Burntside & Snowbank Ice Reports

[greatoutdoors]

With the trout season starting this Saturday, here's an ice update on Burntside & Snowbank lakes.
On Snowbank, Smitty's has the ice road plowed to Center Island, and their ice houses out.  There is about 11-13 inches of good ice in the open parts of the lake, but slush is being reported near shorelines and bays, and the ice may not be as thick in these areas.
Burntside has as little as 7 inches of ice in some places, and as much as 15 inches of clear ice in others.  There are many areas of double layers of ice, and quite a few pockets of slush.  I'd recommend snowmobile traffic only, as ATVs could be in trouble in many places unless a snowmobile has packed a trail a few days earlier. 
There is a short road plowed from the landing off the Passi Road, which is to the east of Dead River.  The Passi Road is accessed from the Echo Trail.  This is the only road plowed on the lake so far, and it will be a week or more before any others are plowed.
Conditions will improve in weeks to come, but are far from ideal currently.
We have treated Ciscos, frozen Herring in two sizes, live bait consisting of Rainbow Chubs, two sizes of Suckers, Fathead Chubs, Waxworms, and a large selection of Power Baits and trout lures on hand. 
If you have any questions, feel free to call the bait shop at 218-365-4744.