Open water on Brainerd Area Lakes

[Woody]

Kurilla reports seeing open water on several lakes
By VINCE MEYER
Outdoors Editor-Brainerd Daily Dispatch

A word of caution to ice anglers, snowmobilers and all-terrain vehicle riders: Ice on area lakes not only is unsafe, it's also nonexistent in some locations.

Gary Kurilla, who frequently flies an airplane for his real estate business, said he saw open water Monday on several area lakes, including Mille Lacs, Whitefish, Gull, North Long and Round.

"There's one hole on North Long and another in the middle of Round," Kurilla said. "Even when the temperatures got very cold a few weeks ago they didn't freeze. Gull has open water in the middle. Mille Lacs has two long, narrow holes in the middle. Parts of Whitefish are open. On the main part of North Long we saw a big fish house that had broken through and tipped on its side."

Kurilla said he's aware that most local residents are aware of the unsafe ice, but that weekenders might not be.

"They should know that they need to be very careful," Kurilla said.

[Mayfly]

Whats happening to Minnesota....... :-\

[WoodChuck]

 ??? it must be those danged amabs, sending all that desert heat over here so that we dont need thier oil and they can raise the price higher for when we do need it? sounds good to me for the heat and the high price of crude ! or is that a little too crude for a thought ? what do you think ??   THINK SNOW. ;) 

[Mayfly]

I think we need cold before snow. But both would be nice. Was hoping for a white Christmas.

[jigglestick]

Deer lake in itasca county still has about 40 acres of open water from what I can tell.
this is not uncommon. the sad thing is that it had finaly froze over and then that warm spell opened her up and now it doesnt seem to want to heal shut.
I'm sure it will, but it wont be very safe for a while.
lakes like leech, big trout in coleraine are the same types of lakes, so if you don't know where you are venturing, at least stay within a long ropes pull from shore. think of the poor bastard who wittnesses you go in. he's got a moral obligation now to put his life in danger because you did not use your head.
very sad.

if you dont know, dont go.

[Mayfly]

if you dont know, dont go.

Thats the truth. And if you are just too stubborn don't bring your kids with you. I think we have all heard the horror stories :-\

[Woody]

After losing a friend 2 years ago, it definently opened my eyes!  I've always been extremely cautious but that incident put a fear into me.  He knew the lake like the back of his hand, got disoriented in the fog (new years eve) and drove on a part of the lake known consistantly for crappy ice.  He was found 2 days later. 

Now when I go out, I make damn sure it's safe enough.  And if I bring my kidlets along-you can best bet there is more than enough ice!  It's one thing to risk my own life (which I won't due), but I refuse to risk another's life!

*Just a side note, the "lake" I've been on as of late has about 8-10" of good clear ice on  it.  There are atvs and permanents on it.  Still I walk it, and don't get too far out-just in case.  No I won't give the name of the body of water-as the fishing pressure is ridiculous and I fear it is going to be literally fished out!  :o  Sad what people will do for some fish.  It all boils down to one thing-use your head!