Last evening and overnight the bite was good for some and slower for others. The best report was 9 C/R Walleyes. Most others had action and some in the slot, but not what I expected going into the Full Moon phase.  Today the highlight was Perch for most of the anglers out there. We’ll see what happens with those out tonight.

Ice conditions:  with the last two overnights with slightly above freezing temps and warmer days the ice is showing some signs on the clear dark ice of water in some areas, and nothing to be concerned about yet.   As long as it stays cloudy during the daylight hours it doesn’t affect the ice too much. but It would really be nice if it would start freezing at night.  My biggest concern for us where we are is the exposed clear dark ice, (which is good when it’s cold, but not so good when it’s warm like we are experiencing).  When sunlight hits that with warm temps it softens and deteriorates very rapidly.  It would be no big deal if we had  the normal 24″ plus of ice that we usually have this time of year with some snow cover. But this year we are 8″-10″ less with no snow cover in our areas we access.

This weekend because of the warmer temps and our ice conditions, we are limiting wheelhouse traffic to small wheelhouse pulled by SxS, ATV’s with dollys and chains or small 1/4 rated trucks.. Rentals will need a vehicle under 5000lbs or we will shuttle their gear and they will need a ATV to get back in forth in case of an emergency.  Portable fishermen will need a similar vehicle under 5000lbs. A much better way is a ATV or SxS,  We have access to many of the farther out reefs, including the gravel if you want to try.  Staked and marked roads thru the rougher ice that we have established with the FJ40 and disc so it’s good going. We have plenty of room for wheelhouse camping and parking for portable rigs at N/C, only a access fee required.

Next week and weekend for rentals and everything else will depend on the weather forecasts. I will see what it looks like Sunday/Monday and make our decisions.    FYI.. what we are doing is because of what we have out in front of us on the main lake to areas we go to.  Not what others are doing.  Everyone has their own ice conditions to deal with, and many are different than ours. What they do is their judgement.  Some have better, some have worse. Check with them before you go.

Be Safe.  We need colder weather…

Eddy