Lake Slush

[Beegreen111]

Hi All and thanks for any info.

I am wondering if a lake has bad slush now, will it stay that way until ice off? Should I count that lake done until spring? Once we start getting up to the 40's in the day and say 20's at night and the snow starts to settle/melt will the slush go away?

Thanks

brad

[harvey lee]

I fished a lake south of St Peter, Mn yesterday and there was really no snow at all, ice depth still great.

It had got a bit slushy from the last snow and rain but yesterday it was all frozen again.

lake was very slippery so take some ice cleats along to be able to move around safely.

Many of the lakes, the landing will go much faster than the lake ice itself. The landings with a slope will go even faster once the warm temps hit and water runs down them to the edge of the ice.

Once the landing is not safe to drive on, one can still walk out and find some great late ice panfish action.

[Beegreen111]

Thanks Harvey,

I know a little rain and sun sure can make those landing go fast. I will be up in the winnie area the weekend of the 23rd and I heard a little lake I plan on trying out is very slushy. I have a wheeler to bring but I was wondering if I should find a snowmobile or if the slush will vanish once the snow starts melting.(not sure where it would go) Assuming we get above freezing and sun in the next 10 days.

[paceman]

There is a ton of snow on the lakes over here in Detroit Lakes. No way a wheeled vehicle is going anywhere on them anytime soon. The forcast for the next week is really cold and lots more snow,wind. I would imagine the winnie area must be in the same conditions. I would find a sled or prepare to walk especially to a little remote lake.

[OnAFly]

Lots of snow here, slush in pockets. Some places you drill a hole and it's fine, others you drill and you find yourself in 4" of water. Also, we just got 5" more snow last night

If the snow melts on top and we get below freezing temps at night, it will become solid again, but by that time the accesses probably will be shot and walking will be the only option.

[fivebucks]

From what I hear about the area north of Winnie is there is alot of snow and alot of slush. I do not think you will be able to get around with an ATV unless with tracks. I read in the Deer River forum that one guy is done even with a snowmachine on local lakes due to slush. Take a look at the Deer River and Blackduck forums and you may find some info.

[Beegreen111]

Thanks guys, I am starting to think this later season trip is not meant to be. March 12' trip was cancelled due to summer temps in March now this year might be the opposite. Oh well, I'll still give it a try, but in January when I planned this trip I was seeing bright sunny days on the ice and being able to run and gun in sweat shirts. Still will be better than work.

Thanks again for the replies.

[tazimna]

I was near winnie this weekend on a smaller lake, and it was tough getting around with a snomobile. Lots of slush and still atleast 16" snow on lake. Ended up leaving portable on shore and then gunning my sled to area I wanted to fish in an attempt to make a trail before pulling porty out. It worked, but did bog down a few times. Within 1 hr of punching holes, the area around me was slush with all the water coming up the hole. good luck. Taz