This graph is from the US Army Corps of Engineers - Level at Manitou Rapids from 1-1-03 thru 2-28-04

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