Will they still have the Meredith Rotary Derby??

[fishermantim]

Looked at the extended forecast for the Moultonborough for the next two weeks, and except for this weekend the daytime temps will be in the upper 30's and low 40's.

That can't be good for what ice there is, and if we get rain on top of that, it will erode even faster.

Just thinking out loud...

[PHD]

I believe they will, there are many warm water ponds safe.. I just hope this little cold snap this weekend doesn't fool people into thinking its making lots of ice..   It will be interesting, but im sure they will wait till the last minute to make a decision.

[perch_slayer]

I believe they will, there are many warm water ponds safe.. I just hope this little cold snap this weekend doesn't fool people into thinking its making lots of ice..   It will be interesting, but im sure they will wait till the last minute to make a decision.

its not like the cold snap won't make ice tho. I'm hopping it might put another layer of clear ice on the lakes

[PHD]

Oh its going to make ice for sure, But remember how much ice some places lost in that last warm spell??  Next week is going to be warm..   Just hope people use there head that's all..  We are at that time of year when in a normal winter, its pretty much done making ice due to the sun being more powerful, and the days are getting longer..  With not much snow on the ice, the suns rays can beat it up pretty quick.. 

[P.Dona]

Cross our fingers it will happen!  I haven't even gone out ice fishing in Ct, yet.

[SALMONEMIA]

I was on a 2 trap lake today. Not nearly as much ice as people miggt think. Yes there is definitely fishable ice out there but honestly it fluctuates tremendously from lake to lake and even on the same lakes the ice is not uniform. Pay attention

[Arctic Addict]

The guys on IS all should know to check the ice as you go this year.  I put my wheelhouse out yesterday on decent ice for the first time this year.  I do worry about the weekend warriors that the derby typically attracts. 

[jethro]

I hope so, my derby ticket came yesterday!!

[GlareIce]

Fished a spot near me today that is always the first to freeze, last year at this time there was almost 3' of ice.  Today there was about 10"  but most of it was thawed and refroze crap white ice.  If we do get a warm spell sometime soon it won't take long for everything to be unsafe.

[Ryan Schafer]

I was out on a 2 trap lake today 100' out had 12"

[fishermantim]

Will the ice hold up for next weekend?

Will they have to cancel if not safe enough ice conditions (Based on the number of people they usually get)?

Do any of us plan on skipping it this year?

[jmamos52]

aside from some higher temps during the day this Sunday, next week at night and over derby weekend look decent. IMO I would guess they wouldn't cancel it. Definitely warm this weekend down south but not "too terrible" up here this weekend. Thank goodness for the artic blast last weekend otherwise I think we'd be toast... or wet.

[fishermantim]

I was thinking the same thing.

At least we shouldn't have to deal with many (any) trucks on the ice, so that motorized travel on the ice may be limited to those that may want to use their sleds /ATV's.

[jethro]

I was thinking the same thing.

At least we shouldn't have to deal with many (any) trucks on the ice, so that motorized travel on the ice may be limited to those that may want to use their sleds /ATV's.

Trucks are driving all over the ice up here. Damn fools.

There is a slight chance of a big storm coming through on Wed/Thursday of next week. If it dumps a bunch of snow I would imagine they would have to cancel it. And if it's too warm to snow and dumps rain, the ice conditions will be dangerous.

There are plenty of safe ice spots, but the general public are dumb. Lots of people will be going swimming.

[NEPats33]

Do you guys think.It will be worth it for me to bring my snowmobile up from ct?  Only would be riding it on the ice if possible

[perch boy]

Do you guys think.It will be worth it for me to bring my snowmobile up from ct?  Only would be riding it on the ice if possible

depends on where you are fishing. if you fish the northern part of the state I would bring it, if you are fishing the southern part no.

[NEPats33]

I'll be heading up Monday and staying near Meredith

[nhbooner]

Wow seems like the ice took a major beating this weekend......at least where I fish.  Very soft ice.  Lots of rain in the forecast for Wednesday night into Thursday.  Could be over an inch with temps near 50.  I would be surprised if they have the derby.  Sucks cause I look forward to it every year.  Just cant catch a break! 

