The weather has not been friendly this year to us ice fisherman. It's OK though. I dont get nervous till Feb 15th. Trends the last few years have shown that date till early March seems best. Crane Creek is a great spot. It was last year. We were out 3.25 miles @ 60 degrees. I would wait till we get some reports from this year prior to walking out. Let the experienced guys go 1st and then there will be a trail for you to follow safely. Get yourself an Otter Sled to put your auger, poles, tackle, bait, & scoop in. It's allot easier to pull it than carry all your stuff. FYI you may want to get an 8" auger. It can be a challenge pulling an eye through a 4" or even 6" hole.