Dangers of unknown ice conditions

[blue igloo]

Just a head's up to my fishing fraternity friends……I ventured with a few friends up to the Narrows on Tuesday to target Burbot. Fished the north side of the bridge about a mile out. The lake was covered in hard pack drifts that were only 2 to 6 inches deep (made for a very rough ride). Since we were barely breaking through the ice on our local fishing spots, with our 12 inch auger extension, we brought along our 18 inch auger extension. We punched through the first hole after only drilling 11 inches….YIKES! There was 14 FOW below the ice and I didn't detect any current. I was catching stunted pike all day (14-16 inch size). My friends moved about 1/4 mile further north searching for burbot and at one point drilled through only 6 inches of ice  WARNING: no matter how thick the ice is in your regular locations,  ALWAYS check the ice at new unknown bodies of water ANY TIME OF THE YEAR. Things can go wrong in a hurry if you're not prepared….be careful out there!
Blue Igloo 

[travis2091]

That's a scary story, glad everything turned
Out ok!

[jumbo chaser]

Thanks for sharing that it just proves you got to chech the ice always

[adipose]

Thanks for the reminder blue

[BradB]

WOW... scary stuff... why would anyone go fishing at any NARROWS without being totally aware of the ice conditions??? Kinda ice fishing 101 like!!! Have fished that area and further north to Crane River and there are places to very aware of... One tip is... If you don't see holes and signs of locals being there... STAY AWAY!!! You guys got lucky... be more careful or nature will win!!! Similar story ended with guys getting wet last year on Shoal Lake, by going between islands... another NO NO!!!

[blue igloo]

WOW... scary stuff... why would anyone go fishing at any NARROWS without being totally aware of the ice conditions??? Kinda ice fishing 101 like!!! Have fished that area and further north to Crane River and there are places to very aware of... One tip is... If you don't see holes and signs of locals being there... STAY AWAY!!! You guys got lucky... be more careful or nature will win!!! Similar story ended with guys getting wet last year on Shoal Lake, by going between islands... another NO NO!!!

Thanks for the tips Brad B (formerly fishheadsoup.......... we ALL know that guy!) The only reason I posted that info was to warn anyone that was heading that way. BTW I was fishing with a friend that had a cottage right there for 10 years…..he knows the area and has been ice fishing longer than both of us. Also, I saw 2 permies out there. Curious as to when are we ever going to see some of your fishing pictures……..since you  do so much fishing
Blue Igloo 

[gatorhunter]

Thanks for the heads up Ron.  I don't travel that country but there are undoubtedly some forum members who do.  Good of you to share your experiences.

[blue igloo]

Thanks for the heads up Ron.  I don't travel that country but there are undoubtedly some forum members who do.  Good of you to share your experiences.

Thanks Andre  That is EXACTLY why I posted about it. From now until the end of ice fishing season things will change dramatically so be wary out there. Don't assume anything.
Blue Igloo 

[firefighter]

Reason why otters loke to fequent narrows between lakes in the dead of winter! Last winter while hunting caribou, we found open running water at many narrows between lakes. This was 100 miles north of Lynn Lake

FF