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Video: Ice on the lakes still a concern as fishing opener looms closer

Apr 29, 2022 05:34AM ● By Editor

Watch the WDIO-TV Report here

Things are still pretty ice on lakes across northeastern Minnesota, as the fishing opener looms closer. Photo: WDIO-TV


From WDIO-TV • April 28, 2022

T.J. Kladivo's phone has been ringing pretty constantly. His customers want to know when the ice on Lake Vermilion is going to be gone. "A lot of, when can I come to my cabin? When can I get out and play?" he shared. His answer is two to three weeks, minimum.

And we need warm weather, plus some sun and wind, to make that happen. "Below freezing temps overnight will only set us back," he added.

Kladivo owns Vermilion Property Services, which helps people with docks and boat lifts. He took us out to see how thick the ice was on Tuesday. A quick drill down, and the tape measure showed nearly 25 inches.

"Open water for fishing opener is a big, big maybe. It's Mother Nature, you can only do what she allows you to do," he said.

Once it does clear out, he said there will be a big rush to get docks and boats in. "Anyone who works on the lake is going to be facing a huge time crunch. Be patient. It will all get done."

We also checked other lakes. Rusty Eichorn drilled down on Pokegama a week ago, and it was close to two feet of ice. And Andy McDonnell from Tuscarora Lodge and Canoe Outfitters is posting updates on their Facebook page. He said they finally are seeing some dark spots of open water on Round Lake, instead of just snow. But it did snow another inch and a half overnight.


To see the original post and read related stories, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website. https://www.wdio.com/news/ice-lakes-open-water-fishing-opener-concerns/6455922/

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