In Towne Marina Lake Waconia Ice Update - 2/4/21 - Access use update!

Access use update…We’ve been expecting some true winter cold at some point and it’s finally here! With temps overnight getting below zero for the next 7 to 10 days, the ice on Lake Waconia will be thickening up nicely. We did another ice check today to see what we could find for minimum thicknesses in locations many anglers are looking to fish, specifically the area around Center Reef. What we found was ice ranging from 11.75 inches to 13 inches in the lesser ice areas we’ve been monitoring all winter. We also found an average of 13 inches out by the “Hump” between the marinas.

What does this mean? It means starting tomorrow (Friday, 2/5/21) we will be opening our access up for use to areas beyond Waconia Bay. Those wishing to get from the marina to Pillsbury Reef, Center Reef or beyond will be able to do so from our access. With the snowfall last night and this morning of about 2 inches, combined with the wind, there may some drifting on the lake. We will not be plowing our normal road to Center, Pillsbury and parts of Wagener’s Bay until the wind subsides, which may be Saturday. 4-wheel drive trucks and AWD SUV’s can get around quite easily out there right now. Cars will likely be able to get around, but come prepared with a shovel in case you get stuck on a drift. Because minimums on much of the lake are still in the 11.75 to 14 inch range, we recommend those pulling tandem wheel houses with trucks to stay on the thicker ice like Waconia Bay or Wagener’s Bay where it’s 16 to 20 inches.

If you want to go off the beaten path, keep in mind we don’t plow roads to many of the areas to the east and north. Also, as we’ve mentioned in previous posts, pay attention for the active springs we have marked with lath board and flagging tape and give them room.

As always, we can never guarantee ice. If you use our access it is drive at your own risk. We currently like the condition of the ice and do our best to check and report what we find throughout the season, but can’t cover it all.

Access rates are $5 per vehicle on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. It’s $3 per vehicle Monday through Thursday. If you plan to use the access a lot for the rest of February, a Winter Season Pass is $35. The pass is good until March 1st, weather and ice permitting.

We’ll see you on the ice!