As you know, freeze up has been pretty slow this year, but here in Winnipeg the Red is just starting to get thin pans of ice on it. Ice is attached to the shore in most places, for at least 10 feet out, more in some places where the current is slower. As to when the river is safe to go out on, I can't advise you too well. Because your current is slower than us here, you'll probably have solid ice before its safe for me, but then, I'm probably 120 miles north of you, so maybe it might freeze sooner here, I don't know. However, if you ask around your town, someone might be fishing the river. I would say that as long as there is no warm water discharge into the river upstream of you (like a treatment plant or sugar beet factory), the river should be plenty safe by the end of Dec. Anyway, post what ever you catch, and keep us up to date on those Devil's Lake walleyes, (or Red River walleyes). good luck!
