I live downstate (Grand Rapids), make it up to LBDN a couple of times each year and have in-laws who live near Amasa. It sounds like we've been in the same "boat" as far as winter is concerned... one of the worst/coldest/snowiest winters in a while. I took a peek at the long range forecast for a few places and it looks like we're in for another 10-15 days of below average temps.
Anyone care to take a guess on how long the ice will last? How thick is it now? I can tell you this... I've fished Muskegon Lake my entire life, grew up 3 miles away, and I've never seen a truck drive on the ice. I crossed that one off the list about a month ago. Last year I was in LBDN for the opener... I heard a few guys talking that they fished perch through the ice near Garth Point on April 24th. If we eclipse that by much, I'll be bringing a spud to clear a spot for the trolling motor!!
We were seriously worried last year that we would still have ice on the May 15th opener and it's much worse this year! I was told there is about 30 inches of ice now. The two feet of snow on the ice has to melt first before we lose any ice and I don't see that happening for quite some time. The whole month of March is supposed to have below normal temperatures. If that holds true, we will have ice for a long time yet...
If the very late ice does happen(it appears to be the case)how will that affect the spring hatches? Improve year classes? Otherwise? It kinda seems like if the fish can't be fished for they would boster the populations some.
One more thing to think about though: If the ice stays, how will it affect the spawn? Late bloomers? WT's too cold? Will we lose a year class because of it?
No need to worry. It was sooooooooo nice out today, all the snow melted and the gentle north wind blew the ice out of the bay. Fire up that boat and hit the open water.......................maybe by June!!!
Slammer!!!
Slammer, I just knew this sun would just bake off all the snow and ice. I'm going to wait a day or two before heading up to troll the night bite, I don't wanna pull a Titanic and drill an iceberg!
With all the snow we have on the ground right now here, if it warms up quickly I'll be shopping for a super-duper long shaft Minn Kota in a 12,000 lbs. thrust to mount on the bow of my ark. Good news is that I won't have to wait in the launch line!
I fished Garden Bay the first 2 days the ice was out last year and most perch had no eggs or milt. Either they spawned under the ice even with colder water temps or they just **** them out cause they were "ripe"