Hope everyone’s New Year is starting off great — because the ice conditions sure are.
Ice Conditions
Ice thickness: Anywhere from 11″ to 13″
Main lake: About 12″ almost everywhere
Northville: Up to 13″
Ponderosa Pines: Around 11″
Open water warning:
There’s roughly an acre of open water between the southwest side of Scout Island and Griffis Rd Point.
It shows up every year when lake levels are this low.
Good news: It’s only about chest deep.
Bad news: That’s still more than enough to ruin your day — so give it a wide berth.
Travel & Surface Notes
Last week’s brief warm-up melted off the snow, so it was pure glare ice — I could’ve skated from one end of the lake to the other.
I ran my air-cooled Polaris (not ideal on glare ice — not enough lube/cooling for a liquid sled). I had to hunt for snow to keep the slides from melting.
Great conditions for:
Wheelers / ATVs and side-by-sides (studs or chains recommended)
Getting your shanty out — and they’re popping up everywhere
Snow & Weekend Outlook
We got a light coating of snow overnight Friday.
Another 2–4″ is expected Saturday night, which should make conditions absolutely perfect this weekend — and rocket fast for sleds.
Heaves (Heads Up)
Watch for heaves. There are four main ones out there, and they’re a couple feet high.
Events: 2026 Season Kickoff
The 2026 season is in full swing, and it kicks off with Wally’s Poker Run this Saturday, January 16 — hitting all the favorite stops:
Placid Pines
Ponderosa Pines
South Shore Dive
Sport Island Pub
Vic’s
Lakeside (now open for the season!) — stop in and see the most athletic bartender I know.
Fishing Report
Northern pike: Slowing down, but still biting (you’ll see that in the pic!)
Walleye: Really turned on since last weekend
Perch: Some big ones being caught
Bonus: One report of a brown (nice surprise!)
Tip of the Week
A small trampoline behind the bar is a great idea…
Just ask Joe Lanzi if you don’t believe me.
Get out and have fun this weekend!
Disclaimer: Ice and lake conditions can change quickly and vary by location. Please use caution, travel at your own risk, and always check conditions before heading out. Follow all local laws and regulations, respect posted warnings, and use appropriate safety gear at all times.