Maiden Lake ice conditions in Oconto County, December 18, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
LAKEWOOD, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — With Monday’s biting wind and brisk temperatures, for many, it certainly felt like winter.
In northern Oconto County, people are waiting for the season to arrive.
What might be described as a small snow-fueled twister made its way across the distant shoreline of Chain Lake Monday morning. On the bay nearby, people test their luck on the frozen surface.
“I would definitely say that the ice has formed when it was suppose to, kind of on time, but again, it came on real quick, and then, we just never got more. Within two days, it went from nothing, to enough to walk on,” said Derek Soletske, Mighty Fine Sport Shop and Fireworks Part-Owner.
Derek Soletske says ice first started forming on Lakewood area lakes the end of November. He says ice thickness varies, but recent weather had an impact.
“And then raining and warming. And ever since then, we have not formed any more ice,” said Soletske.
Some people have in interest in the weather getting colder. Those at Lakewood Trailers say they have something winter fishermen could really use.
It’s called the Ice Castle Fish House.
“It’s a very nice-looking trailer. We’ve got holes in the floor for ice fishing. It’s wired to put your cable television, or satellite tv in there. You could put your fish camera up on it, the tv in there. There’s a heater, so a 20,000 BTU furnace inside of it. We’ve got a radio with speakers. There’s even a cook-top stove in there, if you want to spend the night and cook out in it,” said Lori Calaway, Lakewood Trailers Owner.
Lori Calaway says the 6 1/2 X 8 model costs about $15,500.
All that’s needed is some ice.
“We need some ice. But it’s coming,” she said.
On Monday morning, open water could be seen on this section of Maiden Lake. Derek Soletske says the winter forecast for Lakewood, could be better.
“In the 40s. It looks like even for Christmas, they’re talking about a little bit of rain possibly,” he said.
Experts say there’s no such thing as 100 percent safe ice.
They say it’s important to check with area bait shops for conditions before heading out.
Comments