This morning we had fog and borderline freezing temps. By noon the SE wind broke away most of what ice had formed from Spider, Gull Reef, the end of Pope’s  Reef and it moved out into the open lake. By noon when I could see it was gone and open water.  I’m sure the ice is going somewhere and not melting, but the main lake ice around it’s shores is risky to say the least.

Right now the only fishable Ice is in the bays on the south end that I know of.  I’m sure with the south wind there is ice close to shore on the other sides of the lake, but if it’s walkable I couldn’t tell you, (or wouldn’t)..  In my opinion. If you plan on walking out ANYWHERE on Mille Lacs over the next few days you better be prepared for something to happen that could possibly not turn out well if the wind switches with these warmer temps..   Even  the bays having 4-6″ of ice might not be as safe as you think.  Make SURE you check with the resorts that have access to them as they are the one’s that know what’s in front of them.

I’ve seen alot of this over the 50 plus years I’ve been out there..  I get it that early ice is fun and exciting and many times being out there first when there is no noise the fishing is good. I’ve done that, and pushed the limit many times. I could tell you stories of “shuttling” people in and out with my  Jeep, Bombi, or VW bug to houses on ice that would scare the crap out of most of you these days… Not sure if it’s because I’m older, or because I’ve been there, done that.. Just be careful out there.

Keep a Tight Line!

Eddy