04-08-2009, 02:11 PM
I didn't start keeping a log until 2004, so that as far back as I can go. But here are the dates every year.
2004: April 14- Most bays open and patches of the edges around the lake open. Ice shifted around the edges as day progressed allowing more open water, but still most of lake covered.
2005: May 2- Only a little bit of water open along certain edges. Very little of bays open. Ladders and where Strawberry River comes in are only places to fish really. Minimal open water in other bays. Little fishing opportunities.
2006: May 1- Ladders and small portions of main bays open.
2007: April 14: Decent amount of open water. Most edges had pulled back 25-30 feet by end of day. Most bays wide open to 100-150 feet as day progressed, but main lake still frozen.
2008: Went up on May 9 in a "scouting expedition" A small open portion at the Ladders, small portions of main bays open, but very little fishing opportunity. Went back up May 17 and lake completely ice free.
There you have it gents. So it has varied from April 14 to Mid May. I'm guessing this year will be more like last year than any other year. 2nd week of May...put it in stone!
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2004: April 14- Most bays open and patches of the edges around the lake open. Ice shifted around the edges as day progressed allowing more open water, but still most of lake covered.
2005: May 2- Only a little bit of water open along certain edges. Very little of bays open. Ladders and where Strawberry River comes in are only places to fish really. Minimal open water in other bays. Little fishing opportunities.
2006: May 1- Ladders and small portions of main bays open.
2007: April 14: Decent amount of open water. Most edges had pulled back 25-30 feet by end of day. Most bays wide open to 100-150 feet as day progressed, but main lake still frozen.
2008: Went up on May 9 in a "scouting expedition" A small open portion at the Ladders, small portions of main bays open, but very little fishing opportunity. Went back up May 17 and lake completely ice free.
There you have it gents. So it has varied from April 14 to Mid May. I'm guessing this year will be more like last year than any other year. 2nd week of May...put it in stone!
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