Outdoors Angle: Early Ice Issues

The Flag Outdoors Expert Steve Carney has your weekly Outdoors Angle right here!

     So far the ice season has been a tough go for most anglers as the inconsistent weather conditions have made for very difficult travel on lake's throughout the north country. We had a pretty good start on the ice making but then we got hit with warm temperatures which has also led to slush conditions which are not a good thing this early in the season. Instead of wearing my standard ice boots I have changed over to my duck hunting hip boots. Right now breaking through on crusty ice is the name of the game.

     Ice depth in lake's country is around 3 to 6 inches depending on the lake size. I highly recommend staying off the larger lakes and concentrating on the smaller lakes with small bays. I have been walking to my fishing destinations as I feel very unsafe with an ATV or snowmobile at this time. Wearing a lifevest and having ice picks around my neck is standard procedure.

     Our recent cold snap will certainly help the ice making and it's long overdue. If our temperatures continue to fluctuate, expect mediocre ice conditions for the near future. As with Mother Nature, you never know what curveball will come your way.  Never, ever assume the ice is safe. Use common sense and always have a "wingman" with you for safety sake.

Steve Carney is The Flag WZFG Outdoors expert. He can be heard every Thursday morning at 8:05 on AM 1100 WZFG. Check out his weekly podcast on am1100theflag.com and hear his Outdoors Angle reports every Friday on AM 1100 WZFG. You can also visit stevecarneyoutdoors.com for more information.