Lake Report: Ice, Trails & Fishing Update (Dec 31)
Good morning! Sorry for being so late in the season with my first lake report this year — I was sicker than a dog over Christmas week. I finally got out on the Canadian Rocket this past weekend, and here’s what I’m seeing.
Ice Conditions (as of Wednesday, Dec 31)
There’s an average of 6–8 inches of ice across the entire lake, and it’s good, clear black ice.
Ice thickness highlights:
- 8” — up by Sport Island Pub (Northville)
- 7” — in the bay by Wally’s Beachside, and out by Scout Island
- 6” (thinnest areas found) — in front of Lanzi’s on the Lake, and up by Ponderosa Pines
Open Water / Hazards
There was one open spot last weekend above Batchlerville Bridge, out in front of Edinburg Marine. You can easily see it during the day and go around it either:
- closer to shore, or
- toward the middle
Snow & Riding Conditions
Last weekend the snow on the ice was perfect. This week it’s a little wavy on top from wind-blown snow.
Best speed conditions:
Up past Sinclaire, heading toward South Shore Dive, where there’s less snow on the ice.
Ice Heaves
There are four heaves starting in their usual areas:
- from Scout back toward the Beacon area
- from there toward Lanzi’s
They’re small for now, but they’ll still get your attention if you’re moving. (Trust me — experience talking.)
Reminder: Ice heaves form and change day to day.
Water Level Note (Read This)
The lake froze extremely low for this time of year.
The good:
Not much current heading out with releases at the dam, so the ice froze evenly this year — all the way to Turner Rd.
The downside:
Lots of rocky shorelines and islands with rocks where there normally aren’t any.
Trail Advice
Go slow, especially the first time through Stump Alley / Mosquito Bay until you find a good trail.
It’s mostly dirt with about 6 inches of snow cover, so watch for:
- stumps
- the occasional rock
- gullies from little feeder creeks
Today’s Weather
As I type this, it’s -1°F this morning in Mayfield — so we’re only making more ice.
Get your hard-side shanties out and ride those sleds.
Side-by-sides: Use at your discretion until we get a few more inches of ice.
This winter is shaping up to be a good one.
Area I Haven’t Checked Yet
I haven’t been from Scout Island to Lakeside, but with the water level this low, it’s all shoreline, not ice, from the entrance of Muscles Harbor to Lakeside.
Fishing Report
- Northern pike: big and biting good — they love early clear ice
- Perch & walleye: much slower right now
Tip of the Week
Clean the mouse nests out of your sled before you ride it.
