[Happy Jack]

Stoped into the local bait shop last Mon. before going out on the ice and mentioned to the owner that I was getting a new power auger for X-Mas. He just chuckled and said I wouldn't be useing it this winter. He said he has been tracking this winter weather for the last 6 months and it's going to be a freeze-thaw winter like we had 6 years ago. If I remember right we had a whole 2 weeks of fishing that year. The last few weeks and the forcast for the next 7 days would suggest he may be right if this pattern holds for the winter. Now I don't much care if I get to use my new toy or not I just want enough ice to walk on. Any predictions ?

 

[Roober]

I refuse to even think about it. Bad karma or something like that. There will be ice, there will be ice, there will be ice. (Knocking on wood with fingers crossed while rubbing a rabbits foot)

Steve

 

[Wishn I was fishn]

I can't speak for the big water. I am confident that the inland lakes will freeze up well enough. Of course ive been wrong before. I suppose I could be wrong again. But I like to think not

 

[duckman#1]

Weather patterns tend to go in 3 month cycles. the late summer into fall was colder than normal so yes, this winter should be warmer than normal. However- we will get our share of cold snaps and it wont take much to finally freeze up the lakes.
After seeing the posts on Hougton Lake, I may have to make a trip up there.

One thing you can count on here in MIchigan- It will get colder before it gets warmer.

 

[chad 1]

I have been ice fishing here for about 2 weeks

chad1

 

[Capt. Lucky]

it dont look good for this year noaa 90 day forcast is a warm winter

 

[Connor4501]

As I get mad about our lack of ice thus far, I have to remind myself that I ice fished for almost 4 months last winter. And even though the ice hasn't been the best, I've been ice fishing for almost 2 weeks. Seems like most years we have some ice by the 10th of December. Then it warms up and we don't get out til the new year. Lake St Clair will freeze eventually, we just don't know when or for how long...

 

[GunnerDonn]

I've been on Lake 13 in Farwell (20 miles n/w of Mt. Pleasant) for about 3 weeks now. Even with this warm weather, we still have about 6 inches of good ice. The gills are just now beginning to feed and move up into the flats.

 

[Ricky Missum]

47 degrees and a light rain at 9:30 PM. on Sunday Dec. 28 2003!
Something just doesn't sound right does it? Can recall some monster down pours on past New Years Eve's, but certainly, good ice has to happen in the near future for the Southeastern part of our great state!

 

[ozzgood2001]

same weather here in mid michigan im just southeast of lansing warm and periodic downpours ill see how the pond in my backyard looks in the morning usually a good indicator of what lakes look like in my area

 

[gunrod]

I think it will happen but it won't be a long period. We were spoiled last year.

 

[Steely-Head]

We had a really REALLY good year last year, a long, cold freeze, December all the way through March. NOAA was calling for a warm winter then too. The year before that, however, sucked. I remember it was really warm for long periods that year. I got out ice fishing today for the first time all season. I sure hope this warm stuff dies off and we get some more COLD!

 

[GunnerDonn]

Just got in off the ice. It is starting to honeycomb a little but it still has strength and thickness, but it can't take a lot more of this 40 degree weather. Gills for supper!

 

[The Whale]

Only saving grace on the Bay is super shallow sandy, light colored bottom, and it is a hell of a big piece of ice ! Really, we been "usually" getting well below freezing most of these nights. Helps to keep it all from melting. Rain is killing it quick, though. C'mon cold !!!

 

[duckman#1]

Gunner, when will be the next time you check out that lake? If it is still good ice, I would like to check it out. We could hit the Casino and the lake all in one trip
Let me know what the current is condition is on that lake.

 

[GunnerDonn]

Duckman, I just went out this morning and checked out the ice. The cold from last night refroze the surface and is in good shape this morning but won't be if we have a warm up the next few days. Even though I fished yesterday, the ice was in poor shape. There was about 6 inches of ice but it was starting to get pin holes from the standing water. I would say the lake is day to day right now and we could use it if there is a few day warm up ahead and it doesn't get very cold at night. Will keep you posted.