[JRFlatlander]

Wow seems like the ice took a major beating this weekend......at least where I fish.  Very soft ice.  Lots of rain in the forecast for Wednesday night into Thursday.  Could be over an inch with temps near 50.  I would be surprised if they have the derby.  Sucks cause I look forward to it every year.  Just cant catch a break! 

X2  total bummer if they do. I have the whole week off to pre fish. Heading north Wednesday either way till Sunday

[jimmyrig]

It would be a major bummer I agree. But more often then not today, society errors on the side of caution due to the lack of common sense these days. Really jipped this year. From start to finish.

[winnisquamtrout]

I believe with it being a statewide derby and there being plenty of safe ice to be found if you use common sense they will have the derby. It's not just the people driving but also people flying in for the derby that will make it. I know that you can't fix stupid but if your able to use a little common sense you'll be able to have a fun and safe weekend!

[huntr-]

They will never cancel the derby. Its all about the dollar. Too bad .I hope everyone stays safe and makes it home to their families. Fluctuating temps and uneven ice thickness could lead to a disaster.

[perch_slayer]

i didn't even bother buying a ticket this year 

[jethro]

It would be nice if they would at least update their webpage with the correct dates. Still shows the old dates and no updates or anything. I think it's gotta be too late to call it off at this point.

[winnisquamtrout]

If they were smart they'd eliminate lake trout for just this year. It would stop the idiots from going to deep water. Although it would change my plans for the derby I think it would provide a little safety

[FalcoJP]

If they were smart they'd eliminate lake trout for just this year. It would stop the idiots from going to deep water. Although it would change my plans for the derby I think it would provide a little safety

Any interesting idea. I hate it, but you are probably right about being safer if people are not going out into the deeper areas.

[jimmyrig]

  I think right now, there are plenty of safe spots around the state to walk out on... After the 50 degree temps and rain this week, I am not sure! This weekend hit hard on Ossipee, and that was with very little rain. I think if they were going to do anything, they would have done it already.

Lots of people have made plans, reservations etc.

jimmy

[fishermantim]

Even with a safety disclaimer they will see a lot of flack should anyone end up drowning this weekend.

Remember, not everyone is a smart and intelligent angler! We see more than our share of Darwin award nominees every year!
Just keep you eyes (and ears) pealed for any clowns that want to drive out on the ice, or whoever brings their "racing" sled to a fishing derby!

Ignoring the fishing aspect, I can only imaging how many fines will be doled out for salvage operations!

Anyway, for those that plan on participating, stay safe and good luck!


Oh, and as of right now I plan on heading up!

[JIGGIN-]

Remember, not everyone is a smart and intelligent angler! We see more than our share of Darwin award nominees every year!
Just keep you eyes (and ears) pealed for any clowns that want to drive out on the ice, or whoever brings their "racing" sled to a fishing derby!

Ignoring the fishing aspect, I can only imaging how many fines will be doled out for salvage operations!

Agree'd. We have a few "newbies" on Newfound this season that just aren't getting it. Racing sleds all day (see how fast they can go), doing donuts on wheelers all day, setting off canons throughout the day and night just to name a few of the dumb things going on. Creating negative attention we really don't want. Weekend warriors so to speak. Luckily I'm away from that mess now.

Also to all the dumb *@$%! stop chucking rocks onto the lake to check the ice!

Good luck, Sharpen your chisel and stay safe all.

Cheers.

[sorelippin]

Headed up Thursday just the same and will likely have to modify plans based on the rain forecast.  Will make a last minute decision on where to go on Friday after driving around and scouting some areas.  I wouldn't care one way or the other if they cancel the derby.  I'll be fishing either way.  I'm probably bringing the sled just to get gear out on the ice but I wouldn't be surprised if it never makes it on the ice either.  Good luck to all who venture out.