Will the rain help make some good ice

[south_metro_fish]

I was wondering if this rain will soak in to the snow ice and freeze making stronger ice. Last couple of years we have been driving on the ice and not had this much snow on the ice by the time we get a thaw with some rain. Hoping we will be able to drive safely on the ice in the metro soon. Where I have been fishing we have at least a foot of ice but most of it is white.

[crappiegetter]

I really don't think the rain will make better ice. Depends on the amount of rain we will get, should melt down some of the built up snow on the lakes to thin it out. But with how much slush is under the snow if it doesn't get really cold for a few days it will make that worse holding in all the rain water.

[masoct3]

I would think the opposite, it cuts down the insulated snow so the weather can reach the ice to make a clean layer.

[KG243]

I think it may help us as it will melt the insulation barior. I welcome it as it cant get much worse. I would like to drive out but not on the current ice conditions.

[crappiegetter]

well thats just it I agree the rain will melt some snow but it needs to get cold after that too so ice will form otherwise the rain will hold on top of the ice

[Random guy]

It could go several ways.

If the rain wipes out the snow it will help big time, but that takes alot of rain.

If it is a light frezing rain it will hurt you as it seals the top layer of snow upping the insulation factor of the snow.

Trouble is icky white ice has already formed hindering the whole works.

No rain and heavy winds are best for us on the big water as it blows the snow clear and lets the cold get to the ice. What we had here on Upper Red Lake was a wet snow that froze down and will not move without the help of a plow. Of course you need to get the plow across the thin ice to make thicker ice...best case for us would be a couple schorcher days (above freezing) to melt the snow down then a cold snap; -20 below cold snap.

A guy can always wish.

[crappiegetter]

Very good point freezing rain would be no good as well

[dougger222]

NO

[Ed Carlson]

Make it shrink a bit maybe, then just form another crunchy wheel trap layer...with more slop under that is what I expect from any substantial rain.

Can't see it being much of a good thing really.

[motley man]

Rain will put more weigh on the ice so flooding may occur.

[hydro]

I have to agree with Motley Man on this. The added weight of the rain water will load the ice down even more, pushing it into the water. That will cause more water to well up through the ice and add to the slush. It will be a mess if we get several hours of rain as forecast. We really need a stretch of cold to freeze up the slush.

[popriveter]

The advantage so far this year keeps going to those of us who prefer walking to a less pressured spot. My heart goes out to the truck-fisherman, but my bucket and I will keep walking and catching while they wait to drive.

This is definitely shaping up to be a "Plan B" ice fishing season for most guys.

[Random guy]

This is definitely shaping up to be a "Plan B" ice fishing season for most guys.

Now that is the statement of the year for sure!

[crappiegetter]

I sure don't mind walking out but would rather drive, as over the years I have gotten lazy. Main cause of the laziness is my ice house has gained a little weight and is in need of a diet and wouldn't be so bad to pull. Maybe runners would help out as well, anybody put them on their portables and do they seem to help pulling?

[Stcloudangler]

I for one think this has been the best ice fishing year I can remember, the traffic is way down, and the good spots across the lake from the landing take work to get to. This has kept spots producing now, that have been overpressured and done by christmas before.

[mixxedbagg]

Quote:

I for one think this has been the best ice fishing year I can remember, the traffic is way down, and the good spots across the lake from the landing take work to get to. This has kept spots producing now, that have been overpressured and done by christmas before.

+1

Of course, I'm up north where the conditions aren't so bad. Seems to me that around here (Itasca County), the larger lakes are OK to get around on. I've been really happy with my results so far. However, I fished a little, remote lake this week--no landing; mine were the first set of tracks on it--and it was a lot of work getting around. I pulled my sled through a lot of heavy snow and continually found pockets of slush. When I left, my boots were absolutely soaked and I was sweating. Ice thickness on this lake varied all over the place from 5-10". Seems the heavy snow really slowed ice production.

[Zoob]

The metro is gonna get a day's worth of rain and two above-temp days. It's going to remove a lot of the snow.

We've had a weird ice year, though. Solid ice with [PoorWordUsage] ice on top of it, and slush in between and on top. The rain will help seal - and we're dropping to the teens the following days. It'll lock things tight this time next week - for good or bad.

That poor black ice at the bottom though - it's had to deal with a LOT of weight this year.

[swampman]

I took a short drive from home this morning and it looks like this is just what we needed. the snow has been knocked down big time if we don't get a bunch of snow down here afterwards and it get's cold like they say this should be just what we needed around my area anyway.

[fishersofmen]

I agree this is just what we needed. I fished a lake last week that was nearly impossible to get to my spot walking through all the snow and slush. Was at the same lake this morning and the snow is almost down to nothing already, slush and water on top of course but after the temps next week things will be much better. Will be driving out soon now!! (Unless we get a bunch more snow. )

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

I just don't see this rain making the ice any worse, especially with the cold temps for Saturday and Sunday.

[Perchy]

Fished today on a Faribault area lake and worked hard to get to an untouched area and had good success. The rain and warm temps have melted the vast majority of the snow. With the coming cold snap, we should be able to get around the lakes much easier. Thank God for this thaw! Another plus is it is going to help wildlife tremendously.

[redseal]

Problem is the rain is supposed to turn to snow on sat, then a huge cold front comes through...

[fishersofmen]

Only around an inch of snow in the metro, things will be much better.

[Brad B]

fishersofmen I agree this rain will help the local lakes. I checked 4 local lakes with in 10 miles of me and the snow on all of them is all most gone. there is a lot of water on the ice but once that freezes then things should be good to go as far as driving out goes. The one lake had two full size trucks out on the ice. there is atleast 12 inches of ice on this lake and once it freezes the water on it I think there will be 15" + on this lake. I plan to start driving by next weekend.

[Fishinguy40]

I sure hope the snow disappeared more on the lakes than it did in my yard. From looking at my place, I don't see how that much snow could have disappeared from lakes around the twin cities.