Ice Thickness - Tips?

[DHawk]

I get a reminder of varying ice conditions every year when I drive to visit family in Kingston. There are lakes that are that will have tons of open water (bigger & deeper) and my local cottage lake that will have over a foot of ice at the same time (skinny, flowing - it's actually a widening of a river system). We get updates from the locals on the ice thickness.

I want to start venturing onto small lakes in the area, earlier in the season. I hear that early ice can be really good fishing. If one lake ices over weeks before another, will the first be more productive or do I get two chances at early ice by switching to the second lake after a few weeks? Does anyone have any tips on predicting which lakes will be better candidates for early ice? What does everyone suggest for checking the ice thickness (aside from locals/regulars)? Will any cordless drill with a spade bit work for checking ice thickness? Should I purchase a spud bar? My ice auger is manual.

DHawk

[Corvus Lacus]

A spud bar is your best friend . Don't forget ice picks and a floating rope. Always go out with a buddy....keep at least 50 ft apart as you're walking out.