Explain south wind

[Mckaax]

Being from Kentucky I have no idea how the ice works. I keep hearing about the south wind causing dangerous ice fishing. Can you explain what a south wind does.

[Bite Me Charters]

The south wind can cause the ice to break off and start drifting north. Especially if there is any open water to the north. You could be stranded on the ice and not be able to get across the crack that opened up.

[Mckaax]

Do the cracks open up at any place in particular. In other words is here a safe distance to shore to stay when there is a south wind. Let me ask you this. If I drive 6 hours to fish and have a full week of south wind what are my options?

[llw]

If there is a week of south wind, don't make the drive. The cracks could be all over, and just last weekend off Catawba there was one less than 100 yds off shore.

If the wind isn't cooperating you could fish East Harbor for panfish or maybe Sandusky Bay for some perch, but best to avoid the open lake.

[Mckaax]

How long does it take for the cracks to heal.

[Rodsabendin]

How long does it take for the cracks to heal.

Maybe a couple hours and maybe never. If its natural movement over good ice then they usually only separate a couple feet and back in short period of time. If the wind causes major movement they could move hundreds of yards if not miles and never come back together without a good wind from the north.

[Lakeerieguy]

The ice does not move however with every South wind . Depends on how hard it blows and the condition of the ice . Have had many S-SW winds ,even some strong ones this winter and didnt move the ice more then a foot all winter out of Catawba and Camp Perry .
Being an old timer , I have seen a NE and NW move the ice many times as well . Those winds can raise the water levels enough to create cracks and the ice moves . Common sense is the most important thing when fishing the Lake anytime of the year .

[EYEFISH4FOOD]

How long does it take for the cracks to heal.

Hey Mckaax, I have a few friends coming in from Louisville this week. If you are interested in coming I will give you their names and numbers and maybe you guys can hook up and get a ride or share a room or something. Let me know.

[BossHogg]

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Here was a pic of the plywood bridge the day before the rescue effort.