Ice Reports

[Shack Dragger]

We've had a cold spell in central Iowa for a while and now I've got a 7 year-old that's chomping at the bit to get to start dragging the ice gear around. So, can somebody out there give me a report on the current ice conditions for the Iowa Great Lakes and Minnesota (Mille Lacs especially). Thanks!

[Dustywaterwolf]

Well Iowa with the 7 year old, Mille Lacs just froze over the night of Nov. 30th. With the colder than normal (highs in the 20's lows in the single digits) temps we are supposed to have over the next week or so, I would think that we should have walkable ice, especially in the smaller bays like Cove bay and Isle bay, in another few days. I write this Frday afternoon the 2nd, so by next weekend the 10th, as long as weather stays cold and no major snowfalls, more intense ice fishing activity should start around here on the big lake. The lake froze over on a calm night, so there are no piles of ice to have to deal with, its like a giant skating rink out there. Hope this helps you make some plans. I have heard that tthere have been a few brve ones out on Cove Bay already, but I am not that brave. Another week though and no problem.

[Shack Dragger]

Thanks for the info. sounds like Mille Lacs is in store for some great ice conditions this season. We've always hauled all our own stuff up in the past, but I'm thinking about renting a shack for a weekend this season as a treat for the kids and the wife. Any places you would recommend? Thanks!

[Speedy]

IA Great Lakes, except West Okoboji froze a week ago. However, there is about 8 inches of snow on top of the ice, so good ice is iffy. I saw a guy on the Templar Park boat ramp lagoon on Sunday, he told me the ice was about 1.5 inches thick, it should thicker now. We are supposed to be below freezing all week, so it should make ice, but not very fast with the snow blanket.