No ice whatsoever yesterday or today at Birchdale.
Around 160 boats today just at Birchdale and expect that many or more through Saturday. Frontier and Birchdale are and will be the only 2 accesses open through April 14 west of the Littlefork and Bigfork Rivers.
A few other things to note…
Both Birchdale ramps currently have 10′ of ramp in the water with washouts immediately behind which are deep enough to cause problems for some trailers.
Please don’t park boat trailers in the camping area to the east closest to the ramp. That area is open to camping only, which is no charge and first come first serve.
Outboards have been starting better now that it’s +15-20 degrees in the morning but some still are not spitting water immediately. The drain hole likely has some ice and they usually start pumping in a few minutes. Also the impeller is likely circulating water but just not able to spit water.
A few bunk trailers are still freezing to the hull overnight if they’ve been in the water the day before but they’ll thaw if left in the water a few minutes. If the boat isn’t super heavy it’s possible to get a few guys and lift the bow up to free up the boat.
It will help everybody if, when you park along the east side of the county road from Hwy 11 to the landing, you back your trailer at a slight angle towards the ditch. Approx 110 trucks and trailers will fit end to end on the county road to Hwy 11 but that number could be increased to at least 150 if parked as described above. The key is to get the first few to do that and the rest will hopefully follow.
If you see someone walking in the same directly you’re driving to or from the ramp pay it forward and offer them a ride. You might even get a fishing tip in the process.
Once parking reaches Hwy 11 you can ask at the Nelson store in Birchdale about parking out of the way immediately to the west of the store but again please check at the store first if that’s your choice. There have been a few parking in the church parking lot but the most parking is available around the community building (tan metal building) a block east of the store.
I was advised today that parking is not allowed on Hwy 11 at all.
Lastly I’ll repeat the river is very low. A few props and skegs are getting nicked so be careful unless you wish to support your local skeg and prop repair shop. Some are asking about going up the rapids. I wouldn’t advise that at all unless you have lots and lots of experience through that area.
