Yesterday, we staked our roads out in the Gravel Bars we go to and measured ice depths. In those areas, the ice depth was consistent at 17 “. Today, we will check all our established roads closer for ice depths, and on Thursday, we will decide what size wheelhouses and trucks will be going for the weekend. In the rough ice areas within the first mile, there is over 20” in spots already, so the heavier rigs will have a place to go if need be. We have started our weekend wheelhouse list, so call to get a spot if you plan to go out with us.

The weather forecast predicts some snow on Thursday, so maybe we’ll get enough to bank on the houses and cover the ice somewhat if it doesn’t blow too much. There is another chance on Sunday, so it will look a little more like winter out there.

The bite is steady with Perch and Walleye. They are mostly smaller during the day, but there are some nice-sized Perch in the mix. Slot and larger Walleye are best in low-light conditions and overnight. A few Northerns are showing up on tip-ups for those trying.

We still have some rentals available for this weekend, both “Basic” and “Deluxe” versions, so call the office if you are interested.

Keep A Tight Line!

Eddy

Roads were worked on to the gravel bars we go to yesterday and will continue today. Ice depths range from 18″ to as much as 21″ in rougher areas out there. There are many areas of shale ice that, with the drifting we had with the few snow flurries last weekend, are trapping snow just like a snow fence. If we ever get some significant snow and wind, there will be a bunch out there.

The small Perch and Walleye bite continues daily, and the slot and larger Walleye are biting in the low-light hours and overnight in shallow water and deep rock transitions. Yesterday, another big Northern was C/R out near the Graveyard Reef, so they are definitely moving around.

We have started our wheelhouse list for the coming weekend, so call and get on it if you plan on coming up Fri-Sun. We are receiving many seasonal customers and will start limiting the number on the list, especially when we start getting some snow.   We have rentals available for this weekend.  The weather is supposed be a little warmer than last weekend, so should be nice to be out there.  Bring your ice cleats… Give the office a call.

Eddy

Overall, the weekend was a good one for most. Almost everyone had action, even though small Perch and Walleye dominated the catch; there were some nice sized Walleyes, with the biggest being 28″, and there were a few big Northern Pike, the biggest being 42″, which were caught by our customers.

Today, we are out working on the road to the gravel bars we go to. It is open for 1/2 tons and single-axle wheelhouses. After we check all the ice roads for ice depths, I will probably change what we drive out there. Once we get the ice ridges cleaned up and smoothed out, it should be nice going. From our access, being on the main lake, it’s only 3 miles to the beginning of the Gravel.

With the weather slowly warming up and with no snow on the ice, we will likely see some ice movement as it starts expanding after the cold spell we have had recently.  But the warmer temps will be nice for those using hole liners inside their houses because of the lack of snow, and the change should help the bite.

Eddy

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