LOTW Report 3/21/2010

[Border View Lodge]

Fishing during the past week started fast, but slowed considerably the last few days. Late ice can produce phenomenal fishing, but when lake conditions change too quickly it can slow fishing as well. Guests have been fishing off of Pine Island in our houses, which will all be coming off the ice today. The water has dirtied up the last couple of days due to some current pushing through from the Rainy River.

The Rainy River is open out into 4 Mile Bay. The public access ramp next to the lodge still has 30 yards of ice out from the ramp, but the rest of the river is wide open. That ice by the ramp should break away tomorrow or in the next couple days. There have been boats out fishing the river from Birchdale to 4 Mile Bay. Many reports thus far have been of slow fishing, but the water is clean and the current is very manageable.

The lake is now only safe enough for ATVs and snowmobiles, with many areas not even safe for that. Most fishermen are using Graceton Beach, which seems to hold ice the longest of the accesses on the east end of the lake. Current and open water is pushing out into the lake from the Lighthouse Gap, Morris Point Gap, and Bostic. Shoreline ice is also deteriorating. There are some large cracks that have been fluctuating on the lake as well. Use extreme caution if heading out.

Thanks for a great winter!