Our hopes of some good late ice fishing are quickly dwindling as mother nature has blessed us with another 10 +” of fresh snow last week. That and with the snow ...more we still have on the lakes makes traveling even more difficult. Under the fresh snow is a layer of slush of about 6” deep created by the few warms days that we had earlier this week. We have lost a lot of snow this week, but the snow of today is trying to bring it all back. Winter just will not release its hold on us.
There is still plenty of ice on the lakes – 25 to 30”. With open water season just 28 days away (May 3rd), it makes you wonder what conditions will be like then. I guess the good news out of this is we are forecasted to be in a warm up period next week with temperatures in the 50’s and upper 40’s. As we progress towards warmer spring like conditions and open water season (it will happen sometime) and we start losing some of this snow and slush there might be a chance to enjoy some good late ice panfishing. As this happens always be watchful for thin ice as some areas will thin out much more rapidly. As always err on the side of caution.
2013 – 2014 license are now expired and the new 2014 -2015 license are now being sold. Avoid the summer rush and renew all your license early. Use this down time to prepare for the upcoming open water season. Check your rods for missing eyes or broken tips. Oil and grease your reels and re-spool the line if need be. Check your nets for holes, nothing worse than trying to land that trophy fish only to escape from a hole in the net. Clean out the tackle box and rid yourself of rusted lures and hooks. If you live somewhere other than northwest Wisconsin, I would suggest start making the boat water ready. Make sure to have the required safety equipment on board and check the boat and trailer for any unwanted hitchhikers. Just a few things suggested to help pass the time while we are waiting for this winter to be over.
Just a note to the snowmobilers, the trails are still open, but they have put the groomers away. Some surrounding counties have closed their trails and some stakes have been pulled from the lakes, so if you do plan on riding sled please do so with caution. Have fun, but be safe.