Lake Condition

[Justin92297]

Anyone know how much Ice is on the lakes? I'm hoping to get out there my first week of break

[Geoff]

if theres not much now, there will be come tomorrow and Saturday. Expecting ice and a couple inches of snow Friday and saturday

[Haris122]

I was going to make my way up there today, but in the back of my mind I pictured the lakes frozen over for the most part, so I went to the Meramec instead, with nothing to show for it. That's the thing about winter here that kind of sucks, especially if fishing from the bank.

As far as I can tell, all other species become very inactive once it's this cold, even where the water keeps moving, and yet the only places with trout available nearby, are lakes/ponds that have probably frozen over and thus are a no go. Maybe next week I'll try to hit up St. James, if I get up early enough to make it worth the drive down that far.

[Justin92297]

Ok good to know. Looks like I might be at meramec springs also at least until the ice melts at busch

[Haris122]

Don't get me wrong. I didn't actually go yesterday. I was planning to, but decided not to hedge my bets on it, seeing how for me it's a bit of a drive just to find out the lakes are frozen. I distinctly remember last winter heading up there on a nice sunny day not too cold day, that followed several rough ones, only to find every single lake I went to frozen over. That time I just wound up going to the Missouri River at Weldon Springs, and not catching anything there either, but at least there, I could access water (as opposed to Ice). That's why I didn't roll the dice on it. I really wish I knew how to get the river fish to cooperate from the bank when it's as cold as this, cause there's a lot of flowing water closer than Meramec Springs to me. But as far as my best bet of any action, so far that's it when it gets to that borderline of lakes freezing.

[Justin92297]

Ok thanks. I'll be up there checking it out next weekend. Hopefully there will be some open water

[BredMan]

My guess would be they are frozen. I live close enough but have no desire to look knowing how cold it's been. Maybe some fishable water late next week after the meltdown and water run-off.

[BredMan]

Lake -21 and Lake-28 are solid ice. Checked them out at 8:30 this morning. Expected to see some open water but not the case. Ice at the edge of Lake-21 was about 1/2" - 3/4" thick and as always someone has tossed out some rocks and sticks to break the ice and all laying on top of the ice.

[mhall02]

Yeah, I drove through Thursday in hopes of open water but no dice. Did see a few guys walking on one of the trout lakes (not the catch and relase), but didn't see anything on the news about a rescue so I guess they did OK. I certainly would not have walked out there! Told my son with me those guys are just asking for trouble.

[BredMan]

Having fished Busch for the past several years on New Years day I made an attempt today but there was very little water and lots of ice. A few were trying to fish the couple small spots that were open. Wasn't enough breathing room or worth the effort. After today it will all be iced over once again.