2015 Conditions Thread

Here's a new thread to post all lake conditions. 

Ends of Conneaut Lake were iced over but the middle was still wide open as of yesterday.  Wind needs to stop blowing for a while.  At least we didn't get as much snow as we were supposed to.  Taking a drive to Erie this weekend just to check things out, and get out of the house. 

Anyone been out to Eaton Reservoir yet?

Presque Isle Bay is pretty much ice'd over. I imagine some crazy s.o.b. will venture out onto at least Misery bay soon.
Chompin' at the bit here...

I knew it had to be getting close. Glad to see this thread finally started.
 
To all the risk takers willing to be the first set of tracks out on the ice, BE SAFE and HAVE A BUDDY on shore. I'll gladly be the second set of tracks, but I'm done being first. My cousin's hut is probably still well preserved in the muck at the bottom of lake pleasant even after 15 yrs.

J
Just returned from the 'The Dead Lake' (aka: Lake Wilhelm) where I did a little tippey toeing on the ice.
 
About 25 yds out from shore at launch area #3 and, west (approximately 500 yds.) to the 'bay', the ice measured (holes by others) 4".  Little to no snow covered the area mentioned but,  it appears the surface was quite slushy after recent rain.  Cracks in the ice appear to indicate the lake continues to make ice, however not having my auger (), I can't  say if the ice is solid enough to support fishing activity just yet.
 
Checked with a local bait shop (awfully nice folks) and they reported ice thicknesses of 2 to 4" with 2" being the norm around the lake.  I've included a phone number the shop owner set-up regarding updates about the ice.  Calling 724-253-3655 should allow for updated recordings between the hours of 4:00pm and 8am M-F. (store hrs. 8:00am to 4:00pm M-F) 
 
Saw nobody out on the ice during my exploration and the shop owners report they know of just a few people out checking.  The shop owner did not recommend being on the ice to fish, based on the information he has received to date.
 
Howd I do..........................?
 
 

Sugar lake is 3.5-5 inches. Slushy in some areas, but for the most part 5-10 inches of snow insulating it.

Boro where all you check on edinboro? Iv been out off crawford beach couple times but only venturing a hundred yards or so . 6-8 inches of ice butttttttt mostly crap white with a slush pocket . So I'm not venturing at all

Where's all the ice fishermen? Usually this thread is bumping . Personally my season has been great !!! Hammered the fish on misery Shenango and Wilhelm just a lot of smalls . Looking to find some slabs but with with only a hub style shanty and marginal weather when I go not much looking going on

Where are the pearch in the bay been out 3 times and can't catch anything worth keeping

Most people use the full blown digging bar. use it as a walking stick and it will go threw unsafe ice with one or two pokes when this happens time to turn around A couple of weeks ago I was fishing Pymatuning off of Westford and the ice was more than good enough I decided to try Fries road access walked out 50 yards and the bar went threw with one hit I am glad I just didn't figure it to be ok.Any tool would be helpful if its not as heavy it might just take a couple extra hits.   Anybody catch any crappie anywhere yet???

Thanks pymo. Appreciate that info. I fished mammoth for a couple hours on wed . no fish. Ice was 5-6" clear with a little over an inch of white.*all measurements were estimates. No measuring tape. Hope it holds up OK over the weekend.