Thin ice, slush seen on area lakes
Published Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Photo by Tom Hintgen
Fish houses are intact on West Battle Lake despite slushy conditions in recent days.
Slushy conditions on area lakes hasn’t affected ice fishing, aside from getting to and from fish houses far from shore.
“Ice is only seven to eight inches thick in some areas, and that’s forced some fishermen to use four wheelers and snowmobiles to get to their fish houses,” said Gary Peterson, owner of Ken’s Tackle Shop on the west side of Otter Tail Lake. “The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends not driving a full-sized vehicle when ice is less than 15 inches thick.”
Safety first is what Peterson and others who provide goods and services to ice fishermen recommend.
“I’m fortunate because my fish house isn’t far from shore, here at West Battle Lake,” retiree Dr. Bob Peterson said. “I get to my fish house on foot.”
Peterson’s fish house is among 40 or so — close together and not far from Highway 78. Crappie fishing has been good in recent days at West Battle Lake.
No adverse effects from slushy ice have been reported in the Pelican Rapids area, at least not to bait supplier Park Region Co-op Sport Shop on the north side of downtown Pelican Rapids. Lakeland General Store at Dunvilla, near Lake Lizzie, also hasn’t reported any stoppage in ice fishing.
Adverse effects from the slushy conditions have, however, been reported in other parts of the state.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources pilot Al Bucheret of Grand Rapids, during an interview with the Associated Press, said he flew on a shelter count recently and counted the lowest number of ice shelters he’s seen in 15 years.
Poor ice conditions canceled the annual Breezy Point Ice Fest near Brainerd. It’s the first time the event has been canceled since the festival began in 1994. Concerned officials decided not to take risks with Pelican Lake in the Brainerd area.
State and county officials say snowmobile and ski trails are in good to excellent condition in the Crosby area, but ice conditions are inconsistent and slushy.
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