Yes we caught some rainbows.
I would say that is the biggest snow dump we had that year and it was near end of season. We fish about half the ice season on snowshoes on lakes like these. However on bigger lakes the snow mostly gets blown off. Many lakes however have lots of slush so you gotta bust trail with snowshoes and let freeze overnight then drive on with snowmachine. The problem with this lake is no one was on it that year and we were the first ones. Thats probably why you won't see alot of vehicles driving on the ice in BC like the rest of Canada. Lots of bush protection on many lakes. Makes for tough drilling too with slush layers. It is alot of work but its more fun than a workout at the gym.
Leave BC when I have 6 months of ice.....I don't think so
Snow is definately bad for the ice unless like previously mentioned it gives you better traction than on glare ice.