Thief Lake conditions

[stayman79]

Taken from the Thief lake newsletter from September 2007:

"Those of you that hunted Thief Lake last year know that access was tough – by freezeup the lake was 15” below normal level. Getting boats into the lake was tough in spite of the channel cleanouts that occurred at both the Northeast and Hennings landings. Access this year should be improved – at this writing the lake is about 2-3” below target level, but that still makes the lake 12” deeper than it was at this time last year. In addition, the Moose River landing has been extended. Hunters that camp on the north side of the Moose River will need to make sure that access to the boat launch is not blocked.

Since the end of June, the weather has been very dry here. Weather over the next month will determine whether the lake will be at normal pool or below that level by the time that waterfowl season opens. The improved submersed vegetation in the basin will make it challenging to run motors in places. Bring your push pole and waders, and call ahead if you have questions!

DUCK SEASON AT THIEF LAKE; LAST YEAR IN REVIEW AND PROSPECTS FOR THIS FALL

Those of you who hunted Thief Lake last fall know that it was one of our better duck hunting seasons, but one where access was difficult at times. Low water levels made access a real challenge, in spite of efforts to clean the channels at two of the boat launches. The season-long ducks per hunter per day average was the third highest for Thief Lake since this information has been recorded (starting in 1957). The season-long average bag check was 2.13 ducks per hunter per day. Although low water conditions favored dabbling duck use (and hunters did quite well on teal and pintails at times), divers (mostly ringnecks and scaup) comprised 57% of the bag.

Minnesota’s breeding duck numbers declined again this year. Locally, habitat conditions were good until June rains raised the lake a foot. The result was that local production was affected as some nest sites were flooded. Local nesting Canada geese were affected by extreme cold and snow early in the nesting period, which froze many nests out. Continental populations (particularly those in prairie Canada), however, are improved from last year, with the result that continental fall flight forecasts are up from last year. Duck limits have been increased to 6, and the canvasback season will be open season long with a two-bird limit. During the regular season, Thief Lake is now part of the remainder of state zone for Canada geese, and the season will be 70 days with a two bird bag. The Northwest Goose Zone continues to have the over water prohibition during the September early goose season, but the season has been extended to September 22 (consistent with the remainder of state zone)."

[norwall]

great info thanx

[stayman79]

I knew you were wanting to know. I don't remember how I did it, maybe when the DNR guy up there checked us, but there's a way you can sign up to be on the newsletter. You might want to check into it.

[CSP]

nope.....just heard they drained it.....might as well stay home...no ducks up here at all......

[norwall]

Ithink I'll still come up and take my chances as the lake is big enough for every1 to enjoy there wise guy

[norwall]

been seein alot new birds in the so part of the st. hopefully the same up there

[swedishpimple]

Any current updates for opener???

[norwall]

headin up in a few wks wonder how things are ?hopefully decent

[norwall]

well I'm making my way up an a bout a wk n a half,has any1 been been out? ant info would be a plus. or should I just call up there? thanx

[Finlander]

To see the latest condition of Thief Lake and other parts of the state, check out the "Waterfowl Migration Report" on the DNR HSOforum found in the Hunting>Waterfowl>Waterfowl Migration Report!

Good info for sure!

Good Luck!