I like when first ice is on higher water levels contrary to most people. There are some great sloughs that are worth the hikes far off the beaten path with higher water levels. Low water on P4 = ice fishing slaughter in community backwater deep holes.
9-10′ at the Wabasha gauge is great. I usually hope for a wet fall.
It’s been going way high on the Red River too… I was walleye fishing last night, it’s gone way up and the current is nuts. Was using 1 oz jigs to get down there through the current