Sorry a little late. After a slippery drive to South Park we finally made it to the lake around 8:00. A lot later than I like but turned out to be a good thing. No worries cause we made it safe and that's more important. Plenty of light and could see that all the reports of some 6-10 inch ice was BS. We hit the south marina and ice was sketchy at best. Very limited space at that time.
Packed out things out and picked our spots. I drilled a few holes and a solid 4-5 inches. Finish setting up and here some ruckous going on. In a matter of about 30 seconds one of my buddies was in to his neck and back out. Wierd thing was it was about 5 inches there too! Wet is wet in that weather. Probably lower single digit temps and a steady 5-6 mph wind. He headed to my truck and stripped down and got warm. Luckily I always carry extra clothes and He was able to come back out and fish. No matter what you heard or read, we're plenty experienced. First ice can be very dangerous... to anyone. Have asafety equipment and NEVER fish alone on early ice.
I did well. Landed 11 and lost 6. One big bow and a big cutthroat. Action would come in waves as I expected. Around 1:00 I got a double. Very busy but fun.
We packed it in around 3:00. Roads were still snow packed up until Divide. Crazy trip and one we'll remember forever but, everyone is home safe and we caught fish.
When we left Sunday the lake it was about 70% open. For those of you with adventure on your mind. Please be careful. Again, take a rope and fish with or by someone.
PrairieGoat - I took the spud bar you gave me last season. THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH! It's worth it's weight in gold in the early season.
Here are some of the fish caught:
Here's was pic of the water line. About 30-40 yards from my front door
"B"
