Before we get into the ice thickness numbers that Ben and Avery found today, 12/11/25, it’s important to say that there were several very large areas on the east side of the lake that will be much thinner than the ice reported below as they appeared to be the last to freeze. Those areas start near Cemetery Reef and head to the east and north past the east side of the island, including Anderson’s and Red’s Reefs continuing all the way up to Reinke’s Bay. We highly advise anyone looking to fish that side of the lake to do thorough checking. Ben and Avery marked an area to avoid with lath board and flagging tape near Cemetery Reef (that is on the marina-side of Cemetery), but there is no way for them to mark the extensive thinner ice north and east of it.
Regarding ice conditions, Ben and Avery drilled hundreds of holes today, measuring ice thickness across the west side of the lake, including the “Walleye Hump/Hole” between the marinas, Waconia Bay, "Under the wires," and out to Center and Pillsbury Reefs. They found ice depths ranging from 4.5 to 8 inches, with 6 inches being the most common measurement, though 5-inch and 7-inch spots were also frequent. The rare 8-inch areas were due to flooded slush that had subsequently frozen.
There currently is a blanket of 3 to 6 inches of snow on the ice. All of that snow on the lake is not helping allow for significant ice growth. We expect the ice to increase in thickness over the weekend with subzero temps, but it won’t be at the rate many will think due to the insulating snow. The other issue with the snow is the weight of it, which may cause holes drilled to flood the area with water, so don’t be surprised by that. Not everywhere floods, but more holes were flooding than not. Also, any recent or new cracks that form will more than likely flood as well.
While our findings are encouraging, we stress that ice is never completely safe, and we caution everyone to check the ice ahead of them before heading out, especially if using as snowmobile or ATV. Our private access will be open for use starting tomorrow. Walk-on access is $2 every day. At this time, we will permit snowmobiles and ATVs (not side-by-sides or UTVs) to use the access for $5 every day. If you’re hauling a small utility trailer behind your ATV or Snowmobile that isn’t overloaded, that is fine as well. A Winter Access Season Pass is available for $40. Please note that enclosed trailers, skid houses and wheelhouses are not yet permitted, but we will provide an update as soon as conditions allow.
Finally, our access is always used at your own risk. Parking is not guaranteed in our lot; overflow is permitted on the street, but due to a City of Waconia Winter Ordinance, no parking is allowed on city streets after Midnight. Overnight parking on our lot is only allowed with a Winter Season Pass and prior permission on the day of parking. If snow is ever expected, parking overnight on our lot is not allowed.
We look forward to seeing you tomorrow!
