Emily/Outing ice conditions

On the spur of the moment I was asked if I wanted to go to the Emily/Outing area this weekend. After a little thought and a view of an aerial map of the area I’m convinced there’s enough ice in that area for me to fish. Since I don’t know anything about the area nor do I have any contacts to reach out to, is anyone willing to provide the ice conditions for area lakes? Or maybe areas or lakes I should avoid or only walk on? There’s not enough time to get sleds ready to tow up there but I’m fine with getting some exercise. Thanks in advance!

Not to sure about that area. I know Aitkin had a lot of snow slush earlier this winter which was holding up ice forming. Emily is not that far away. My guess would be there must be some local lakes that have roads and people are getting out on. There is always the mn dnr lakefinder that can help with maps and fish counts. Must be a local baits shop up that way with some advice to.

Just looking at the map there sure are a lot of nice looking lakes in the area.

I live in the Crosslake Area which is about 15 miles away from Emily. I have a small lake in my front yard and I walk out. There is about 15 to 17 inches of clear on ice with about 6 inches of snow on top of it. All the slush that was on top of the ice has frozen. Good luck fishing.

lakes in the area are looking good. lots of ice

I see in the Pine Cone Press that The 27th Annual Outing Ice Fishing Contest is this Saturday on Lawrence Lake. That could be fun.