Houghton Lake Ice Out Underway

Dead Stream Flooding by Reedsburg Dam

Houghton Lake and surrounding area bodies of water and waterways could be ice free by the end of March if not sooner. Due to the warm temperatures all winter, especially in March (as much as 25 degrees above normal for this time of year), the ground never fully froze. And along with the abundance of sunny days areas such as Dead Stream Flooding by Reedsburg Dam are 90% open water. The melting snow and ice has caused high water levels and fast moving rivers and creeks.


In the photo above you just see a small amount of ice along the western shore. This was taken on March 15, 2012. Many Geese, Ducks and other water fowl have already returned to the area.

Reedsburg Dam March 2012

As seen in the photograph on the right, the water levels on the low side (riverside) of Reedsburg Dam are very high. The water is almost to the bottom of the west bank access stairs. The water is moving so swiftly it was near impossible to fish this side of the bridge. Reports are that there's no activity in this area.

Fishing will probably remain poor until the water temperatures rise and the water levels recede to normal after the spring runoff.

If the warm weather persists summer fishing will begin early this year. The downside is that the insect population could explode early with record numbers. But until then I'm just enjoying the warm days for as long as they last.

For those who fish or camp at Backus Lake off M-18, there is lumber being harvested in the area. That coupled with the early thaw is leaving deep muddy ruts along the road that are hard to get through even with four wheel drive. The dirt road is usually muddy and wet during the spring but with the trucks and heavy equipment rolling over them it's much worse. Hopefully they will be done soon and the road will be graded to fill the ruts. Many people enjoy camping by the lake during the spring and summer. Right now it would be impossible to get a camper back there.

Take Care,

Ken S

Houghton Lake Ice-Out is Underway

A Pair of Ducks at Dead Stream Flooding
photo by
K. Stephenson

Although winter hit us with one last shot in the form of 8 inches of snow about a week and a half ago. Warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine since then have the ice on the run. Houghton Lake and surrounding area lakes and waterways have all begun to at least show water, with some moving waterways almost completely ice free. Ice out on Houghton Lake could occur as soon as the third week in April. The DNR puts the docks in around the beginning of May.

Dead Stream Flooding Next to Reedsburg Dam
photo by
K. Stephenson

The above photo was taken the last day of March and the ice has receded even further since then.

Backus Lake is still mostly covered with ice but is showing signs of melting such as a 3 inch wide crack near the boat launch. The road back to Backus Lake is heavily rutted from the winter ice fishermen. And with the frost coming out of the ground the road is very muddy and slick. Use caution or just wait until May before venturing out to Backus Lake.

Now that we're in the transition period between ice fishing and open water fishing, this is a great time to think about cleaning and oiling your favorite reel. Maybe replacing the frayed or stretched line with some new line. One maybe two seasons can cause the line to lose it's strength. There's nothing like getting the big one on the hook only to have the line break when you get him next to the boat.

Speaking of hooks you should sharpen or replace any dull hooks. Heck, why not just empty the tackle box and get rid of the junk. You know the pieces of fishing line, the bent jigheads, broken bobbers, lures that are missing hooks. How about the wrappers from the crappie rigs, the sinkers, the beef jerky and sandwiches? You know what I'm talking about. Put the boat battery on the charger. Nothing can ruin the day like a dead battery. You don't even get away from the dock. Not to mention it's embarrassing (believe me I know).

Get organized before the season starts and your fishing adventure will be much more fun and relaxing.

Think safety and have a great summer of fishing.

Ken S.

.