Ice Conditions/ Crane Creek/Magee Marsh
Ice is starting to deteriorate. Ave ice was 8" with 2" of milk ice on top. Don't know what the NW winds will do BUT!!!!! There are spots of rotted ice. Within 30 yards the ice can vary 5"'s. Not everywhere but spots. I went through with my Honda Rubicon yesterday over 22 FOW. I got it out. Just a rotted spot but the boots took a drink so that ended that. SLUSH! Slushy enough to go to your frame on an ATV. Snomobilers do not seem to have the problems ATV guys do. The fish bit early as the trend continues.
I recommend a couple things.
#1 Travel in Packs
#2 Do not over react (stay calm and get your equipment back)
#3 Carry 50' ft ropes to pull out with. I will carry 3 ropes (1/2")
#4 Help out if you see a problem and mark your spots if you had a problem (if possible). It take a couple of machines to pull one out. Plus pull on back cargo racks to help ass end.
#5 Do not travel in the dark. Those days are over.
The colder weather may freeze up the slush issues and get us a couple more days. When we went out in the morning it was no problem. On the way back the sun melt increased much more than anticipated. I heard that others saw what was going on with me and called it a day. 1 other ATV got stuck in the slush. The only way out is reverese. And there is 12" of slush in spots. Go around whenever possiible. Follow fresh tracks.
Keep your eye on conditions via reports as people come out.
We went out at 7:30 AM and came back in at 3 PM. Slush went from approx 5" in the worst spot to 12".
I am going to try 14' FOW on my next outing. Thinking about walking out Rialto Rd (LOL).
Good Luck and Good Fishing
Be a team. You could save a life, valuable equipment, and make lifelong friends.
