One step forward, two giant steps back

Just a couple of days ago, we had perfect first ice conditions. No snow and cyrstal clear cocktail ice 4 to 5 inches deep. Now with this warmer weather and rain, that first layer is compromised. Wet on top and unsure what lies below? We need a cold snap quick before any snow to firm it up again. Mike/HOF and I agree that the less snow, the better the ice fishing.
Regardless, if you venture out onto the ice, be very carefull. Trust me, a dunking in 30 degree water will suck the air right out of you and get your attention real quick.

Stop it, you are going to make me cry!!!!!

There, now you’ve done it

Yep, I am here to bear witness to just how cold the water is right now I posted the story in my trapping post, but to sum it up here, I took a swim this afternoon setting traps. Once the water gets to the crotch area, you will take a very deep breath

Based on my outing today, the backwaters around Wabasha are still good with 6 inches of solid ice. The weather is supposed to get below freezing at night now, so that should also make for good ice. Stay away from weeds or wood that absorb heat, or you might get a little wet like AmWatson!

Good Fishing,
Mike

A guy I know fell through a local lake in deep water the other day.

The only thing that save him was that he was pulling his sled and he was hanging onto the rope…….he dropped right through……just plunged……..hanging in deep water, by the sled rope.

He got out ok……..

Use your head!

I did the Polar Plunge a couple of years back at Foster Arends so I know what it is like going in. I thought I was prepared for what was next but WOW you take a deeeep breath by reflex…just hope you take that breath when you surface and not on the way down. Be careful out there….

If you want to know what it is like sign up for the Plunge this year. It is a nice, controlled setting to find out. I won’t be doing it again
Chris

I did the high step yesterday at one of the local sand traps just off shore. Did the tappity tap with the spud at shore and it was solid. Two steps out on the ice and away we go. Was up to about the belt and Ihave to agree yet with C&R, I’m not planning to do this again this year, safe and controlled or other-wise.

Where I was at had no current and the bottom slopes away fairly gently. I was there about a week ago and had no problems. The ice is really taking a hit in some places this year. Heck, the frost is coming out of my yard!

We’ll be picking nightcrawlers by friday night.

I just got back from fishing the backwaters below Wabasha and found 4to 5 inches of clear ice everywhere I hit the water. I also saw open water in a couple areas where it was froze hard two weeks ago, so who knows what a guy will find.

Got fish too. Its whats for dinner.