Will it be earlier this year?

[fish_eat_sleep]

I remember last year the ice was off in the the south metro around april 7-12 or so for the smaller lakes. I was thinking about this, along with the above average temps we have been having!

Considering the significantly thinner ice this winter, does anyone think we will be boating in march?

[pushbutton]

You might be boating in late Feb. the way this winter is going. Who knows what the weather is going to do.....the forecasters obviously dont....but do think some lakes will easily be open in March.

[harvey lee]

Yes, I believe we will see some smaller shallow lakes open for sure in March if this weather pattern continues. Many lakes have open areas now and with these warm temps and some wind, it can go fast.

Then again it cold get cold and all change but it does not appear that will hapen with the weather patterns this winter.

[Deitz Dittrich]

I agree with the others, though a lot will depend on weather.. But we could be in boats pretty easy late march.

[thatoneguy]

Even with the warm weather, there is as much ice on the lakes I fish as there was last year. The lack of any snow cover made ice build pretty quickly any time the temps dipped below zero. If we have a warm, rainy March it's possible that we'll get to open water earlier, but I don't think it will be all that unusual as far as ice out date up here in the north. My .02.

[Nick Kuhn]

The sun isn't intense enough this time of year to do any significant damage to the ice. Sure, temperatures may be above freezing, but not a ton of melting is occurring. The ice will not go out until we flip the calendar to March, at least in the metro area.

[Walleye Guy]

The weather we have in march will the determining factor on ice out dates. If its a warm and wet march we could have a very early ice out. Its its a typical march we will probably have pretty typical ice out dates.

[Stick in Mud]

I'd say it'll be earlier this year, too. Last year we could BARELY get through the ice on Mille Lacs without an extension. This year, there are places where I fish with 8'' of ice. Don't get me wrong...I love the thin ice. But I can't imagine it won't be ice free earlier than last year.

That being said, a lot could change with more severely cold weather. I know this week doesn't have it forecasted, but those forecasts aren't always the most accurate.

[Down Deep]

Once MN gets past the first week in February the chances for those prolonged below zero nights and single digit highs diminishes significantly. The lack of snow cover and the bright March sun will take its toll on the ice. If the temps continue to stay above average like they have and we don't get the usual late February and March snows I think the ice will be history very early. It looks like the zonal jet flow off the west coast is going to continue for sometime. Remember in 2010 the ice was gone by the end of March even up here in the north.

[bassfshin24]

Best part about this warm winter and lack of snow is that the Miss should be easier to fish this spring. Currents shouldnt be raging like last year and ice will hopefully be off most of it by mid March. Cant wait!

[Nick Kuhn]

Not to mention an early ice out tends to produce good year classes for northern and walleye.

[tacklejunkie]

Once MN gets past the first week in February the chances for those prolonged below zero nights and single digit highs diminishes significantly. The lack of snow cover and the bright March sun will take its toll on the ice. If the temps continue to stay above average like they have and we don't get the usual late February and March snows I think the ice will be history very early. It looks like the zonal jet flow off the west coast is going to continue for sometime. Remember in 2010 the ice was gone by the end of March even up here in the north.

Yup.

Even though we could get a storm or two and a cold snap yet, I think it's safe to say we'll see an early ice out this year

[ShoreGuy1984]

Im hopeing to do some open water bass fishing before the season ends, on the 28th I believe it is. I think im hopeing for too much though lol.

[Stick in Mud]

How did the open water fishing go, ShoreGuy?!?