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Post by CaptainKirk1 on Apr 8, 2014 7:30:20 GMT -6
I too agree with DominoDave,I thought the run was pretty good last year. Although the air temps are finally rising, the lake picked up a lot of ice over the course of this cold winter. There is still a ton of floating ice cover on the big lake(see: coasthingych.glerl.noaa.gov/modis/region_map.html)and more than I remember last year. Because of this, I'm guessing the run will be pushed back this year, even with warmer April temperatures. On a side note: there is still fast ice in the far western arm (not much change from than the last report) and free ice blew into the western arm about a week ago.
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Post by aceyang on Apr 8, 2014 13:12:06 GMT -6
me 3 agree with dominos last year was a great year it was popping!!..they ran hard on weekdays tho. weekends was a bust for us somehow the bad weather landed on weekends last year..
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Post by dominodaves on Apr 8, 2014 18:41:37 GMT -6
Captain, I agree that this years run should be later than "normal", but I don't think it will be later than last year. This sudden change in weather reminds me of 2012 when things just warmed fast and everything melted in 10 days and we were checking the water temps in March.
Warmth helps out but the this sun is the key this late in April. It's already making the ice very soft on the lakes here in east central MN. The late season ice fisherman are already nervous out on the lakes now. They are walking only already. I checked out the web cams today, and there seems to be a big change in the ice conditions up there already. Barring any snow storms over the next 2 weeks I bet we are in the water by the 25th or so. Now I'm not saying that we will be getting them at that time right now, but some of us may be doing some sampling at that point. Last year we got our 1st smelt on about April 30th. I bet it will be earlier than that this year.
But this year will likely bring something into the game that we have not faced in many years. A shifting ice pack. Yes, we have a lot of ice on the main lake this year. Some of it is very thick and likely to be around for a while since the cold waters of Superior warm so slowly. So a likely scenario is that a SW wind will open things up while pushing the pack out. Then the run might begin, then a NE wind could bring the ice back in and shut things down for a bit. Last year a Strong NE wind piled the ice 25' high on the beach. It took forever to melt. We saw a shifting ice pack arise back in 2008 I think. It can be very frustrating. I hope I'm wrong, or we get lucky and it gets blown off the lake somewhere else.
But one things is for sure this year. Things are running behind schedule just like last year. So when the ice moves out, be ready to hit the water ASAP. Last year, the ice finally moved out, and we hit them really good that same night! Even though that ice pack was only a few miles away on WI point.
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Post by cvang393 on Apr 8, 2014 22:23:34 GMT -6
Can Dominodaves and Captainkirk please share the links to the cams? I am curious how it looks like up there. Thanks ahead!
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Post by CaptainKirk1 on Apr 9, 2014 7:59:43 GMT -6
Domino: I dunno, although it's been a record breaking winter and there is nearly 80% ice cover still! I hope you're right though. Sounds like we are in line for some thunder storms tonight, that will certainly expatiate the process. Can't wait! C-vang - I usually just look out my window. :-) Otherwise, here is the park point cam: www.parkpointbeach.org/For a view of the whole thing: Modis satellite imagery. coasthingych.glerl.noaa.gov/modis/modis.php?region=s&page=1
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Post by lakevermiliongirl on Apr 9, 2014 8:29:04 GMT -6
Newbie here! I'm thrilled to find this board! Ok...I use to smelt back in the early 90's as a college student in Duluth. I remember how much fun it is, and I'd love to teach my boys to smelt this year! I'd appreciate any advice so we may seemlessly blend in with the culture and all you seasoned smelters! My smelting experience is a bit foggy, as it involved a bit of beer drinking. I'll be doing my research, but I'd appreciate any tips!!
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Post by dominodaves on Apr 9, 2014 8:38:26 GMT -6
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Post by dominodaves on Apr 9, 2014 8:47:14 GMT -6
Welcome aboard LVgirl. Let's jog your memory a bit! The pleasant smell of the fires burning on the beach, the sound of waves breaking on shore, walking of soft sand, the hootin and hollerin when nets are full, that sweet fishy cucumber smell of huge school of smelt, the warmth of a fire, the coldness of the water, tired achy hands, the sound of another an beer can hitting a pile of other empty beer cans...... Are the memories becoming more clear yet? ?
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Post by dominodaves on Apr 9, 2014 8:54:20 GMT -6
WOW, I just posted that and reread it make sure it was correct......then it came to me.....it almost sounds naughty and romantic to a smelter.....
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Post by lakevermiliongirl on Apr 9, 2014 9:46:32 GMT -6
Ah...yes! Great memories!! I can't wait! I have a hundred questions...but I'll do my research first. We always went to Lester river, not the beach. I know they run at night, but when is night? Sundown? Midnight? I just can't remember.
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Post by dominodaves on Apr 9, 2014 9:49:52 GMT -6
We get started just after dusk. But you should get there a little early so you can get a good spot.
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Post by lakevermiliongirl on Apr 9, 2014 10:04:51 GMT -6
Well thanks for the warm welcome DDave!
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Post by cvang393 on Apr 9, 2014 11:40:05 GMT -6
Wow, that is a lot of ice still! I can understand why you're able to give us such quick updates on reports now, Captainkirk. Lol. Dominodaves, it doesn't look like Ashland will be ready anytime soon too. I really thought the past few days of warm weather would do some damage up there to the ice but I'm wrong. Lakevermiliongirl, I would suggest a decently good wader. I've used cheap waders and I regret that decision. Considering you're thinking about the Lester, you won't be needing a seine net but a dip net instead. Try getting a net that isn't made out of fabric as it tends to rip apart from dipping it into the river. Also, guys correct me if I'm wrong, but the run runs later in the season if you plan on dipping for smelt in the Lester. Hope that helps! Something like this: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003OANMU8/ref=oh_details_o08_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Post by dominodaves on Apr 9, 2014 13:56:27 GMT -6
I hate to sound like an optimist, because that really goes against my nature. But has anyone noticed the web cams right now? That ice on the point is looking really dark with some open water starting to form! I know....it's likely only temporary....but one can hope a little. LVgirl....we all enjoy helping out the newbies. Besides, I have a son at UMD right now so I understand your fond memories. If you get yourself a good pair of waders. I'm sure that you can tag along with some of us this year if things workout. It seems like every year we get to introduce someone or re-introduce them from years past. We have all the nets, we just need some help pulling or dipping sometimes. The only thing we charge is some kind of beverage!
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Post by lakevermiliongirl on Apr 9, 2014 15:29:30 GMT -6
Thanks cvang! I'll start shopping around for a couple decent nets. And really good waders, right? Daves...I just might take you up on that offer! I've 2 teens who are starting to look at colleges, and of course I'd love for them to go to school in Duluth. They'll be my partners in crime and we're all looking forward to it.
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