The start of the new year we have -24 on our thermometer.  I do not expect too many fushermen showing up early to get out there. It is going to remain cold thru tomorrow morning.  That will be good for the ice. Hopfully it will dry out the snow so the cold will penetrate.

Yesterday fishermen that sent me reports did pretty good.  Seen numerous pictures of Walleye 18″ to 24″  a few “keepers”,  a 42″ Northern C/R and some pretty cool underwater video of Perch.  Even though the bulk of them are too small to keep, this year there are more showing up in the 10-11″ range from what i’ve heard from anglers.

As far as what we are doing this weekend. I’m keeping vehicle traffic off the ice roads. Only the customers with houses out will be allowed on them if the have a vehicle that weighs under 5000lbs curb weight. Any time there has been ice conditions where we have warmer ice and then temps make a forty to fifty degree drop, when the cold does get to the ice it’s going to contract it.  And you will have cracks. The first ice to get coldest first is where it is uncovered.  Putting alot of traffic on it is a big mistake. keeping it light is important.  As for me, I will be working on getting more side roads established in some of the fishing areas, and open up spots for putting houses with the Land Cruiser as it is lighter and I feel much more comfortable in it during times like these. During next week I will be pulling houses as fast as I can for our customers.

To those with wheelhouses,  It’s time most of you figure out exactly how much your house/truck/gear really weighs.  You might be surprised.

Keep a Tight Line!