Winter’s Cycles of Warm Temperatures Causes Unsafe Ice Conditions for Tournaments and Recreational Fishing

Another Keweenaw Peninsula Winter event has been sunk by this year’s warm winter temperatures. The Chassell VFW Post 6507 recently that the annual Ice Fishing Tournament on Chassell Bay and Portage Lake has been canceled. Due to the region’s warm-up cycles above freezing ice conditions ice fishing is not safe in many areas. The tournament draws many ice fishers from around the region and the additional weight on the ice would not be safe for the event.

Throughout the season the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has published public addresses notifying residents that ice conditions around the Upper Peninsula are not as safe due to the season’s late start to winter’s colder temperatures and the cycles of warmer periods above freezing. In addition to notifying residents and visitors of potential dangers while recreating in the winter this year, the DNR has also provided several alternative activities for people to enjoy. Including fishing from the shore, hiking, and testing our wintertime nature identification skills.

Those interested in learning more about the Chassell VFW ice fishing tournament cancellation here or about the DNR’s alternative recreation opportunities this winter here.