Little help with a rule of thumbs in upper ND

[GB 83]

On the average , when does foot traffic (4-5") for ice fishing start up n the northern part of N Dakota? Lakes like Rock Lake,Rush Lake, Lake Metigoshe and Icelandic state park? I am just trying to set my vacation time n for work:) I am hope it's early Nov. Foot traffic for me is 4-5". Those days of me getting on 2-3" is a 100lbs ago and also back in the 80's.

[JIMC_ND]

You can usually get on the ice around Thanksgiving up here in Northern ND.  I wouldn't try and plan a trip in advance too much earlier than that, unless you are prepared to deal with thin ice.   Early November would be pushing it in a normal year. 

Jim Carroll  NPAA #13

[nodakclam19]

Looks like Thanksgiving will offer the first good ice. And by good ice I mean there should be about 4 to 5 inches statewide this year by thanksgiving.