Spring thaw

[spear foot 1]

I know every year is different but does anybody know when the earliest was devils lost fishable ice ? I'm heading out there march 12 th and normally that time a year is no problem but who knows this year, just curious to see what was the earliest it ever ended ice fishing out there??

[tjoutdoors]

On this same topic, about how much ice is lost on a 50 degree day? Or how long would it take to go from 2 feet of ice (like now) to not being able to go out anymore when days are 50+ and nights don't drop below freezing? I'm heading out in 9 days and I see that the last 7 of those are going to be highs in the 50s with lows in the mid-30's and I just don't know how long the ice can hold up in that kind of weather.

[marine_man]

I can't speak specifically for devils lake, but a lot of it depends on how much snow has to be melted before it gets to the ice. 9 days could be pushing it a little bit.. especially with a full size vehicle, but I would bet that a 4 wheeler would probably still be ok.

marine_man

[spear foot 1]

thanks marine man, by the way does any one know how much snow is on devils lake now? Just ondering as we are bringing 4 wheelers.

[riverview]

the snow pack is minamal. not much snow cover in fields but the ice sheet keeps devils lake alittle cooler

we dont have the typical ice thickness this year and i dont think it will last long

[spear foot 1]

Just give me the up coming week then I will be happy

[tjoutdoors]

I need Saturday the 17th as well please! Current forecast for that day is a high temp of 68!

[candiru]

Hard to say way it might be like. Monday night is the only low in the forecast that is below freezing.

[riverview]

I was there this weekend and when i left the lake at 1030 this morning the access wasnt pretty alot of water pooling along the edges. water of ice and wind it wont last long

[marine_man]

I don't know if it rained up there this morning or not.. but it's not looking pretty with this heat, coupled with streams breaking loose...

marine_man

[tjoutdoors]

Its over for me. I will remain a Devil's Lake virgin as Woodland called last night saying far too many vehicles went through yesterday to believe the ice will survive the rest of the week. Maybe next year I guess!

[marine_man]

Sorry to hear that.. I don't think anyone was expecting this fast of a warm up this spring!

marine_man

[riverview]

id say it is over unless you have a argo

[lispeej]

Sad to hear that we had such a short winter season. Well, atleast we have open water fishing right around the corner.

I can't wait!!!

[spear foot 1]

done, shot

[spear foot 1]

We fished up til sunday noon the 18 th on foot then high tailed it off. Ice went from 22 in - 8 in and blacxk and spongy in couple hours. But we still had awesome trip earlier in the week, Lots of jumbo perch, walleyes and northerns. Cant wait til next year.