Jamie Pekelder, district conservation officer supervisor for Game, Fish, and Parks, reports the ice on Big Stone Lake is changing rapidly. Pekelder says, “Conditions are getting worse every day. The shorelines are starting to deteriorate, especially at the access areas and anywhere water is flowing in.” “I wouldn’t drive a car or truck out anymore. It’s just not safe,” Pekelder warns. “UTVs and ATVs are still being used, but caution is advised with those, too. Anglers really need to be careful in access areas as those will be the first to open up.”
He says, “Lakes south of us are also seeing poor ice conditions with most anglers only walking out now. North and west of us in Day and Marshall County, ice conditions are similar to Big Stone Lake.”
“Look at the overall color of the ice,” Pekelder advises. “When it starts to turn a dark blue or black in the spring, that’s a sign the ice is unsafe. And it’s a sure sign open water is right around the corner. Ice that looks honeycombed is also very weak and anglers need to stay off of that, too The forecast calls for rain next week. If we get that, the ice will disappear fast.”
There’s always a silver lining, though. Pekelder says, “Open water is right around the corner. Time to get your boat ready!”
Staff
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