I never thought that only a few days before Christmas we would have to be so careful on the lakes.
From Red Lake to St. Cloud there are deteriorating ice conditions. Some lakes are forming pressure ridges and cracks which are moving daily. Even in some cases ATVs are breaking through. And with no extreme low temps in the future forecast and some snow predicted it looks like it could get worse.
I know things seemed to freeze early but over the holidays we will still need to use caution and maybe stick to ATV or, in some cases, even foot traffic. And even then don't overdrive your headlights, cracks can come and go. It's always a good idea with conditions like this to carry some rope and a throwable preserver, just in case you come across someone who wasn't prepared.
Merry Christmas everyone and hopefully Santa left your favorite fishing lures under the tree.
JAMIE DIETMAN, What's Up Outdoors, may be reached at 218-820-7757.
