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Forums > Ask the Pros > Ask Randy Johnson

Subject: What are the current ice conditions on Mille Lacs?

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Buck

JustNorth Pro
Posts:1101

11/20/2006 5:55 PM
Hi RandyMan, Do you know if Mille Lacs is making ice? What are the typical early bays that you can get out on?

Robb "Buck" Anderson President JustNorth Outdoors

RandyMan

JustNorth Pro
Posts:615

11/23/2006 6:40 AM
Hey Buck! I just took a drive last night looking at the ice on a few area lakes - the water surface temp is at the ice making level but as you know - the weather is pretty warm! I would say we are a few weeks away from walkable ice. I did find some back water bays with 1-3 inches of ice but with air temps above 40 in the day it could take some time. As far as the bays I hit first - that depends on the year! I always start on smaller lakes and work my way up to lakes like Mille Lacs Keep in mind - the Minnesota DNR has the following guides for ice thickness 4" of new clear ice is the minimum thickness for travel on foot 5" is minimum for snowmobiles and ATVs 8"- 12" for cars or small trucks My guide is add 2 inches to the numbers above and check every 25 to 50 yards on your way out to your fishing spot and the way back from. Trust me - swimming this time of the year is not only dangerous - it is also NO FUN!! Also - remember NO ICE IS SAFE ICE! go slow and be safe! I hope you all have a safe and enjoyable ice fishing season - you can also check out the "RandyMans Ice Fishing How to Group!" for more information

Randy "RandyMan" Johnson JustNorth Outdoors Columnist JustNorth Outdoors Pro Staff Team JustNorth Core Team

Buck

JustNorth Pro
Posts:1101

11/28/2006 1:24 PM
Good advice, RandyMan, and thanks for the info. I think a early season trip is in order for Team JustNorth. Anybody in?

Robb "Buck" Anderson President JustNorth Outdoors

RandyMan

JustNorth Pro
Posts:615

12/02/2006 2:38 PM
Hey Buck I just got myself a new portable fish house so I went on the hunt for walkable ice in the Brainerd Lakes area. I was only able to find 3 inches - thats half of what I feel to be safe. I am sure with the cold temps we are seeing that early ice is coming soon! I like to check ice thickness with a cordless drill - I but in a bit that is 8 inches long and mark were 6 inches is on the bit. As you walk out simply drill a hole every now and then and if you get water coming up before you drill to 6 inches or more - walk out of there! I also like to have some saftey items with like: life jacket - ON ice clets for my boots ice picks - around neck to help clime out if I fall in rope - helpfull for alot of things Also - remember NO ICE IS SAFE ICE! go slow and be safe! I hope you all have a safe and enjoyable ice fishing season - you can also check out the "RandyMans Ice Fishing How to Group!" for more information

Randy "RandyMan" Johnson JustNorth Outdoors Columnist JustNorth Outdoors Pro Staff Team JustNorth Core Team

sunnyandbill@usfamily.net (guest)

1/02/2007 8:18 AM
We have a heavy ice house located at Castaways. We also drive a big SUV. Bill wants to go up on Thursday and put out the house. What do you think?

RandyMan (guest)

1/04/2007 6:02 AM
Well 2007 is here! Ice conditions in the Brainerd Lakes area are OK - I have seen a few cars and pickups driving on the lakes - but I would not myself! The weather has been very warm and the ice is not thick enough for me. Fishing is HOT!!!! Look for low light to be the best - the rain took most of the snow cover off the lake and has pushed the fish into early ice patterns. Have a safe enjoyable 2007

RandyMan

JustNorth Pro
Posts:615

1/04/2007 12:04 PM
Hello sunnyandbill@usfamily.net I would call Castaways first and see what they say - I would not drive on the ice at this time but they may have some driving out at this time.

Randy "RandyMan" Johnson JustNorth Outdoors Columnist JustNorth Outdoors Pro Staff Team JustNorth Core Team

Buck

JustNorth Pro
Posts:1101

1/04/2007 1:48 PM
Hi Sunny, I agree with Randy. The weather has been not conducive to making good ice. Play it safe and wait or call the local resorts and they will be happy to give you up to the minute ice conditions. Be safe and enjoy the outdoors

Robb "Buck" Anderson President JustNorth Outdoors

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Forums > Ask the Pros > Ask Randy Johnson > What are the current ice conditions on Mille Lacs?

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