Shirley's Bay 2022 Ice season

[Fordpodolski]

Went out for the afternoon yesterday- road out wasn’t too plowed, but the recent ice and winds really blew the snow off the top so it’s pretty easy to drive out. Got my first perch of the year there too! All been sauger and walleye this year- and all about perch size haha. Hope everyone is still getting out! Ice is still plenty thick, was on 18” about a KM out.

[levitch]

has anyone been out on the ice recently?

Im wondering how the ice is holding up

[Fisherman89]

Was at Shirley's two weeks ago and there was plenty of ice. Got out on Mississippi one last time this past weekend before walleye season closed (zone 18). Lots of ice and no slush.

I would guess the ice is still fine out there, we've had cold temps. Hopefully the weather on Sunday and into next week doesn't make things too sloppy!

[Fordpodolski]

Haven’t been out this week but am going to pass by tomorrow afternoon/ with the still neg evening temps I’m hoping to get out Monday…. Will report back tomorrow evening when I go by! Last week there was still 18-19” about a km out

[levitch]

thanks guys!

[Fisherman89]

Was out there today from 3 to 7 PM. Still lots of good ice, 18+ inches. Wasn't too bad walking out, but it is getting slushy out there. Lots of water on top of the ice, 4+ inches of water on top of the ice in some spots. I think it should freeze back up again when we get that drop in temps.

The fishing was slow. Had some action between 5:30 and 6:30. Caught a few small sauger and one 14" walleye.

[Fordpodolski]

Didn’t make it out to check yesterday, but went this morning. One shack is pulled, and there was someone else pulling a trailer off. Seems like lots of standing water and slush. I decided it was a no go for me haha.

[JimW]

Any updated on the conditions at Shirley's?

I am hoping to head out there Monday afternoon for my last ice trip of the year. Anyone want to meet?

[Fisherman89]

I was out there last night, probably my last outing of the season.

Some deeper snow drifts due to the snow and wind we had yesterday. And some deeper slushy spots near the launch.

The rest of the ice was good. All the water that was on top has frozen solid. And still a few people driving trucks out there.

The fishing was slower than average for me. Caught one perch and 6 or 7 sauger.

[Happy Hooker]

Just wondering with the full moon coming up how is the ling bite going to be.
Planning to walk out I guess it could be sloppy, but being the last kick at the ling for the ice fishing season is it worth it?

[JimW]

I fished Monday 4 pm to 10 pm..... 7 walleye, plus lost a few and one 20" ling at 8 pm.

[Happy Hooker]

Thks Jim
We are going to try Thursday in not to sloppie,
how far out did you go and were you driving?
Thanks again
Hooker

[smitty55]

Just like to point out a little small window technique to anyone still braving the ice out there.This is now the best time of the season for big Pike during the day on large dead baits as they filter in to the bay in advance of spawning season. That lagoon is the key, it's by far the largest spawning ground on the whole river for a good ten miles at least. It has open water and new weed growth before Shirley's is even open, and Pike are first to spawn. This and just after ice out is the only time the biggest girls in the river are there and are available and congregating. Without giving away any specific spot I'll just say that you want to be fishing in shallow water under 5 feet fairly close to shore over by the lagoon. Even 3 feet can be good but it can make it hard to turn the head into the hole, so stout gear is a must. Big Pike like to follow the shoreline and herd schools of baitfish along the shore. Stay away from the entrance to the lagoon though as there is some current there and best avoided. Certainly not the best weather this week for maintaining ice conditions so I would be a tad careful checking the ice on the way. Maybe after 4 days above freezing all the snow, slush and water will be gone with good ice still left. Hopefully the launch remains useful and doesn't wash out for vehicles, although atvs and sleds could find access.

Cheers and good luck

[Happy Hooker]

Thank for the advice worth looking into,
This time of year I tend fish a bit on the shallow side.
Hooker

[JimW]

Sorry Hooker was out of town on a road trip and did not see your post. I hope you got out.

I was out with the Taiga Dog for transportation, so did not drive my truck on the river and we traveled about 2.5 km east from the boat launch.

Thks Jim
We are going to try Thursday in not to sloppie,
how far out did you go and were you driving?
Thanks again
Hooker