North Kawarthas ice report Jan. 6

Just came back from checking two smaller shallow lakes in the Kinmount to Minden area. Things are better but not great. I found an average of about 5.7 inches on one lake, and 5.2 on the other lakes. The majority of the ice was white ice (junk from the snow melt). The white ice is only half as strong as solid clear(blue) ice. There is 2.5" of blue ice under the junk white. Erring on the side of caution, I'd say it would be safe for walking out with a pulled sled, but that's about it. Wouldn't want to be in a group, and I definitely would not be using an atv or snowmobile. I'd be spudding and checking as I go. I'll personally wait another 3-4 days before going out for my first fish.

Thank You for the update much appreciated.

MC

Came up to Sturgeon yesterday, to have a late Christmas with some family. Went to visit a few friends today on the west side. Nobody out on the ice today as far as I could see, with the binoculars. No snow machine tracks, no foot tracks, nothing. Cold and windy but no idea how thick this ice is in the picture.

Another

One more shot. Didn't come up to fish, my friends have not fished Sturgeon or Balsam yet this year.

thanks for the ice report

Should add this in for safety. My floater suit expired, so in the garbage it went. I won't go on the ice, unless I am wearing a survival suit. Can't afford to get one this year, so that's that. When I save up the 1,000 dollars, buy the suit, back on the ice, with no worries. Stay safe out there, don't risk your life just to catch a fish. No ice is safe ice.

There is a very long pressure crack on the west side of Sturgeon. Runs from Lakeview Park Road all the way across the lake to Sturgeon point. This usualy happens with the wind and temperature changes last few weeks. It was still slushy over the five foot wide crack, but should continue to repair itself over the next week. This time of year is a great time to be extra cautious of ice thickness. Just because it's safe in front of your cottage or house, doesn't mean it's safe two or three hundred yards out on what ever lake you are fishing in this area. Didn't see anyone out on the west side again today.

You don't seem to be a XXL guy from your profile pic, but here's a ridiculous deal on mustangs for someone who is that size

mustang suit on sale poshmark

LOL. Yes definitely not XXL. I am 6'1 180lbs. Thank you for the good tip though. Maybe someone else will take advantage of that deal. Anything I would need to order is almost always through Natural Sports in Kitchener. That's my local home base fishing store for the last 40 years. They have always been fair and affordable. I have never had one complaint in all those years. These guys know their fishing. I do go to many fishing stores, but try to spend my money on local small stores. In the Kawarthas it's mostly Kawartha Lakes Bait and Tackle on Queen St. in Lindsay.

Was back out again tonight to the same lake that I tested on Jan 6. It's still only 6 inches of ice. The cold weather didn't build anymore ice due to the dump of snow we had. Most of the six inches is punk white ice. I personally do not think it's thick enough yet for large ATVs, side by sides, or even large heavier skidoos. I was on a 340lb Skidoo Tundra R tonight and the entire area around me was flooded when I left. Ice is still not good yet!