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IRON MOUNTAIN -- The weather is expected to turn more seasonable, which should improve conditions for ice anglers.
"A few guys are getting out," said Fay Whisler at Whisler Outdoors in Florence, Wis. "I don't know how thick that ice is," she added. "Hopefully, it will be decent."
Last weekend's heavy snowfall melted before refreezing.
Anglers are reminded that clear ice that has a bluish tint is the strongest. Ice formed by melted and refrozen snow appears milky, and may be porous and weak, officials say.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources had no U.P. fishing report this week, other than to say ice was forming in Little Bay de Noc north of Gladstone. Conditions were hazardous due to thin ice.
Also, the agency will have no updates during the next two weeks of the holiday season.
In the meantime, Bob Kennard is stocked with bait and wit at Midtown Bait & Tackle in Channing. Winter hours for the shop on M-95 are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
The Tri-County Snowmobile and ORV Club closed its trails Thursday after the base was lost. They will remain closed until significant snow is received.
Even if new snow arrives, the DNR has told snowmobilers to avoid about 100 miles of state-managed trails in the southeastern U.P., due to the lack of a grant agreement with the Straits Area Snowmobile Club. The affected trails are in Mackinac and Chippewa counties, connecting the communities of St. Ignace, Trout Lake and Epoufette.
"The DNR is looking at all possible solutions, including alternative arrangements, for improved trail management," said Ron Yesney, DNR trails coordinator for the region.
A new season of "Wardens" will begin Monday, Dec. 27, on the Outdoor Channel.
Michigan-based Wolf Creek Productions is filming episodes at locations around the state. Conservation officers and staff from other DNR divisions and program areas will be featured throughout the season.
The Michigan DNR first partnered with the Outdoor Channel on production of the television series in 2016.