Banks Lake

[Crumb]

I was curious if any one has heard the ice report on Banks lake? I'm headed there in a couple of weeks to do some bass fishing and would like to use my boat, not an auger.

[gpc]

In the latest F&H news it said it was still iced over. I was there almost a month ago and it was still pretty thick. Try contacting Big Wallys or Coulee Playland, they will know. But I would think in a couple of weeks it should be fine, or at least have some open water

[tcb]

Thread Hijack - Big Wally's has a new owner for this season.

Look for changes this summer.

[Joe Heater]

Just out of curiosity, what do you mean "look for changes this year." Changes in Banks Lake or Big Wallys?

[Crumb]

Thanks for the replies. I've looked at the recent weather and it looks like it's in the 40's to 50's during the day. I'll try Big Wally's before I go. Has anyone fished the lake in early April? I've heard that time of the year the water temp is in the upper 30's and the smallies are still fairly deep.

[tcb]

Just out of curiosity, what do you mean "look for changes this year." Changes in Banks Lake or Big Wallys?

Wally's. I heard through the locals that the liquor license was up for grabs due to ownership change, and new owners always change something..

[Rosann G]

I just got an e-mail from my friend Rosie that works at Big Wally's and they are not under new management. Everyone is still there and going strong getting new tackle every day she said. They still have ice on that end of the lake but it was raining there today so Rosie said they are hoping it will be open water soon.
R

[Crumb]

Thanks Rosann G. I heard a report out of Coulee Playland today as well that the North end was clear of ice.

[clam man]

My fishing buddy just drove past there about five days ago (march 11) and said that the lake had some pretty good ice on it, and plenty of people fishing it. However, he also said there were some areas that looked to be clear of ice.

clam man

[Geoffrey Ring]

My mom went up to Electric city on Tuesday the 18 and said that the whole lake, minus the marina, was free of ice. Ya. Hope that helps!

Geoff out-

[Crumb]

Thanks for the replies Geoff and Clam. It sounds like I'll be able to use my boat.

[WCCT]

Last weekend the ice was clear, but the water temp was only 35. It will start to warm up, and the fishing will take off fast. April can be really good on this lake. I hope it warms up fast because I have a NW Bass tourny there on the 12th. I will be going up there on the 3rd and staying until the 6th to prefish, so I will let you know how it goes.