Sub Zero Temps, Thickening Ice, Ice Roads
This week has been good to ice anglers. If you are an ice angler or have anything to do with ice fishing Lake of the Woods, it has probably been a good week as air temps that exceeded -20 degrees Fahrenheit blanketed the area over the Christmas holiday. 
With such a big watershed like Lake of the Woods, it is difficult to answer the question we hear so often this time of year, “So, how thick is the ice?” Well, the answer to that question is tricky as Lake of the Woods has over a million acres of water. It is easier answered by asking, “what part of the lake do you plan on going out on or what resort are you working with?”
Ice thickness varies, even in a close proximity it can vary. Resorts work on their own ice roads constantly. Initially, they chose a path away from springs, cracks, current and big ice upheavals. Once their road or trail is staked and worked on, things can and do happen all throughout the winter. Things in the form of cracks, ice upheavals and other havoc Mother Nature can throw their way. The key is they are watching their own ice roads daily for changes and react quickly when something does occur.
In some cases, they may re-route an ice road or trail. In some cases, they may bridge a crack using a variety of devices. The key is they monitor the ice roads for safety.
You can do your part! Follow the directions of the resort or outfitter whom you are working through. Stay on the marked trail. Do not drive fast on the ice. Do not exceed weight limitations they have set. Even if the ice can handle your load, it could really mess up the ice for others.
Ice thickness like we said varies. On Lake of the Woods where most resorts and outfitters are traveling, there is in excess of 12″ of ice up to over 16″ in areas. (Disclaimer, there are areas of ice thinner and it is up to you to work through your outfitter and stay on their trails).
Some resorts have start
ed letting out half ton trucks with no fish houses behind. Others are letting out half ton trucks or smaller trucks with up to a 16′ house behind or a side by side with a 20′ house. It varies with each resort and outfitter. It is best to check ahead by checking out their Facebook page or calling the resort directly.
The most important part of ice fishing is safety. Second is the fishing and with the way ice fishing success has started out on the big lake, this is going to be a banner year!
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