Red took a spot in The WILCraft for his first trip out on the Bay this season. We hopped onto the ice in Kipling and worked our way northwards, crossing many potential pressure heaves and cracks. A wind-blown 2-4 inches of drifting snow on the ice provided good traction, but the snowless patches were slick, so I still opted to wear cleats. The ice measured 4-6 inches thick until we reached midway across Center Reef, where we encountered some of the roughest ice conditions I’ve experienced in the WILCraft.
Interestingly enough, someone asked me last week if I worry about the tires getting punctured. I explained that there’s not much air pressure in them, so they should give rather than puncture. If they were prone to puncturing, it would have happened today. Red and I checked the ice all the way across and found spots where our 29-inch Jiffy Scout never ran out of ice to cut until it bottomed out.
Stacks and stacks of ice were built up without a heave, creating a practically level ice shelf east of the Days River, across Center Reef. This area was 50-100 yards wide, with large sheets of ice piled on each other, creating millions of sharp shards of ice rising up. This is a common occurrence south of Gladstone, as ice forms and the wind pushes it back north, creating thick stacks of overlapping ice. I never imagined encountering such ice conditions at the top of the Bay.
Upon accessing the Days River landing, you’ll find a pressure crack running north and south, which interrupts your pursuit to the top of the Bay. It is possible to cross with the help of a spud bar leading the way. There are a few open water spots along the obstruction to watch out for, but at this time, there is more area to cross than not. The forecast looks good for making thicker ice, and this will likely continue through at least Monday. The upper Bay is locked in, and the ice-chasing anglers are ready to follow ice south, in pursuit of the giant Walleye.
Experience for yourself a guided excursion in The WILCraft on Little Bay de Noc. Skip the anxiety of unknown ice conditions. Our WILCraft operators will guide you to the best hard water fishing experience available. Period! Contact Blade’s Bait & Tackle and make your reservation now.
Increasing your odds,
-Blade