Saginaw Bay Ice observations 12-25-04.

[walleye express]

Took a ride yesterday to check the ice conditions on Saginaw Bay. Stopped at all the usual locations from Boutell Rd. to Ericson rd. The ice seems to be both solid and ahead of itself from last year. From Nayonquin Point straight across to the man-made island, all the ice South of that imaginary line was flat with no heaves or open water visible, and I used the Bushnels to look it over.

Of course that shallow point, directly on and North of Nayonquin, already has tall heaves of ice built up. This shallow shelf always creates this phenomena yearly. There was one guy parked down the ramp and on the ice at Linwood Road, and walked out at least 1 mile, fishing out of a pop up shanty. Also didn't appear to be to much snow on top the ice like last year, when all that early snow and slush barrier made things miserable. I'm thinking even if we get a warm spell now, it won't effect what's already started. It will only get better. :grouphug:

[SNAPPY]

I did the same and also think some warmer temps wont do too much damage as long as the rain stays away :rant: Hate to see it all turn to slush on top right off the bat. Oh well lots of winter left and the cold weather is still on the way(I hope)

[percheye]

Was thinking about walking out of Bay city state park tommarow. Was hoping to get in alittle deeper water around 10 fow. Do you think im stupid because of bad ice or do you think the ice is safe? Dont wanna die on the water unless i have to.... :lol:

[walleye express]

Was thinking about walking out of Bay city state park tommarow. Was hoping to get in alittle deeper water around 10 fow. Do you think im stupid because of bad ice or do you think the ice is safe? Dont wanna die on the water unless i have to.... :lol:


Percheye.

All systems are a go. I just recieved a call from one of my Saginaw Bay (on the ice) Cell phone connections. We have a little group that stays in touch and tries to keeps all of us on the fish. He lives in the Detroit area, but was calling from the Bay 1 1/2 miles out from Boutell road after walking out. He was in 11 FOW, had 8 inches of hard clear ice and could see many 4 wheeler tracks that criss-crossed each other where he was. He tried the river this morning with no luck, so he hit the Bay. So my assessment of the conditions from shore yesterday was right on the money. :SHOCKED: :fish:

[percheye]

11 fow water deep enough for those eyes? Plan on walking dont wanna get out of breath....... :lol:
Oh..will return with a report plan on going out tommarow around noon leave my house around 930...wish me luck and safe walking

[lobo1]

Was to AuGres on Xmas and Point Lookout is all open water. FYI

[walleye express]

11 fow water deep enough for those eyes? Plan on walking dont wanna get out of breath....... :lol:
Oh..will return with a report plan on going out tommarow around noon leave my house around 930...wish me luck and safe walking


Percheye.

This particular buddy of mine lives and dies by this depth and shallower all season. It's been my successful stratigy, to start out in the deeper stuff at the begining of the season and work in (towards the river mouths) as the winter wears on. We also recieved about 2 more inches of fluffy snow last night that came straight down and will have covered any others tracks on the ice, so be extra careful and check ahead with the spud as you move along. I like using percheyes for bait, but would rather not see one floating past my hole on the bottom this season. :tdo12: :yikes: :evil:

[percheye]

Well went out from N. Boutell road. Walked around 1.5 miles out to 12 fow. Caught 6 walleye between me and my dad. Same story as the river. NOT one was a keeper. :rant: The walk didnt pay off i guess. Oh well I only saw two other shanties. Ice was 5-6 inches
Good Luck..Tell me when i can take my sled and see other people. I dont like being out there all alone...