I'm very interested in this too. Going to the in-laws around Bemidji this weekend and I'm packing the gear. Wondering what kind of ice measurements people are finding???
There has got to be at least 4-5 inches on the smaller lakes I would imagine. There has been some really cold days up there over the last 10 days.
Some smaller lakes we checked last weekend that were isolated had 3-4" on them and some of the smaller decent walleye lakes locked up last Saturday but had 2-3" near shore. could have put on some additional this week but extreme caution is advised. All of the larger lakes are still open. We have several spots we know well and can walk out to form shore but one still needs to be very careful, no large groups or ATV's etc...
I was out last night on a small lake there was 4 to 6 inches. Fished 8-18 FOW and ened up catching one small eye and losing another at the hole. Should be ice on most small lakes but make sure u check as u go.Good luck and be safe.
Went out this morning with my wife on a smaller lake (150 acres). Found 7-8 inches everywhere, even over the deep 35 ft hole. thinnest ice was 6 inches.
Fishing was good. A great mix of sunnies and crappies. All the fish were in the deep hole of the lake and seem to have already moved out of any remaining weeds. Much bigger size that what I find in the metro area with a dozen bluegills going over 8.5 inches. :) Gonna enjoy a fish fry with the in-laws tonight.