Spring: Is it Ever Coming?

from the Rainbow Point Lodge blog

We've had a LOT of snow this winter! More snow than we've had in years according to locals...although according to weather statistics accumulated so far, snowfall amount for 2014 is average.

That doesn't change the fact that there was a lot of snow and it's unfortunately not quite over yet... The weather network is still predicting more snow for the weekend :(

The question on everyone's mind now is: Will the ice be gone off Red Lake to let anglers enjoy the May Long Weekend fishing for walleye? With fishing season opening soon on May 17, 2014, less than a month away, it's natural to wonder if the ice will be off the lakes in time for fishing... Our local newspaper The Northern Sun is even having a little contest to see who can guess when the ice will go out this year.

Here are some opinions from local member camp owners taken from around the interweb ...

"Predictions of ice-out are notoriously fickle. The only thing we can say for certain is ice-out won't be early. At best it will be on time, and most people would probably bet it will be late."

Read the rest of this post on the blog here: Bow Narrows Camp Blog
Dan Baughman, Bow Narrows Camp

Rainbow Point Lodge

"Lakes are all very slushy. Too much snow on the ice, weighing it down, and pushing the water up. The ice augers for fishermen are to the max depth with extensions... that means 5+ feet of ice!"

Read the rest of this post on their blog here: Rainbow Point Lodge Blog
Bob & Gale, Rainbow Point Lodge

Golden Hook Camp

"Don't be alarmed with all the snow & ice. This is insulation, under the snow is bad ice... I can tell it's going to be fishing at its best in 2014!...the later the ice goes out the better the fishing."
Scott & Machelle, Golden Hook Camp on Facebook

"There is a glimmer of hope on the horizon for NW Ontario as temperatures look to finally start creeping above the freezing mark. These warmer temperatures will ensure a massive amount of snow melt and should create high waters for fishermen this spring. "

Read the rest of this post on their blog here: Big Hook News & Fishing
Nathan, Big Hook Wilderness Camp

Pakwash Lake Camp

Pakwash Lake Camp is having their own contest where you can enter the date you think the ice will go out. Winner gets their choice of hat from the camp's stock.

Enter the contest on the Let's Go Fishing Pakwash Lake Blog
Kim, Pakwash Lake Camp

Gwyneth, Enid & family are still enjoying winter activities despite the long winter. " The soft ride over a blanket of fluffy snow is gone, replaced by a rougher ride over slush and ruts. Luckily today, 3 inches of new snow softened it all up. Just a great day for a rip down Red Lake. I just love this time of year! The bush around us is waking up and the season is almost here."

Read the rest of this post on their blog here: Vicking Island Outpost Blog
Enid, Viking Island & Outposts

Deb & Paul are also enjoying winter activities in their back 40 and appreciating the signs of spring coming. "Debbie and I went for a morning snowshoe in the back forty. A lot nicer than in camp a few weeks back. We weren't busting through the crust with every step! Spring is on the way!"

Deb & Paul, Woman River Camp on Facebook