With warmer weather finally arriving, most of the snow and ice on area lakes and rivers is gradually starting to disappear for the current ice season. For those who may live in close proximity to Big Stone Lake or who simply like to fish or go boating there, the question that typically arises at this time of year is “When will the ice officially be out of the lake?” Jamie Pekelder, District Conservation Officer Supervisor talks more in depth about the issue…
As you might imagine, the official “Ice Out” date for this year on Big Stone Lake will likely be later than in most previous years as Jamie explains…
According to Jamie, there are several points along Big Stone Lake where other water sources feed directly into the lake, which in turn can affect “Ice Out” conditions, as well…
With the extended winter we’ve had this year, Jamie says it’s pretty much anyone’s guess as to when the ice will officially be out of Big Stone Lake for the current ice season…
The Game and Fish Department has been keeping track of “Ice Out” statistics on Big Stone Lake for 66 years with the ice being gone from the lake 54 times during the month of April. The earliest “Ice Out” ever recorded occurred on March 18th in 1987, and again in 2012. The latest “Ice Out” on record occurred on May 8th of 2013, which is the only May date ever recorded.
