you cant be too careful...

[coldcreekchris]

fished yesterday..what a glorious bluebird day...started off..in a sheltered bay that had 4 inches of clear topped with 6 inches of grey snow/refreeze....wasn't doing so hot..so I went a 1/4 mile cross the reservoir to scout some new ground..yes I got that 18 inch rainbow for dinner..but as I was reconning another spot...busted thru the grey crap ice..8 inches..and luckily the 2 inches of clear below kept me from crashing into a world of hurt....its been above freezing for the last 72 hrs.. in the western part of the state..not saying don't fish...but use caution....depending on when the snow came.. and exposure to sun..the clear ice can vary greatly..and the grey ice is quickly turning to ....that grey ice will solidy with a few days of 20 highs and teens lows..until then...be careful..especially in the west....

[PerchPounderMT]

Saw similar conditions on Frances,the good ice was topped with garbage ice and slush,the auger went through the first 4" on the first rotation.