We saw a limited number of anglers through the doors last week as the snow cover is a factor for many. The temperature looks to be holding steady during the coming days, but last week was one of those gut-punch late winter weeks, with that snow to start it out. We had a couple of nice days after that, but not enough to really change the conditions on the lakes and shorelines much.
Ice is holding but it’s definitely getting sloppy in some places, with layers of slush and pitted ice on top of the solid base. Now is the time of the year to use extra caution on ice like the Chain, where there is current. We’ve yet to see or hear about any big issues, …
Well, if you were hoping spring had arrived to stay, this week is here to set you straight. After flirting with some milder temperatures recently, we’re right back into the deep freeze here in Eagle River for the time being. With only a modest warm-up in sight by Wednesday and Thursday, we’re not losing ice any time soon. That’s the Northwoods in March for you – she’s not done with us yet.
We’d like to be able to say that at least the cold is holding the ice well, but with all the snow we got at the end of last week into this, there may be plenty of ice but getting around is tricky. There are layers of pitted ice and snow now, …
After a decent week with temps touching 50+ degrees, we are dropping back down to highs in the 30’s heading into the coming week. This cold snap will help firm up surface ice that softened, giving anglers a more stable platform for the final weeks of the season, but the predicted snow won’t help. Mornings remain your best window for the easiest conditions out there, but with the cold this week things should hold well.
The ice base remains solid across the area, measuring 22 to 28” or more on most lakes. We haven’t heard of any big issues with access or mobility yet, but that’s coming. As always, use extra caution around South-facing shorelines and near-shore areas where ice degrades first, …
After that final burst of late-winter chill, the temperature is on its way back up this week — we’re looking at a warming trend that climbs through the low 40s by midweek and holds there. That’s good news for comfort on the ice, but it does mean mornings are your window. Get out early while things are still firm underfoot, and plan to be off before the afternoon sun starts doing its work. Ice remains thick across the area — most lakes are still running 22 to 30 inches — but late-season warming will create unpredictable conditions soon.
The gamefish season closed at midnight on March 1st, and it went out on a solid note. Walleye were cooperating right to the end, …