2017/2018 Cold Lake Ice Reports
 

This lake is very unique and is filled with different ice related challenges. Lets provide each other with the most up to date information as the season progresses to stay safe out there.

Last I saw she was open water as of Mid December. Next 2 weeks are supposed to get cold. Any info from the locals would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Nice to see this thread taking off ! :rolleye2:

This was recently posted on iFish:

by Tootall83 on Dec. 24, 2017
I live a block from the lake and it iced over last night I believe. Ice as far as I could see this morning


Likely start seeing some walk ons over the next few days with this kind of weather.

I was just at French bay. It was open on the East side yesterday but is all iced over today.

Good to here this news Splake0.
Hopefully it does not get windy.

by Tootall83 on Dec. 28, 2017
Just checked provincal 50 feet out from launch and 8 inches ice.

Update from iFish.

Any lakers landed yet in French bay ,it must be around 20 inches in front of the ski hill.
How was the fishing in front of the boat launch?
Any one see any ice heaves yet ?

Don't kid yourself, ice is still questionable so be careful. Thick in one area and then not in others, as for complete freeze over, no. Looking from one shore you only see a portion of the lake, throw in the wind and things change quick. Don't be that person who just jumps in full on.
Be safe the fish are not going anywhere.

Being in the -30’s for the 5th or 6th day in a row will be making ice now!!

Last year I wad trying to get to my spot on the north side. 20 inches at shore 200 yards away 15 inches another 200 and it was 9. Don't trust that lake or ice reports. Always check

I am holding off till Feb before I even consider driving on with my truck.
If it does not get warm it should be safe for an Atv or sled in a week or so .

Wow! If I've ever seen an ignorant, moronic comment in my life... this takes the cake! French Bay had 2 inches of ice on Dec 23. The lake didn't freeze until Dec 25. You do the math buddy .. its Dec 30th.

'moronic' Egymcara
 

hey dude, peeps like you ruin this forum!
be nice or crawl back into your basement and stfu!

Making assumptions about ice thickness that might risk someone's safety/life should not be taken lightly.

Ice Conditions
 

The ice thickness does vary at different places on the lake as in a previous post. Last winter was east of the Ling bed about 300m and had about 20inches ice and then packed up and went another 150m further east and had about 14inches. Wouldn't think the ice thickness would vary so much in a short distance. Wonder if the ice will crack and open up like it did a couple times last winter-scary?

The bays were frozen way before Dec 23.
8 inches of ice 50 ft out in main lake that was reported today
only need 6 inches to walk on safely.
Which some one has done !
So why not walk out on french bay cut a whole and see if it is 20 inches deep yet.
And maybe catch a Laker.

No need to be rude .

Another update from iFish:

by Nathenmunroe on Dec. 30, 2017
Went to French bay and about 100 yards out it was a little over a foot deep

Going out on the ice without knowing how thick it is, is like playing craps, except with your life. Always check how deep the ice is before venturing out on it. period.. 2 friends lost makes it take on a whole new meaning.

2x

Over a foot thick ! Thank you .

Did you here this EGYcare

You right, no sense insulting posts but I tell ya near and in and around some areas by the weeds etc prior to Dec 23 you had to be careful, real thin as I put my quad through at a smaller lake, front wheels got out no problem but if I was in a hurry might not have gotten it out till spring.....:scared:

Friend of mine just came off the lake. 9-10 inches of good ice out from French Bay.

I just came off of french bay and there was 17 inches where i was fishing

And fishing was ...... ? :thinking-006:

Just got back from cold lake. Provincial park launch had about 12 - 14. Long bay was over 20. The point across from provincial park had 10 to 12. Lots of pike but they were all shy biting. Pretty sure there were walleye at the point they would chase up 5 to 6 feet barely lip it then leave.

I didn't use a tape just my arm in the hole. Take it for what it's worth. I drove from pp to the point on the other side.

Is there any snow cover? I’m guessing that the quad would be better than the skidoo? I’m a chicken when it comes to driving around on ice, especially over that much water!! Thanks in advance!

0 snow cover. Bring studs for the boots and the tires lol. I'm not chicken but I am cautious I drilled a lot of holes on my way. One nice thing iss its all good ice no soft white ice. Watch the bay it broke and refroze again this year so it's going to be tough on tires and suspensions

I also heard there was a large heave if you planned on venturing farther east down the lake past French Bay.

The usual heaves are there. There was one just beginning to form at the sand bar. I never made it further than the point between center bay and Frenchman

Apparently the point on the north end of French Bay had a fairly large heave formed.

19 inch of ice on French Bay. Good Ice. Fishing was better !!