ice reports

[fire-n-ice]

Where do you find the most accurate, up to date ice reports? I don't have the option of driving too a far off place to find the ice isn't thick enough to fish.

[Van_Cleaver]

I find them on this site under reports and conditions. Our park offices give sketchy reports at best. Ex. Ice thickness 0-6". If you are in doubt, you can try asking ,''anyone been fishing ________  Lake:''

[fire-n-ice]

Last year the parks office gave me false information. I asked them about two different lakes. The first they told me the ice was too thin to fish. The second they told me there was still open water over 75% of the lake. Because we were so close we went anyways. The first lake had a foot of ice. The second lake had eighteen inches. I don't want to miss ice on because i live too far to check the ice myself.

[Van_Cleaver]

As I said, the PA park offices and their posted reports on ice thickness are a basic  guide at best. Most guys on this site are good about giving accurate ice reports. Many are in the same boat as you, myself included; usually around two hrs. drive to early ice. If not for other generous members here that do check conditions regularly, I would do far less ice fishing. Another option would be the nearest tackle shop to the lake. Around here they tend to err on the side of caution, but at least:'' there were a few guys on the  Little _______ finger'' is better than nothing.

[BojiHawk]

Last year...I always tried to find a friendly local and grab his cell number.  Cheap, easy, and you might get a report to boot.  So when your loading and unloading, look at the plates and strike up a convo.  Then attach the lake name to the contact info.  Don't rely on the game and parks.  They mean well, but their idea of "safe" ice is normally a little on the side of extreme caution or just plain dated info.  I heard there was "no one really fishing due to variable ice thickness" from the NGPC.  If variable meant 6 to 9 inches..they were right.