Concerned about Lake Bemidji Ice thinkness by Xmas

[Mike990]

I have a nice 5 day vacation coming up over the holidays and was looking forward to bringing out an 8X8 perm out on lake Bemidji. I was wondering how the ice conditions are at this point, and if people think it will be safe enough by December 25th.

From what I hear now there is still a lot of open water on the lake, weather forcasts predict snow about 5 out of the 10 days, with lows in the single digits only twice, while highs will remain around mid 30, with night time lows anywhere between high teens to low 20's as well.

I am a relative new comer to ice fishing, I just started last year and became hooked. And that was just in a small portable. I was hoping to play some cribbage this time around and have some leg room. My only concern though is the thickness of the ice and if we will be able to see 8 inches or so in the next two weeks.

[ducksnbucks]

Mike990,

I go to school at BSU at have been waiting to go to class and see the lake frozen over. As of yesterday when I was on campus there is still only about 50 yards of ice around the shores, and the rest of the lake is still open. With the temps staying in the upper 20's, close to 30 it is going to take a while for it to freeze and make a lot of ice. Hopefully the weather changes and the ice comes soon. -Ding

[Chad711]

It is ALL my fault, I built a Sleeper for Bemidji this year, hence the wait. Sorry Guys........

[Jmnhunter]

I also attend BSU, drove around today, the south end is starting to stretch out to teh lake, but this Sun, it is supposed to be very windy, so who knows, I say perms will be out in early to mid Jan. on Bemidji, unless this dam weather gets cold!

jn

[beef]

Don't expect to see smooth Ice on Bemidji....The winds last night and right now are crazy. This is going to make things interesting...Wind is out of the West/NorthWest so that should make the East/SouthEast shoreline very rough and jagged from the busted up ice chunks. Nymore access may have some cool ice formations.... Just checked the weather channel and there are gusts of 44 mph at 8:00am.

Beef

[Mike990]

Just checked out accuweather, and this looks promising.

http://wwwa.accuweather.com/adcbin/public/local_index_11to15day.asp?zipcode=56601&metric=0&partner=accuweather&traveler=0

Starting around December 21st, its going to drop down to 3-9 below for the lows, highs in the single digits.

With that streak of a week of very cold weather, what do you guys think of the possibilities of getting a perm out on Lake Bemidji by the 26th?

[beef]

If it stays that cold and the wind and the snow don't go to crazy. Then you should be able to 4-wheel out there by then. Bemidji typically freezes well on the southern half first. From Northwoods access to the state park tend to freeze last. With the wind yesterday the way it was it moved A LOT of the ice to the south end.

The last two years we had a cold fall and a warm X-mas and early January. This year it seems just the opposite. Last year I was driving on 19" of ice with 8" of water on top of the ice.....

Good Luck,

Beef

[Jmnhunter]

hey mike, There is a start of permies out there. we put one out last night. a couple of cars driving straight out of the public access of the NW end. the temps are going to be extremely cold here for the week, so you'll be driving.

good luck

jn

[beef]

Hey Jn,

Have you ventured out to the rock pile or Grassy Yet??

I know that the east side is full of spear houses but without a four wheeler it makes my life a little difficult to make it that far out... Todays high is not suppose to make it above the donut so I would think the main lake has at least 6 inches by now?? Let me know if you make it farther out...

Beef

[Jmnhunter]

hey beef, I'll probably wont make her out til 2 week in Jan. because leaving down home tomarrow. I'm not too familar where the rock pile or grassy point is, but I'm sure there is some good ice, Idk about driving yet, just wait till the 1/2ton goes out there! But I'm sure you could catch them right now!I'll let u know, and u let me know, good luck!

jn