Took some time this afternoon to take a drive out towards Hay Bay. Drove out from Napanee along the River Road all the way to Bayview Resort.
Here's what I saw:
Napanee River frozen but with soft spots close to channel markers and along the shore.
Mohawk Bay is frozen BUT a LARGE patch of open water around Forresters Island. The current is keeping it open.
Long Reach has what I would say is SPOTTY ice... Went down the Huff Road to the edge and STAY OFF THE ICE THERE. Looks really soft.
Shermans Pt. Didin't bother to drive down to the ramp as I figured I could see enough of that area from the road. Ice has patches of snow and casual water (the golfers will know what that is).
It's the same all the way from Perfect Vue to Bayview. I went down to the water at Bayview and I wouldn't go out there. Snow patches, casual water lying on top of the ice and the looks soft......
I'm afraid we're going to have to wait for some COLD temps, granted the nights are below freezing but the day time temps temps are going up.
Have a look at this:
http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/cities/can/pages/caon0462.htm
Pay heed to Thursday - like PLUS 12 .......It may be a while for the ice to recover.
On the bright side: I'd ballpark the opening about 145 Days, I'm aiming to have the boat in the water by Mid April for some North Channel trolling for bows, browns & lakers.
Boat Show in Toronto Next weekend - The Fishing Show in Toronto Mid Feb. Maybe even get to the Ottawa Show
Hope that doesn't dampen the ice fishing spirit in the board readers.
Stay Tuned.