2023-24 ice season may be close

[saskbucks]

With the next two weeks looking really cold here in SK, we could be close to getting fishable ice.

[DoubleHookSet]

Was thinking the same and already checking the blackstrap highway camera this morning.

[ran7ger]

Around here some of the sloughs have about an inch on them now.

[ran7ger]

Ground is white here!  Sure hope the real snow stays away until the lakes freeze up nice.

[Whytie]

Already have a cabin booked at Tobin for December break for another 3 day fishing trip with my friends and wife. My wife out fished the boys last trip.

[anglerbrian]

Must be getting close I'm already watching ice fishing vids on youtube. Take care everyone

[jpicks]

Picked up the new Eskimo e40 8" composite auger this weekend.  Replacing the 8" gas and shaving off 25lbs.   Got a free spare battery with the deal.

[ran7ger]

You'll love that jp.  Nothing better than having all the holes drilled before the gas augers are even warmed up!

 We've got a good dump of heavy, wet snow on skinny ice around here.  Mcphee is a mess so use caution.  I won't be jumping the gun anywhere this season.

[mix123]

Picked up the new Eskimo e40 8" composite auger this weekend.  Replacing the 8" gas and shaving off 25lbs.   Got a free spare battery with the deal.

Where?

[jpicks]

Rubi's outdoors in Creighton.  They brought it down to Saskatoon last weekend for the sled show.  The local dealers here couldn't/wouldn't do the 2nd battery offer.

[Whytie]

Rubi's outdoors in Creighton.  They brought it down to Saskatoon last weekend for the sled show.  The local dealers here couldn't/wouldn't do the 2nd battery offer.

Rubi's outdoors is great. They periodically do runs down to PA and Saskatoon to help save on shipping like once a month. I've ordered from them before they have better deals then Cabela's and the Fishing hole.

[IceStormSK]

Clayton Shick put out a first ice video today, he's somewhere in Manitoba but that's gotta mean it's close!

[SirCranksalot]

So your 2 months of bad sleddin' is long gone, eh?

[ran7ger]

The snow is definitely here, just need some way cooler temps to freeze up all the slush-ice.  Was +5 and sunny here today.

[anglerbrian]

same here yard is mostly green just traces of snow here and there but it is minus 5 this morning.

[canada]

Where?

hahaha  here we go   at least my gas eater will be drilling still far after the electrics need charging and warming up

[ran7ger]

 Come on now, you've seen mine in action.  I'll clean yer carb for ya when you go to start it next week 

[farmboy]

hahaha  here we go   at least my gas eater will be drilling still far after the electrics need charging and warming up

Yup 100%.

I’ve had to try start enough semis, vehicles, grain augers, quads, sleds, etc etc in cold temps to know that batteries are absolutely useless in cold temps. Lithium or not, if they get cold they are useless.

That being said, I think you’re being a little unreasonable Canada.

I mean, a battery operated ice auger, which is used for ice fishing during WINTER time  that won’t operate in cold temps.

I don’t see the issue personally……😂😂😂

Yes I know I’m being cheeky, couldn’t resist.

Stay safe out there everyone.

[ran7ger]

 How do you guys manage getting out on the ice with your canes and wheel chairs?  Still using the Coleman lantern to keep your fingers warm??  don't forget your back pills!

 I won't ever buy an electric vehicle but I'll also never pull start an auger again.

 All in good fun ya old farts, hopefully we can keep this forum active this season.  I'm hoping to wet a line tomorrow, somewhere.

 Good luck and keep dry! 

[jpicks]

hahaha  here we go   at least my gas eater will be drilling still far after the electrics need charging and warming up

Although it's yet to be seen, at a stated 1300" of ice per charge, that's 27 holes in 4 ft of ice. I don't even think on my best day I've drilled that much at the end of the season. Let alone having a second battery which would be almost 60 holes.

I loved my Mako 43 to death, and it still runs like an absolute champ. The kid who bought it off me got a great deal and the old girl will last him for another 10 years.

However, with the new electric jobber, there Lots of room in my jacket to keep the battery warm on the hike out if need be,  and 0.5 seconds to pop it off the powerhead and keep in the tent.

It will be nice being able to drill inside the tent this year and then hit that reverse and flush the slush back down the hole.

Let alone having to deal with gas and oil..

However none of it matters a hill of beans until we actually get some decent ice.

[farmboy]

How do you guys manage getting out on the ice with your canes and wheel chairs?  Still using the Coleman lantern to keep your fingers warm??  don't forget your back pills!



 All in good fun ya old farts, hopefully we can keep this forum active this season.  I'm hoping to wet a line tomorrow, somewhere.

 Good luck and keep dry!

Hahaha!! Keep in mind we aren’t the ones concerned and talking about cutting weight down with our augers…….😉😉

[Whytie]

I'm in the same boat as jpicks. Bought an Ion alpha with 2 batteries at the end of the season last year. My 2007 Eskimo Shark Z71 has finally start to show its age after 16 years and refuses to start in minus 20 weather even after repairing, fuel lines, carbs, filters and tanks. Used a clam plate for a season worked well but couldn't get enough holes at the end of the season, so that the reason for the ion. Definitely itching to get out but need a 2 week cold snap to lock up the bigger lakes.

[IceStormSK]

My clamp plate and Milwaukee drill do a great job for me. I have a 12 a-h battery that did 80 holes in about 2 feet of ice last year, honestly can't imagine needing more but I bring the spare batteries just in case. It was left outside that day but it was only -10 or so.

Only downside is it's a pain to use the drill for my shelter ice screws as well!

[cburns94]

My Jiffy E6 showed 2 of 4 bars at the end of the 2021 season. I moved sports and didn't have enough juice to cut 1 more hole. I calculated how many holes i cut and it was close to the advertised inches per battery. That sucked!! I thought why the hell did i switch to battery. I called Jiffy they said the OG batteries had a malfunction with the memory. They sent me a 2nd battery FREE of charge. I now carry two batteries in the cab of the truck or in the heated pop up. I did not need the 2nd battery at all last season. It sure is nice to drill inside the tent where i want he holes and my back and shoulder are never sore from pulling and pulling and pulling on my old gas auger.

I sure hope we can get out sooner than later. This mild fall stinks.

[ran7ger]

I chickened out this weekend.  All the snow on the lake melted and made some nasty cracks and holes.  -20 is coming so it'll be soon.

[IceStormSK]

Better safe thans sorry Ran7ger!

I'm heading out a bit north this weekend, hopefully I can find some ice somewhere!

[ran7ger]

Agreed! 

 You'll find good ice on most of the small lakes this weekend, I think.  The water's cold, just need a couple days of -20 and no wind.

[Hatandboots]

Agreed! 

 You'll find good ice on most of the small lakes this weekend, I think.  The water's cold, just need a couple days of -20 and no wind.

Ask and you shall receive!

[ran7ger]

And then some!  Hit -30 with the windchill here last night.  I'm the only one at work in a good mood for some reason!

[speckspotter]

Can anyone comment on how the ice conditions are shaping up in the boreal region?