Are we gunna see some ice this week?

Here in northwest WI anything that had a decent sheet of ice is now gone. (Mostly from rain) with cold temps are we gunna see enough ice to be “fishable” on smaller, shallower lakes? What does everyone think

?? I don’t think the bigger lakes will be safe till after New Years. Going to Pueto Rico for Three Kings, maybe some ice when we get back?

Sad for the winter sports for sure. I’m into motorcycle and atv ice racing during the winter, and the first two weeks of January events are already being scratched. The first in the Superior, WI area.

While I am not a fan of winter and cold… if it is just nasty enough out to keep you from enjoying regular warm weather activities, it may as well bring on a good winter for the other options.

Cold this Friday, but then gradual warming. On Mille Lacs Cove bay had froze over, now is approx. half open. Yesterday the west side of the lake did not even have any ice on the rocks on shore. Had a trip scheduled for LotW tomorrow. Cancelled and rescheduled for Jan. 3. Now we are wondering if that will happen.

@tylerlueck81, I’m monitoring conditions on this side as well. What I’m seeing (in broad general terms) is anything over 100 acres or so opened up again, though a few small sheltered lakes under 50 acres actually kept covered. Fingers crossed. I’m going to do some scouting with the auger Friday, I’ll try to remember to post what I find.
I imagine I can find SOMETHING walkable, but it’s going to be damn sketchy all in all this weekend. Anybody goes, be darn careful!

I think its going to be a record breaking warm winter. I cannot express enough how unhappy this makes me. I dont want to wait another year for a chance at a good winter.

reverend wrote:

I imagine I can find SOMETHING walkable, but it’s going to be damn sketchy all in all this weekend. Anybody goes, be darn careful!

Don’t think I’m in your class for risk appetite or skills to stay safe. Probably after Christmas for me, probably even later for larger lakes. Got a cabin in Brainerd that is staying empty

Baudette – going sub-zero this Thursday/Friday with slight chance of snow and low winds. Current water temps hovering around 33.4 degrees, ice around the docks, so we are close.
Then highs stay under freezing for the duration.
“IF” it skins over this week the ice making process should be ok and 4 wheelers by x-mas.
My .02

I agree. I’m just curious to see with the cold snap were gunna get the next couple of days, could it potentially make 3 inches of good ice on some smaller lakes? Where is your area @reverend

Tyler Lueck wrote:

I agree. I’m just curious to see with the cold snap were gunna get the next couple of days, could it potentially make 3 inches of good ice on some smaller lakes? Where is your area @reverend

Rhinelander/Eagle River area

I’m planning on letting the weather do it’s thing Thursday/Friday with the cold snap, and then go and do some scouting around the Hayward area on Saturday.

Fluffchucker wrote:

I’m planning on letting the weather do it’s thing Thursday/Friday with the cold snap, and then go and do some scouting around the Hayward area on Saturday.

Let me know if you find anything decent! We are looking to go somewhere the weekend after Christmas.

I guarentee I will be on ice Monday. Forecast is looking good. I will be out of town this weekend so no temptation before Monday. Be safe everyone. I love first ice but a good spud, some traction on my boots and common sense goes a long way. Better safe rather than sorry.

I’m seriously doubtful I will even be able to get on ice here in Maryland this year. talking about 60s again next week.