Ice Update

The big question this year in NW Ontario is, "When will the ice go out?"  After a chilling long winter the ice has been slow to retreat from the shorelines here in the north country.  Weather this spring has been erratic and unpredictable thus far.  A 15" snow storm one week ago in Sandy Lake certainly did not aid the cause of opening up water.  However, nice weather has finally settled in and has started some thawing.  

Temperatures the next couple of days are predicted to hover in the upper 60's and lower 70's in most parts of NW Ontario.  Most of the snow has finally melted in the Eagle Lake area (see pic right taken 5/5/2013). As you can see, the ice has a long way to go but it is starting to retract.  I am certainly chomping at the bit to get into the airplane and get crackin at opening the camp.  

With a later ice out comes changes in the fishing patterns.  Pike and walleye will most likely spawn later causing a shift in some fishing spots.  The weed growth will also begin later, so look to find fish in the moving water and warm mud flats early on.  

Over the next couple of weeks I'll keep snapping and posting pics of the ice retreating to our Facebook Page and here on the Blog.  Keep thinking warm thoughts. 

Good luck in your spring fishing adventures. 

-Nathan

www.bighookcamps.com