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Early Ice?

Juan Grande

By Juan Grande
in Ice Fishing

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Juan Grande Mentor

Juan Grande

Posted
Posted

Just wondering what you guys consider "early ice?" What is the minimum thickness you'd consider walking on?

I took my wife out just after Christmas last year and there was about 7-8 inches. There was no snow so you could see all the cracks and the darkness below. That warping and cracking noise had her freaked out.

I want to try some "early ice" tip up fishing for pike, but I'm not sure when I should go or what kind of ice conditions I should look for.

Any advice? Thanks.

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packattack Contributor

packattack

Posted
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I will fish alone on 4" but I drill a string of holes from the shoreline to my fishing hole to check the thickness of the ice. I like to drill a hole about every 10' as I walk. Seems like during the early ice you will find thin spots over the deeper water. I think that it probably takes longer to cool down the deeper water.

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Matt Johnson Grand Master

Matt Johnson

Posted
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I'm a little extreme, I'm usually out on 2-3 inches if I get the chance, but I'm very cautious and I'm constantly checking the ice with a spud bar. First ice is usually anywhere from 2-5 inches, and early ice is typically considered 4-7 inches of ice. Once we get up towards 9-10 inches we usually have a slight snow cover and light penetration diminishes below the ice, and in return oxygen loss and dying/dead weeds...and it just keeps going from there. Once we hit around a foot of ice I usually start moving with the school of fish.

Good Fishin,

Matt Johnson

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hovermn Mentor

hovermn

Posted
Posted

I've been out on as little as 1/4" without breaking, but I cheated. As the name implies, I use a hovercraft. This year I hope to hit Green for some first ice crappie action. Anyone have any sugestions? Should they be in the normal wintering grounds, or maybe not that early?

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Ray Esboldt Mentor

Ray Esboldt

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To all you Supermen - Remember, you're dead a long time!

With that being said, 3 inches of good ice is acceptable, but does make me a little squeamish. However, if a guy Northlander's size is out on 2 inches, I would feel a bit more confident. grin.gif

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augernaut Community Regular

augernaut

Posted
Posted

last year I was too itchy, and went out on 2" on a flowage (reservoir). That wasn't too smart - cracking everytime I stepped. This year I will wait for 3". I hope that all us Supermen are bringing spikes?? Hate to hear of a tragedy.

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EBass Grand Master

EBass

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I normally wait for 3-4" More leaning towards 4". I just feel a wee bit safer when it's not cracking when I walk. But we do drill as we go and bring a spud bar with to. I say we as I don't like going alone, you know, safety in numbers.

Any ways, a wee bit of ice is forming on Lake Smetana in Eden Prairie. It'll melt later on, but we're getting closer!

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pikehunter Rising Star

pikehunter

Posted
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I too am a little extreme. Important to note though, that I, and I assume the others who are venturing onto first ice, have done it many times. You've gotta know your lake - how it usually freezes, what areas take a while and how wind, snow and renegade ducks effect all of this. And, while we do venture on some pretty thin stuff, often times it turns from 2 to 4 inches in just another couple days. You would think it would be simple enough to just wait. It's a sickness, really.

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fishtank Collaborator

fishtank

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I like to wait a while before first line is in, usually not until 4 inches. I stand at 270 lbs, and am not the typical bear. If I was 180 lbs, I'd probably have a little more guts.

No matter how much ice, it's always a rush the first time you step on the lake every year. A man who can walk on water can do anything until he breaks through it.

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Northlander Grand Master

Northlander

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Ive never been acused of being "Normal" thats for sure. I even tied a rope to the bumper of my truck and walked out on 2" on the St.Louis. Only went out about 30' and in 6' of water with the picks and vest. I doubt Ill do it again though. Way spooky! At 260 pounds Im glad I have a size 16 to cover some ice. Again Im not normal at all, just ask my better half.

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slick814 Proficient

slick814

Posted
Posted

Call me Wimpy.. I wait for 4" before I'll go out, and then spikes, lifevest, etc. are at least along for the ride. First time out always makes you a bit nervous, so I say better safe than sorry... don't want to miss miy 4 kids growing up.

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