Muskrat Lake Ice Out?

[rkaine46]

Hell0 - any folks in the Cobden area have a report on the ice and ice out for Muskrat? Looking to plan a trip up to fish ice out lakers.

Cheers

Ron

[smitty55]

I saw someone on 613 saying they were going up this weekend so I assume it's now open. Just make sure if you're getting minnows to not get them in 18.

[JimW]

I know someone that was out fishing lakers on Sunday on Muskrat.... the lake is open... surface temps still cold 35 to 37 degrees.

[smitty55]

I know someone that was out fishing lakers on Sunday on Muskrat.... the lake is open... surface temps still cold 35 to 37 degrees.

So assuming I have the physics correct, water is densest at 39° so once the lake surface temps reach that it will sink and and the water temps and oxygen levels will start to stabilize through the depths. After that forage will be seeking the warmest water, even if it's only 2° warmer so I figure the Lakers will follow in as shallow as they need to. My bet would be west facing Boyd's Bay, deep water extends well into it and there's good structure on both sides.
Good luck out there rkaine, weather's looking decent with light winds on Saturday.

Cheers

[JimW]

I know someone that was out fishing lakers on Sunday on Muskrat.... the lake is open... surface temps still cold 35 to 37 degrees.

So assuming I have the physics correct, water is densest at 39° so once the lake surface temps reach that it will sink and and the water temps and oxygen levels will start to stabilize through the depths. After that forage will be seeking the warmest water, even if it's only 2° warmer so I figure the Lakers will follow in as shallow as they need to. My bet would be west facing Boyd's Bay, deep water extends well into it and there's good structure on both sides.
Good luck out there rkaine, weather's looking decent with light winds on Saturday.

Cheers

I would agree with your thinking.