Headed up to cross lake area

Headed up to the cross lake area, I was wondering what I should bring. I saw people were on the ice last weekend, but have my doubts for this weekend. Probably won’t have access to a boat, so I was wondering if anybody had some ideas for shore fishing or if there is any safe ice around. Going in blind. Any suggestions would be helpful. I
Called s&w to try and get a report, and it sounded like a young girl that did not know much. Disappointing, seeing that it is a bait store and guide service. Or if anybody knew of a bait store closer to cross lake that might be more helpful. Thanks in advance.

Your call, but with the rain we got on Monday-Tuesday I would be very cautious about try the ice. Most lakes in central MN are completely open or have broken away from shore. Cross Lake isn’t that much further north.
Good luck and be safe!

The lakes are not open yet, maybe in two weeks. The pool below the Crosslake Dam is open with a very low flow from the dam. The channel by C&C boat works has some open water and the channel by the Warf has some open water. Both of the channels have bridges that could be fished off of.

I haven’t been out yet but was thinking of trying them this weekend.

Good Luck, be safe.

Thanks a lot guys, I’m gonna end up bringing both but proceed the ice with caution, picks and a spud bar if I find any suitable. Ill try and hit those bridges too. Hopefully with pics to follow!

Tight lines