Time for hardwater fishing again

[spartannation]

Well, almost. Checked a couple of Ionia County lakes today. Sessions Lake was still half open water and the wind wasn't doing it any favors. Also checked Morrisom Lake and it was iced over with very little snow on the ice. I spudded a hole just out from the launch and found 1 1/2" of ice. Not enough for me but by this time next week it should be safe. I will be charging the vex and checking the line on my reels this weekend. Anyone else been out checking?

[Just Steve]

Thanks for the report Jerry.
I'm just going to state the obvious, please everyone be careful on the ice!
I was a search and rescue diver for Delta and Schoolcraft counties in the UP, and I can't stress enough that even if the ice looks and is safe in one area, springs, currents, etc. can change the ice conditions dramatically in just a short distance away.
Please make sure you have ice picks around your neck in case you break through.....ask any locals what information they have as far as areas to stay away from. Learn as much as you can about where you plan to fish.

I can tell you first hand, there is nothing harder than telling the mother of a victim that their loved one didn't make it.

[spartannation]

I couldn't agree more. No fish is worth losing your life over.

[Michigan Man86]

Safety is key
Check for safe ice conditions first
Let someone know where you are going and when you should be back.
Wear bright colors. It isn't hunting season, but in an emergency search and rescue will be able to find you faster.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

[wicklundrh]

Always fish in a group and during this time of year, make sure the group isn't huddled together. Wearing a life jacket is a good practice (not an inflatable) and ice picks around your neck to egress if need be. Picks can be made with two old screw drivers and a piece of cord if you prefer not to purchase them. Should also be stated that each person bring about 50 foot of line to throw to someone.

Fortunately, Southern Michigan usually has better "first" ice than Northern Michigan. The only reason is usually the fact that we get cold before we get a lot of snow. The reverse happens up north and they get a blanket of insulation. Unfortunately, this year, we got that blanket too.

Saturday is still up in the air with tempuratures and possible rain/sleet mixture.

Be safe and always use a spud to check before going out. Remember, some of the best fishing of the year is on first ice in SHALLOW water. I've seen many limits caught out of 3 foot of water with guys wearing waders just in case they go through.

[spartannation]

I checked a lake near Lakeview today and found 5 inches at the access. There were 2 portables on the lake but I didn't venture out very far. I also drove past Crystal and found it iced over but looking funky. The ice that had formed earlier in the week had been blown into wind rows scattered willy nilly across the lake. Not really pressure ridges, more like rows of ice chunks.

[hugastump]

Drove by Lake Chemung ,tracks were someone tried to drag a sled and had slush , open water still 100 yards out , NOT SAFE.