camp Perry ice conditions?

[trappernorth]

Anyone know how camp perry is doing on ice conditions and or fishing report. Looking to get out soon but unsure of ice conditions

[EYEFISH4FOOD]

Be careful getting on the ice there. Mhy buddies quad went through only a couple of feet but was able to back it out with chains. That was right by shore. went down another 50 yards and were able to get on. Everyone limited out about 2 miles out.

[trappernorth]

Any safer places other than Perry and how thick is ice if known.

[Gettin Jiggy]

Be careful getting on the ice there. Mhy buddies quad went through only a couple of feet but was able to back it out with chains. That was right by shore. went down another 50 yards and were able to get on. Everyone limited out about 2 miles out.

Not trying to be a smart ass, but how does this happen? I am only saying this because I have never been on the ice. Only using common sense thoughts if you fall through right by shore and move down 50yds. Then go 2 miles out? Could someone explain to me how safe that is? Thanks in advance.

[Madd Matt]

Be careful anywhere right now! I can't give ice conditions out on the water, but I spent the last 3 days up there getting ready to go out. I wasn't going out with the sleds this week... Maybe next depending on the wind.

There are several reports of guys going out, mostly walking...

However, keep in mind that most of the guys going out are locals and seasoned ice fishermen on Lake Erie and know things such as where the currents usually are, how to monitor the wind for a few days, and they talk to locals who have walked out with prods and checked the ice, so they tend to have a good idea exactly where they are going and what routes to use.

If you are going out on an ATV or sled, don't use online reports of fish being caught and put-ins being used as gospel.

I have never seen any intentionally bad reports in here, but last year there was a report in a different forum from a guy that limited out and gave a false report on purpose to an area that was well known to have really bad ice. A non-Erie ice fisherman planned a trip to go out there and fortunately was stopped by guys on shore. 2 Days later someone went through in that exact area but no one ever found out if it was because of the false report online or not.

Just be very careful especially now. The ice reports I got yesterday (right on the ice as guys where coming off) was mostly 5"-8" with a couple guys saying that they it a soft spot of two. One guy said he punched a hole on 3" and left right away. Found 6" and fished.

My opinion is that the ice isn't consistent enough for quads and sleds yet and unless you are going on a route that has been tested and known to be safe, then don't go trailblazing on an ATV or sled right now!

Just my opinion.

-Matt

[Madd Matt]

Ready and waiting...

[stanton21]

Thank you for something to go off of. I will be out there Wednesday for the east wind for the day. Leave fro!m Perry or venture from turtle creek.

[Cruiser]

Thank you for something to go off of. I will be out there Wednesday for the east wind for the day. Leave fro!m Perry or venture from turtle creek.

Please be very careful on the open lake. The ice is not safe!. There are still lake freighters running between Detroit, Toledo and the eastern end of Lake Erie.

Currently (right now 11:17PM Thursday) the USCG Cutter Neah Bay is located at N41°53.906' W82°50.400' escorting the Capt Henry Jackman and the H Lee White through the Pelee Passage. In addition, the American Courage is on her way to Toledo for layup, but right now she is making a 50' wide path through the ice in the channel to Toledo.
As long as the Coast Guard Cutter is breaking ice for these freighters there is a very great chance any wind from the south or southwest will open cracks along the south shore.

[trappernorth]

Thanks for that info. Although I am experienced ice fisher I don't have but one season on the big lake think I will hold off a week or so. Have no plans on being a statistic of that lake as much as I'd like to get out. Maybe super bowl Sunday is a better choice god willing. Thanks again guys.

[Lakeerieguy]

Normal winters, the freighters will run all winter. Last winter the thick ice stopped them . Playing the wind on a normal winter such as this one is your best bet . Plenty of guys out yesterday at Perry and Catawba with machines. Not saying all the ice is safe but we were on pretty much 7-10 inches out of Perry where we fished. Yes the fish were snapping as well. Can't give exact location as I was out with a friend.

Dale