Ice reports?

[Newicyy]

New to ice fishing and I was wondering where the best place to get ice reports from would be and if anyone had any updates on ice thickness right now?! Itching to get out, but not trying to go for a swim! Thanks.

 

[Weekender]

What area of the state are you looking to fish?

 

[guywhofishes]

ice reports? unreliable IMO. everything is so different even in the same county

Most savvy locals prefer to drive to boat ramps, pick up some rip rap rocks, and toss them all over the ice to see if they go through. When they don't go through they think "hey, I bet it's safe, but I better not risk it" and go home and wait a few days and then go out to try it again. At some point they see people fishing and then they know it's safe. As the owner of a snowmobile I don't recommend the big rock approach though - it's sort of annoying.

Actually - get yourself a spud bar and use it every few steps and you're good to go.

 

[Bfishn]

There is another thread called first ice that has a few reports. Since you are new to the game i would maybe hold off a bit longer on venturing out. I think most experienced guys, myself included, have a couple early ice spots that we know over the years tend to freeze quicker or better and are a short distance from shore so we don't have to venture out to far. Its a bit early for a new guy to be out exploring IMO. Just because there is a guy safely fishing on 5" doesn't mean its that thick 100yds away.

I know the spot i will try on Saturday will likely be fine, but will have open water nearby because of springs. Its my first go to spot every year to usually get a few fish, but i know where to walk and where not to. Spud bar will still be in hand, spikes around neck and possibly even life jacket on for initial trip out.

 

[ndfinfan]

^ Well said B...good advice to all!

- - - Updated - - -

Buddy and I fished Darling yesterday afternoon. Found 4 to 5 inches of clear strong ice shallow...16 to 18 fow and less. When we checked ice out over the channel ice thickness dropped to about 3 inches. So I pretty much fished 18 fow and less. Buddy walked in front with the spud bar...I followed behind with the auger to cut holes about every 20 feet.

 

[Newicyy]

In the Fargo area but looking to go out maybe up to 1 1/2 to 2 hrs.

 

[ranger150]

If using the big rock method for checking ice. Please toss the rock anyplace else but the ramp. The rocks are hell on boat trailers and props in the spring. Thanks!

 

[guywhofishes]

If using the big rock method for checking ice. Please toss the rock anyplace else but the ramp. The rocks are hell on boat trailers and props in the spring. Thanks!

I hope it was clear that I was cracking wise with regard to the big rock method!!!

 

[ranger150]

^^^^I know from your post that you don't like the idea. Just reminding everyone that it's not a good idea.

 

[shorthairsrus]

I see all these guys on FB ---they have picks of ice holes, flashers, walking one etc, ice houses, hell somebody drove on Detroit lake --- but no fish!!!! Maybe i seen one fish and that looked like last year.

You know i have a shorthair -- and back when we had a hell of a nino -- the water stayed open the beginning of January on a lake i have fished for years. I came early in the am - 2nd weekend of january -- didnt even bat an eye at the ice - drilled and i had 10 inches of ice. When the sun came up -- i could see that damn lake still was open on the one side - if it was water fowl or what i wasnt sure. Never has been open like that afterword or before that i can remember. Anyway my shorthair would run over and drink water --- i was like get the hell out. Next she pulled the stunt of jumping in and having some fun swimming - you know what kind of a acrobat they are -- she made some wierd moves and the next thing she pops up and gets on the ice and does it again like a little kid.

Bottom line - unless if you are a canine and your breed is a german shorthair -if your anything else you have no business out on a lake this early IMO. Specially if the lake is snow covered like alot of them are. IMO fish wont bite good right directly before or after ice or ice out. --- give it another week different story.

 

[KDM]

Early and Late Ice is fickle, can change quickly, and can be downright life threatening at times. No fish is worth getting wet for IMO. If you venture out, use your head, a spud bar, and enough safety equipment to get you back safe. Be Smart and Stay Safe!!!

 

[Captain Ahab]

I hope it was clear that I was cracking wise with regard to the big rock method!!!

 

[ndfinfan]

Early and Late Ice is fickle, can change quickly, and can be downright life threatening at times. No fish is worth getting wet for IMO. If you venture out, use your head, a spud bar, and enough safety equipment to get you back safe. Be Smart and Stay Safe!!!

And always go with a buddy!

 

[Sluggo]

And always go with a buddy!

A buddy heavier than yourself is ideal.

 

[FishSticks]

I'm going to give it a few weeks. Lots of birds left to chase

 

[Taylorman55]

If it looks decent from land you're good to go. If you are worried it's not decent enough, just make sure you drive extra fast. The speed of the vehicle will propel you over any bad ice onto better ice. I recommend at least 50-55 mph on 2-3 inches of ice. If you can go faster, even better.


Oh, and make sure your windows are up. If your windows are down, this actually creates drag and downward pressure onto the ice. Just some more FYI to add to the old tool box for ice safety purposes.

 

[guywhofishes]

;:;popcorn

 

[Vollmers]

Is that theory similar to going bear hunting with a guy that you know is slower than you?

A buddy heavier than yourself is ideal.

 

[martinslanding]

If using the big rock method for checking ice. Please toss the rock anyplace else but the ramp. The rocks are hell on boat trailers and props in the spring. Thanks!

Rangers chew up and spit out rocks...you'll be fine

 

[snow]

1st ice walleyes showed up on upper red lake last weekend 3-5"s walking from the resorts only nothend still has open water.