ICE, it is THE story amongst fisherman in the north country every spring. The big question, is it out yet? Well, no...unfortunately, not even close. However, two positive ingredients are finally on the way: warmer weather and rain. Those two elements will deteriorate the ice rather quickly. According to forecasts, highs this week in the Sandy Lake/Big Hook area will be hovering in the 50's and overnight lows will finally hold above the freezing mark.
A historically cold and snowy winter in NW Ontario caused ice to reach 36+" on many bodies of water. Coupled with a cool spring, the ice is certainly taking it's time to melt. Fortunately, the majority of the snow has melted in the bush causing a decent run off. Photo'd right is a pic along the shoreline at Eagle Lake. As you can see the ice is still tight to the shore and after a quick stroll across the bay, I estimate about 8-12" of ice still exists. In the past, ice out on Eagle Lake translated to ice out at Big Hook (250 miles north) about 4-5 days later.
Everyone here at Big Hook is excited and anxious to get the 2014 season underway. The family here has a bet on when the ice will disappear at Central and throughout the Opasquia Park. My guess (May 23), Dad (May 24), and Mom (May 20). I am wishing and hoping to pick up the airplane (good ole XZK) from Winnipeg by next week. My fingers are crossed that Mother Nature will cooperate and send us some tropical weather over the next couple days. I'll keep posting photo's and updates as the ice diminishes.
Good luck to those of you who have open water.
-Nathan
www.bighookcamps.com
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