Day bites on the ice

The early stages of ice have begun in most of the northern parts of the ice belt. While many large lakes need longer to freeze due to their size or deep water, shallow lakes are developing ice quickly due to the cooler water temperatures and lack of venting. Lakes such as Prairie lakes and shallow sloughs already have developed a sheet of ice and the ice thickens every night. This early season is the time of year when ice fishing requires a little more work than mid-winter, like RAZRing holes, measuring and testing the ice all the way out to the desired spot. The reality is that if there is less than four inches of solid clear ice, don’t go. Many resorts provide ice reports that detail ice thickness, foot travel and ATV travel funded by an access fee. If you are unsure about ice, there is a wealth of ice fishing safety tips online.