Manitou

[Rich_Lorentzen]

Can anyone give me some conditions / updates on the Manitou or Pipestone? How much ice & snow? I've been way too bust at work lately but see an opening possibly to get up there April 4-6th. Obviously things can change quick but what's your best guess for doing some lakers through the ice at that time? I would appreciate your help! Hey Outfitter....you there?

[tearin' lips]

Rich,

I have not fished Manitou or Pipestone yet this year, but I have fished several lakes up in that area. Right now there is plenty of ice 20-30 or so inches everywhere I have fished. Right now the last lake that I was on by Manitou was quite a bit slushy. Since you are coming up in April there will probably be little if any snow on the lake. Keep an eye on here and I will try to post conditions as March progresses.

[Rich_Lorentzen]

Thanks Bill. Your updates will be appreciated. Yep I'm planning on wheelers at that time. Looks like you'll lose some snow this week as well.

[Robin]

Rich,

As of last weekend there was around 16-24 inches of ice on the big lake part of Lower Manitou, more in Barker Bay, also 4-6 inches of slush and 6-8 inches of snow on top of that. Going back up tomorrow and can report again.

[Outfitter17]

Hey Rich,

Good to see you back on the board. I was up last friday and there was slush about 1/2 the places I stopped to check ice. The water on the ice was anywhere from 1.5" to 4" deep. The ice in front of my camp was only 12" and the most I found was 19" back in south bay, I drilled 14 holes from south bay to the camp and the average was about 15".

If it were me I wouldn't even think about a trip in early april unless you want to fish out of a boat down in esox by the bridge. Starting tomorrow the 9 day forecast has highs of 49,51,44,56,52,56,56,53,52, with rain on a few days so as I stated above I wouldn't even think about going on the ice in april.

Call me if you have any questions 218-283-0990.

Matt

[SimilarIsland]

So, how low is the water? How shallow is the rocky channel between Essox and the Stretch? Watson Narrows?

[Outfitter17]

Craig,

I will give you a report when we go in next week. I am guessing it is very shallow, being it was as low as I have seen it last fall when we left and we didn't get much snow this past winter.

[SimilarIsland]

Thanks Matt

[Hoffer]

Similar are you worried you wont get through the rocky channel into the stretch?

My advice to you is to get your boat up to a full speed plane and just shoot right through there.

[SimilarIsland]

Actually, I'm more worried about the side lakes and Watson Narrows.

[Robin]

Thought those who like to follow the Manitou would like to know the ice is off. We heard it went out last Friday or Saturday, got a boat in the water today and Barker Bay, the big lake and the top of the stretch are open.

[Sherry]

Thanks for the update Robin. We are going up on Sunday. Can almost taste the smoked trout.

[SimilarIsland]

Thanks Robin!

[Robin]

A nice 12#-33 inch Laker and a couple more nice Trout caught last night on the Lower Manitou.