Early Ice - Angle?

[New Yankee]

I know none of us have crystal balls, but here's my question. A couple of my Southern buddies can make it up to ice fish this year, but due to a multitude of issues, the week of December 10 is the only opportunity.

I understand that can be pretty early for the resorts on the South Shore and Rainy. Does, with ever thing else being equal, the NW Angle have resort safe ice any earlier than the South end?

Again, I understand that a dozen different variables will affect this, but we were wanting to put our best feet forward reservation wise for that week.

[Hemlock]

I think, due to current, that the angle is probably a little behind the south end, as far as making ice goes. Anyone else?

[WCT]

Re: Early Ice

I live on the Rainy river just upstream from the mouth so I can't speak to the situation at the Angle however if you are able to get on and off the ice yourselves i.e. walking, snomobile, atv then you probably will be able to fish that early here. More years than not there are locals walking out on the bay by Thanksgiving or soon thereafter and catching fish. Of course, as you say, there many variables and no two years are exactly alike. Lodging would be available as would snomobile/atv rentals if needed. Hope this helps. Ol Sneller

[New Yankee]

WCT - yeah, figured if push came to shove (and hopefully not crack and splash ) we could do that, beats working of course. May have to break down and get a portable suitcase house for just that reason....

I appreciate the responses, and am open to advice!

[Gissert]

I've fished the NW angle several times in the timeframe you are looking at.

Sometimes, some of the outfitters will have houses out in Moose Bay around Brush Island. There is decent fishing to be had there.

We now go with wheelers and portables, and have not had much touble getting out around 4 Block and Little Oak most years, but you must be careful, and watch those early pressure ridges.

You are gonna have to keep an eye on the weather conditions, and stay in touch with your resort of choice to see how conditions develop.

[bturck]

New Yankee: You may want to invest in some large garbage bags as well. Smelly underwear are hard to dispose of. I know where you are from and I don't think your friends from down south have ever slithered across 3-4" of ice. LOL I hope you are able to make it out early Dec. Fishing can be awesome. Just giving you a hard time on the garbage bags, or was I. See ya up there Bob, Bill

[New Yankee]

Hey Bill! You're right about my Southern buds . After the responses above I booked at the Bend for fishing Wed and Thursday of that week. You can bet I'll have some rope and a boat cushion!!

I'd have rather gone the first week you're booked, but I've taken that week off for 3 yrs running, so I'll let the others take it this year.

[bturck]

You know the Bend will treat you right for sure. Sure hope for your sake and everyone else that we get an early freeze. A couple of years ago they were out right around thanksgiving so you should be good to go. I'm sure the guys will have a good time. Sounds like its been a good bite up there all summer. Bill

[Holaey]

New Yankee,

two years ago I made a last ditch effort to fish soft water out of the angle.... the date was Nov. 16th and it was awesome..... One month to the day (Dec. 16) I was fishing out of the angle on 6" of clear ice with a snowmobile....

and fishing was just as awesome. Give Frank Walsh at Bay Store (on Oak Island) a call........ He is the source of the best information.

[Blake]

I wonder if we add ice cubes to the lakes if they'd freeze any sooner??? Man this itch is getting bad..........