this weekend (12/22-23)

[mudchuck]

Does anyone think the warm weather will affect what ice we have now?
I'm just wondering if this short warm up will mess things up.

[Milfoil_Hunter_VT]

I was thinking about the same thing earlier since I have friday off. The last couple of nights will definitely help, but 50 degrees and rain on Friday doesn't sound ideal.

[TRT]

Suggest fishing lakes at elevation and should have no problem with ice conditions.
I fished yesterday 8-9 black ice at over a 1000 feet in elevation. That being said
don't forget you spud this time of year. Temps have been making ice all week
above a 1000 feet.   

[Nthaburgh]

I guess it all depends on how thick it is now. Fished Swanton last weekend, had 9 inches. That will probably hold up fine. Ice that right now is thinner, maybe not so much. 

[keithm87]

If we can keep cloud cover then ice can only thin from the top, if we get sun it will also weaken internally. Ice doesn’t mind being wet, after all one side is always sitting on water, so rain IMO doesn’t hurt as much as the other things (warm wind, sun)

[Champlain Islander]

All of the ice on Champlain I have been on has been good black ice since we haven't had much snow since it caught. Being on 5" of black ice looks a little weird especially when you can see the weeds or bottom but it is strong. With flooding conditions coming the lake will rise and if there is wind it could give someone a breakaway ride. Just keep an eye on that situation.

[Dickbakers]

Mudchuck
A little rain won't hurt several inches of black ice.  Shorelines might get a little flooded.  Best ice in decades and cold weather is coming again. 
If we had 8"of black ice in April would you plan on getting your boat out if they forecast an inch of rain??
Dick

[bootstrap]

i am more worried about the run off making the water murky. was going to go this morning but couldnt get up. maybe this afternoon.

[mudchuck]

Mudchuck
A little rain won't hurt several inches of black ice.  Shorelines might get a little flooded.  Best ice in decades and cold weather is coming again. 
If we had 8"of black ice in April would you plan on getting your boat out if they forecast an inch of rain??
Dick

Where I've fished x2 so far had only 3-1/2" of ice, so this is why I'm concerned.
I suppose I could travel up to Swanton/Alburgh and make a go of it this weekend...

[Nthaburgh]

The one thing I’m concerned about even where there is good ice is if we get as much rain as they say we might the lake level will rise and along with it the ice sheet lifting it away from shore. Bust out your spring planks!

[Light liner]

My opinion the ice is not that great to start with, add the sun fron today. Then rain on top of that, levels coming up busting up the edges.
Im going to let it set up for a bit before im back out.
When 2/3's of the ice is white its not safe.

[Champlain Islander]

Yeah a little bit of caution is needed now. Breaking through isn't a pleasant experience. That being said anyone who comes here that likes to ice fish should look into a flotation ice fishing suit. You need a warm wind proof suit with pockets anyway for ice fishing. Having that suit float is a bonus. Nice that there are 3 or more options now. All are kind of pricey but worth it IMO.

[keithm87]

Agreed extra piece of mind with float gear. I have bibs and a coat. Love the bibs HATE the coat way to bulky. But according to Striker either will keep a person floating.

[Champlain Islander]

I am on my second suit. My original was the arctic armor plus coat and bibs. Held up well for 5 years of hard daily use and finally was showing signs of wear. My new suit is a striker climate and it is built better, is warmer but is much heavier and certainly more bulky. I chose the climate because of the zip in liner which can easily be removed for when those nice 40 degree days happen. I helped pull a guy out a few years ago and without picks and a floater he didn't have a chance. He spent about 10 minutes in the water before we could get to him. At that point he was very low in the water just hanging on and no more strength to make another try to get out. If this post helps to convince even 1 person to look into a floating suit it is a success.

[bootstrap]

last year there were some good deals on striker suits. this year not so much.

[EyERipLip]

It was 55 in burlington today woth steady rain that began late yesterday afternoon. All the rivers in my area are close to flooding and the ice ive been on wont hold up to this weather. Not saying itl be gone but it most certainly wont be safe untill we get some more cold weather. Stay safe everyone there will be more ice soon enough!!

[Champlain Islander]

last year there were some good deals on striker suits. this year not so much.

yeah often early season or end of the ice season brings some good prices. In the old days I always equipped myself with Cabelas expedition down coat and pants. Great for warmth but not good for rain wear and weighed a ton when wet. The money I spent was close to what a floater cost. IMO the cost of safety is worth every penny.

[jbrown]

Finally, bought a striker suit. Had the chance to try them on. Ended up buying a hardwater jacket and the predator bibs ( as my lower body dosen,t get cold. Only complaint is I keep forgetting what pocket I put what in. Tons of pockets! I fished in some pretty good wind weds of this week and was warm. Got sick of being cold. Also a big plug for the stabilice cleats, love both.