Checked several area lakes and all have what I would call iffy ice. Lots of snow on the ice. We have flotation suits, spud bars, throw ropes, and ice picks out and attached to our jackets. We checked and fished several lakes in northeast Nebraska today. Where there is no snow approximately 6" of good ice (almost all lakes have snow on them and the farther north you go the more snow) but where there is snow the spud bar would go through the first couple inches and then we would hit a couple inches of good ice. We would back out of those areas and try a different route. I am not sure but it looks like there is a gap between the snow layer and the good ice. The first couple inches would collapse when trying to walk on it and then the water would come in to the collapsed area. Never was able to jam the spud bar through the area but it still would make us pucker when that first layer collapsed. Finally had enough of that and moved to smaller farm ponds which were okay but still what I would call iffy. Personally not venturing out on Clarkson, Willow, or Maskentine until we have more cold nights. Not venturing on any water with out a partner. Stay safe in the new year.
