I’m really worried about may 17, ice being out and being out long enough for treat fishing

Mjharge1: "I’m really worried about may 17, ice being out and being out long enough for treat fishing"

My .02. Ice will be out when you go. Ice out may not be "prime" for fishing. It really depends on where you are going. Lakes are locked up pretty good right now but I do not see this being a 2013,2014 or 2008 when many lakes were locked up come opener. This should be something more normal/ to slightly late. Just my .02 and FWIW, have been away from things since a death in the family. Will try and pinpoint things more weather wise compared to other years in future posts. Things are behind, but not that far compered to AVG. Lakes in IA and S.MN are AVG for everything being = compared to the last 20 years.

I wouldn’t worry. I’d be more concerned about staying warm and having proper clothing.

Here's the place to monitor along with the current weather conditions: MN DNR Lake Ice out Map

Snow Storm coming for S.MN into N.IA for this early weekend. Pattern looks very active precip wise into early April with up and down temps. More down (below avg) in the later periods. Ice out this year should be behind normals for most locations.

WhiteWolf: "Snow Storm coming for S.MN into N.IA for this early weekend. Pattern looks very active precip wise into early April with up and down temps. More down (below avg) in the later periods. Ice out this year should be behind normals for most locations. "

Feel even more strongly about the first 10 days of April right now. In fact- the first 10 day of April may be colder then the first 10 days of March for many reading this and by a considerable distance. Precip that looks above avg also would be heavy wet snow for many. For those with early MAY trips to the bigger,deeper lakes I would start being a bit concerned - otherwise too early for other areas and too much time as one decent rain event can really erode the ice.

I really wish for the canoeing community the following wasn't true with an addendum of- " not the first day of Spring, but well into April" Winter is a horses A$$ this Spring it seems.

Are we having Ice Out this spring - or are we going to have to wait for summer to have open water?

Let's start the ice-out prediction thread!

I have been going up on the opener for over a decade and I haven't had to postpone a trip yet. This year my trip is scheduled for May 16th, and I am looking forward to a late ice out.

If you are worried about catching fish bring a thermometer. I love fishing right at ice out, but the fish will relate to water temperature as much as to structure. First thing in the spring all fish want to get warm. Stream mouths and sunny bays really concentrate fish. If you aren't catching fish in the spring: move!

Lake trout, walleye, and pike all bite really well in cold water. Smallmouth are not far behind. And think, all that and no mosquitoes!

HighnDry: "Let's start the ice-out prediction thread!"

Adam already started the thread here.