Which lake will retain ice the longest?

[kiowa]

There is a tropical heat wave here in southeast Iowa, given a small, medium or large lake, which one would you guess has the best chance of still having fishable ice come Saturday?

I will only have time to drive to one lake, so any experience you can share will be appreciated. I know there are a lot variables to consider, just your best guess!

[BartmanMN]

I guess depth may come into play, however I typically am fishing late ice in the Spring on large lakes, while driving past many smaller lakes that have open water.

[mallardnwalleye]

Southeast Iowa-None Fish the river

[OnAFly]

The lakes that are the coldest (most water and most ice) will keep ice the longest as it will take more energy to melt more ice. If you have a lake that is 30 acres, it doesn't take much energy to melt off all the ice compared to a lake that has a similar ice thickness, but is 300 acres.

My bet would be on the bigger lakes, even if you have to use a ladder to cross shore

[mallardnwalleye]

Any ice?

[Zoobert]

Deeper lakes will take longer to get rid of the ice. The shallower lakes will absorb and retain more of the heat from the sun and work to melting its ice cover.

You can witness this with small to large ponds in your driveway or a street, even.

Once the large body of water starts retaining its heat from the sun, it'll rapidly start deteriorating the ice in various spots. Lakes are great for retaining that heat (or cold) from the season - so the deeper - the longer.