I’m always in awe of how the ice changes, especially when it happens quickly. It shrinks and expands with fluctuating temperatures, while powerful winds push acres, if not square miles, of ice. The tributaries that empty into the bay are flowing strong, steadily carving into the ice above. Without question, the bay is alive! Yesterday’s meltdown was epic, with rivers of flowing water cutting trenches en route to the openings in the ice. That all came to an abrupt halt last evening when temperatures dropped just below 30° and caused the ice to tighten, leaving any water on the surface practically nonexistent.
Landings, being the most traveled and subject to wear, should be navigated with caution and common sense. Once past the shoreline, the 20-plus inches of ice had hardened again very well compared to the noticeable softening of the last few days. Snow accumulation of 2-4 inches is in the forecast for tonight into tomorrow, with another weather event expected on Friday. These are the perfect conditions to enjoy the walleye season finisher over the weekend.
Increasing your odds,
-Blade