I am curious how the Spring melt is progressing on Lake Winnipeg? Is the shoreline still locked up with ice or is the shoreline opening up? Hopefully people won't risk their safety trying to get out onto sketchy ice.......
This gentleman posts great info on LW conditions all seasons. Worth checking out.
Rick GergatzLake Winnipeg Ice Report
May 10 at 7:40 AM
Tuesday May 10th, 2022
As we creep toward opening day for anglers on Saturday there will be questions about where to go, access and weather.
Generally this springs breakup has been delayed by below average spring temperatures. Only this past week have we seen spring like temperatures and while this has sped up the thaw conditions, Big Windy hasn’t changed much. Once it clears up we will get some satellite pictures to see if there has been any movement of the ice sheet. There is some open water along most shorelines and the typical initial indicators at Hecla/Black Island of the start of breakup…so far we haven’t seen movement.
The Red River and most tributary rivers and streams into Lake Winnipeg are flowing strong and hard. High water levels and strong currents along with debris and deadheads will make boat travel precarious.
With the delay of the spring melt and break up we also see a delayed spring spawn run of walleye. Water temperatures are still very low and that great big ice cube is still very prominent on the lake. The whole reason for a spring shut down of fishing is to allow an unimpeded spawn and provide sustainable numbers in the future. Even catch and release will stress the fish, and can adversely affect the spawn so maybe a little patience is warranted. Might be better to wait for more favourable conditions for safety and success to return.
This past rain approached an inch in most locations of the Red and Lake Winnipeg catchment, and we are not done yet as we look to be stuck in trough that will convey more rain on Friday and into the weekend. Heavy south wind on Friday (up to 40mph) may start some ice movement. The weekend does look to be cooling as well. (The Windy app and pictures are showing temperatures on Lake Winnipeg near Hecla and reflect the cooling effect on the water/ice. Shore temperatures and inland can be significantly higher)
It’s not looking like a nice weekend right now, and we will monitor the lake ice conditions and breakup. Member pictures of River and Lake launch/harbour conditions and information is encouraged. More information is always welcome.
Be smart be safe and be prepared.
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