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Ice Conditions for this weekend

jalberg

By jalberg
in Ice Fishing

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jalberg Rising Star

jalberg

Posted
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I'm really new to the ice fishing thing, so I was just wondering if anyone knows how the ice is holding up to the warmer weather we've been having. I was out on Tuesday in the SW metro and there was up to 6 inches of water over the ice, but the ice was still 18 inches thick or so. My gut tells me I'll be fine out there this weekend, but I just want to hear what some more experienced anglers have to say. Can thick ice be unsafe? If so, how do I know?

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fisherking01 Proficient

fisherking01

Posted
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I'm by Alexandria, and lived here all my life 37+. I would say that we have atleast 2 weeks of good ice left if we do not get "hot" weather or rain. More like 3-4 for some of us who put a lot of time in. Ice deteriorates from the shore out, so with that in mind, you can fish until it gets to the point where you are unable to reach the ice from shore comfortably. There are conditions that effect this like rivers, streams and currents which can change dramatically the ice conditions. If you know the body of water and the currents, you can watch learn and know how different bodies of water are affected yearly.

A common rule of thumb is to watch the color of the ice. When it changes to the color of a dark stormy west sky (dark blue black) it is best to stay on shore. We have a solid 24 inches on lakes I've been on last couple days ,more most places. Use your best judgement and if you are at all uncomfortable, don't go out. It's not worth the wory of falling in to be out there. Grab your summer gear and get that ready, or travel north, or norhtwest and find suitable ice. Lots of fishing in alex. Brent

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