Quick little ice update. If you draw a line between Hunter's and Saunder's Points, the ice is gone from there south. Still too much ice at the boat launches to launch a boat though at both the Escanaba Yacht Harbor and Gladstone Yacht Harbor. I know the Esky River is ice free, but not sure if the North Shore launch is open or if the docks are in. Most of the upper bay is still iced over except for the far north end of the bay near Whitefish Point. Looking out from the Rapid River boat launch, it's looks like open water for a good ways south. It looked like a guy could fish the north half of Nelson's Bay in case anyone wants to try for perch. The docks are not in at Rapid River, but the launch is ice free and usable and plenty suitable for small boats at this time. I will update at changes warrant...
I spoke too soon about getting into Nelson's Bay. I had to run to Gladstone, so I checked on the way back and Nelson's bay is still ice covered. The open water almost reaches Nelson's Bay, but not quite. But the whole river mouth area is open and fishable by boat.