Couchiching ice, Shoreline ice report?

I would like to try out Couchiching tomorrow even though I know it’s going to be warm and rainy. I was just wondering if the ice has melted at the shore line creating a gap to get onto the ice? Any info is appreciated, and I will add updated info if I get out tomorrow or early in the week before the ice is gone.

Didn’t get out yesterday, went to the Toronto sportsman’s show instead. Went out this morning and can confirm the ice is still locked up at shore and out where I was fishing was about 2ft thick. I didn’t see any pressure cracks, I did see 2 quads out there. Would definitely recommend cleats if ur planning on getting out there as is all uneven glare ice.

Thanks for the heads up!

If anyone has an update on Tudhope access it would be appreciated.

Was a sloppy mess today near Airport Road . It’s tightening up as I write this . Cold north west wind and temps already below zero.

Went out of Tudhope yesterday. Shore access was fine from the park. Minor gap of a meter but there's rocks to traverse and it's shallow, had no issue getting on/off walking or with ATVs.

We drilled and measured ice as we went. 5 test holes between shore and out to Heron Island area, consistently measured 12", 7-9" good black ice and the white on top is still pretty good. Surface was mostly frozen rough crust, didn't need spikes but they helped. One big expansion shift - gotta love seeing water jet up from cracks!

Not many people fishing. Considering the forecast for the week we're most definitely not packing up the perch ice gear yet!

Seems we're in prespawn mode now. Small males are stacked in the shallower weeds and not feeding, females are staged and hungry enough that we brought a decent catch home.

Be safe, check the ice. Tight lines.

@ Whynot - did you find the perch had a lot of yellow grubs? There were a few years where they seemed thick in the perch. I stopped fishing the lake because my family was a little unnerved about the grubs.

Going to clean them in a bit, will let you know.

I've heard this can be an issue with Cooch but never had them in fish I've caught in the past.

I don't fish up there much, but last time I fished Couch all the perch I caught were full of the worms, never been back, that was probably 7 years ago. I personally won't keep or eat them.

1 in 10 perch had a couple yellow worms. 1-2 each.

That's not bad at all.

Some years, they have been thick. I know if you cook the flesh it won't harm you, but my wife and kids can't stomach them. LOL

pick the grubs out with a knife!

Years ago I showed up to mother-in-laws for lunch, late. My wife and most of the family had already had their soup. When I sat down I noticed several bugs floating on the surface of my bowl. When I pointed them out, everyone went silent. They had all eaten the soup and nobody noticed (the dynamic of a large family and having to wolf down your food if you want seconds!)
Talk about queasy faces! And everyone double checks grandma's barley soup now

Grubs in perch fillets, put the fillets in a bowl with salty water, the grubs will wiggle out, rinse twice and cook using your preferred method. The fillets, not the grubs.

so glad there was the clarifcation...who knows these days