Long Winter at the Wheel – April 27, 2022

April 27th, 2022 by

Most of the upper Midwest has been experiencing a cooler than normal spring, but recent photos from the lodge show that Winter still has a death grip on the Lac Seul region.  I have seen snow on the ground at the lodge in April and May before, but I was shocked at how much snow there is yet to melt.  There is currently a 2 – 3 ft. base of snow everywhere along with multiple drifts that are 5 – 6 ft. deep.

Even after the snow melts, we still need to thaw 3 ft of ice from the lake.  I bought the lodge in 1998 and through those seasons, the latest complete ice out was May 26 in 2014.  I am guessing that we are going to break that record this year.

I am usually arriving at the lodge by this date.  This year we are pushing back and I expect to arrive now on May 9.

I have been in contact with almost all of my first week guests to let them know that their walleye opener fishing plans are going to need some modification.  I am hoping not to have to cancel the second week as well.  I will have a better feel when I get up to the lodge and see the details for myself.

Eventually, the ice will melt.  When it does, we are going to be thrilled to get back to the business of chasing big walleyes.  We can’t wait to see you soon.

Mike Willems