May 5, 2013 Ice Out Report

May 5, 2013  We drove out to Fall Lake boat landing near Ely, MN yesterday morning to see how the ice was doing.  We are all getting anxious to have the ice melt so we can start the 2013 BWCA canoe season.

As you can see from the photos we have a little more melting to do.  The ice has pulled away from parts of the shoreline, but remains pretty thick.  Take a look at the second photo.  There are a couple of people out ice fishing about a 100 yards from shore.  We watched them catch a couple of fish while we watched.  This time of year they would be fishing for Crappies.

Miners Lake and Shagawa Lake in Ely, MN both still have similar ice to Fall Lake.  Some of the rivers and areas with current are starting to break up more.

This coming weekend, May 11, 2013, is the Fishing opener.  We are hoping the 65+ degree weather will help move things along.  Please check back for more updates on the ice conditions.

May 5, 2013 Fall Lake boat landing near Ely, MN

May 5, 2013 Fall Lake, Ice Fishermen

Ely, MN Ice Conditions

This year everyone is worried about when the ice will go out and if it will be out by the May 11, 2013 fishing opener.  Most of the snow has melted...finally.  The lakes are still covered with ice.  In 2012 the ice went out the end of March.  Here we are May 2, 2013 and we still have over a foot of ice on most of the lakes.

Many of the lakes around the Ely, MN area and the BWCA have grey ice which is a good sign that things are slowly melting.  The ice is still holding tight to the edges of the lakes.  It's always better when you start to see a little water on the edges.  Some of the rivers such as the Kawishiwi River will have open water before lakes without current.  The current in the rivers helps break up the ice a little faster.

Time and warmer temperatures will help move things along.  We have had a few canoeing groups move their trips back a week or two.  Last year we sent a few groups out by April 27, 2012.

Here is a picture April 30, 2013 of Miners Lake in Ely, MN.  Still lots of ice yet!

Check back with us to learn more about Ely, MN ice conditions. 

You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bwcaoutfitters