In Towne Marina will be closing it's access to car and truck traffic after Saturday February 25th. Currently we are not recommending driving, due to diminishing ice conditions. We recommend anyone who has a permanent house on Lake Waconia, consider removing it before the end of the weekend. We will NOT be plowing in the event of more snow. Ice thicknesses are measuring 10"-14". After Monday nights wet snow, the ice conditions are not improving to say the least.
Be Safe when venturing out.
The Mase Family
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Ice Update 2/17/2012
This winters unseasonably warm weather continues to give ice fisherman headaches. General ice thickness on Lake Waconia has started to diminish. Until recently we have been maintaining average thicknesses measuring 12 1/2"-15" of ice. About a week ago we had some good cold temperatures, but essentially didn't make any ice.
This week temps have been warm, but not warm enough to melt the little snow we have on the lake. The snow remains, and there is no water on the ice in most areas, but we are still losing ice thickness. Lake water temperatures are most likely the culprit. In the last 5 or 6 days we have lost about 1/2"-1" of ice, giving us a current average thickness of 11"-14 1/2" with 12"-13" being very common now. Jim, Ben and Jimmy have drilled hundreds of holes in the last couple days, to provide these numbers.
Most of the spots that had thinner ice continue to be the areas that are in shallower water and have thicker weeds. When water is 13' deep or more we were generally finding the thicker ice numbers. This was not a rule, but was definitely a trend.
With the consistently warmer air and lake water temps, the ice is also losing freeboard in areas. The ice has lost some of it's buoyancy and is flexing more under load. Several fisherman that have permanent houses on the lake have been reporting flooding around their houses. We will continue to monitor the thickness, especially now with the even stranger conditions we have been witnessing.
Thanks for reading, and be safe.
In Towne Marina Staff
This week temps have been warm, but not warm enough to melt the little snow we have on the lake. The snow remains, and there is no water on the ice in most areas, but we are still losing ice thickness. Lake water temperatures are most likely the culprit. In the last 5 or 6 days we have lost about 1/2"-1" of ice, giving us a current average thickness of 11"-14 1/2" with 12"-13" being very common now. Jim, Ben and Jimmy have drilled hundreds of holes in the last couple days, to provide these numbers.
Most of the spots that had thinner ice continue to be the areas that are in shallower water and have thicker weeds. When water is 13' deep or more we were generally finding the thicker ice numbers. This was not a rule, but was definitely a trend.
With the consistently warmer air and lake water temps, the ice is also losing freeboard in areas. The ice has lost some of it's buoyancy and is flexing more under load. Several fisherman that have permanent houses on the lake have been reporting flooding around their houses. We will continue to monitor the thickness, especially now with the even stranger conditions we have been witnessing.
Thanks for reading, and be safe.
In Towne Marina Staff
"BLIZZARD BLITZ" Contest 2/19/12 CANCELLED
As of Friday 2/17/12 Adrian Peterson/Starkey Foundation officials cancelled this weekends scheduled Sunday, Feb 19th "BLIZZARD BLITZ" Ice Fishing Contest that was to be held on Lake Waconia.
Minnesota's unseasonably warm winter continued this week & is predicted to last for the foreseeable future. Contest officials made the last-minute decision due to above normal temperatures and diminishing ice conditions.
This winters unseasonable warmth has made ice & snow event planning difficult on most Minnesota Lakes. This contest is one of many unable to be held. Organizers regret having to forego this fun day on Lake Waconia to fund-raise for their important hearing mission!
Our family extends gratitude to Adrian Peterson and Starkey Hearing Foundation[s] for the extensive work and expense they, fellow business Lola's Lakehouse and many other generous sponsors, celebrities and volunteers have committed to try to make a 2nd Annual "BLIZZARD BLITZ" happen in Waconia! We also want to give special thanks to Fred W. Radde and Sons Auctioneers, as they made our preparation for this contest much easier.
Minnesota's unseasonably warm winter continued this week & is predicted to last for the foreseeable future. Contest officials made the last-minute decision due to above normal temperatures and diminishing ice conditions.
This winters unseasonable warmth has made ice & snow event planning difficult on most Minnesota Lakes. This contest is one of many unable to be held. Organizers regret having to forego this fun day on Lake Waconia to fund-raise for their important hearing mission!
Our family extends gratitude to Adrian Peterson and Starkey Hearing Foundation[s] for the extensive work and expense they, fellow business Lola's Lakehouse and many other generous sponsors, celebrities and volunteers have committed to try to make a 2nd Annual "BLIZZARD BLITZ" happen in Waconia! We also want to give special thanks to Fred W. Radde and Sons Auctioneers, as they made our preparation for this contest much easier.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Ice Update 2-04-12
As of today, Saturday 2/04, Lake Waconia’s ice is still in very good condition. Despite the milder weather, we’ve only lost the snow cover due to the warmth. The foggy days we’ve been having have greatly helped, because it’s the sun, combined with warmth that can affect the ice the most. With the fog blocking the sun, and temps dipping into the mid-20’s at night, there is little to no water/slush on the ice surface. Things have firmed up nicely. Thicknesses continue to be averaging around 13 to 14 inches in most areas. As we’ve said in the past, continue to avoid any areas on the lake that are marked with branches or lath board/caution tape, because we still are dealing with the same dangerous areas as before.
This week we’ve continued to hear of good northern pike action. Anglers have been taking advantage of the nice weather by tip up fishing, using small or medium sucker minnows in 10 to 13 feet of water near Center Reef and in Waconia Bay. Sunfish have been better as of late. While you still have to cull the small ones out, there is a decent chance to get some keepers near Center Reef and Pillsbury Reef. Crappie fishermen have been moving around to pinpoint the best action. While the bite has been decent, but inconsistent at times, we expect the best bite to be in the deeper water south of Pillsbury Reef. Others are finding them on Center Reef in 10 to 13 feet of water.
Don't give up on the season yet! There is still plenty of time to hit the ice and wet a line. Stop in to get the latest reports. We look forward to seeing you!
This week we’ve continued to hear of good northern pike action. Anglers have been taking advantage of the nice weather by tip up fishing, using small or medium sucker minnows in 10 to 13 feet of water near Center Reef and in Waconia Bay. Sunfish have been better as of late. While you still have to cull the small ones out, there is a decent chance to get some keepers near Center Reef and Pillsbury Reef. Crappie fishermen have been moving around to pinpoint the best action. While the bite has been decent, but inconsistent at times, we expect the best bite to be in the deeper water south of Pillsbury Reef. Others are finding them on Center Reef in 10 to 13 feet of water.
Don't give up on the season yet! There is still plenty of time to hit the ice and wet a line. Stop in to get the latest reports. We look forward to seeing you!
Fishing with Minnesota Timberwolves!
Earlier this week, I had the fortune of taking out Minnesota Timberwolves players Derrick Williams and Malcolm Lee and a friend, in one of our Rental Fish Houses. It was their first experience ice fishing. We got the lines wet, and had the camera down. We saw numerous sunfish during the few hours out and had a nice northern pike coming and going. While we couldn't coax the pike to take our sucker minnow, the guys caught a bunch of sunfish and a few perch. While it was a new experience for them, I got the impression that I might see them on the ice again! A good time was had by all. If you are interested in renting a fish house with us, we will have them available until the end of February. Call for reservations...952-442-2096
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