How Low Can It Go?????????

[Frank Walsh]

Before you start asking, here's your answer.

[RASPUTIN]

This is just temporary right ? If the local tribe does a rain dance or two it will rain for 3 or 4 weeks , right ?
Did dp travel to taiwan for the cure ?

[jimmyb]

How's the old "chain" comparison?

[lambeau]

so i'm thinking it takes a LOT of water for a lake that size to drop/rise any meaningful amount...
when the season starts out this low, does it tend to stay low all year or do they hold water at the dam so as to gradually recover to normal pool?

[dpear]

Historically I've always found that under these conditions it's best for Wisconsin and Illinois fisherpeople to bring waders and fly rods or perhaps shore fishing gear.
Scientifically I don't have a clue except to say it's not uncommon to have this condition early and see the water levels rebound to 'normal'.
Rasputin,'yes' I took the cure-now like the water levels I'm very low.

[dougj@wiktel.com]

For those of you that are really interested in this here's a link to the historic levels for the LOTWs.
http://www.lwcb.ca/historicalgraphs.html
There are years that where lower and the lake came up to normal, and visa versa. With the lack of runoff I would bet it'll be low for a while.

Doug Johnson

[Muskie Junkie]

Well, as Eric Clapton said, "Let it Rain, Let it Rain". I am trying to remember, is it the low water years we have the better weed growth or the high water years. Or is it more a function of water temperature and stable weather? Steve

[RASPUTIN]

Glad to hear that you took the cure and are cured ? As you know Uncle Frank seldom leaves his island paradise and he will never make it to Taiwan, so are you certified to train others(like Uncle Frank?) I only mention him because he usually raises the lake level by an inch or two every time he goes out fishing.

[lambeau]

that's really interesting data on the charts Doug posted.

the 10-90 percentile ranges stay within 3' of each other from low to high, and the historical low-water levels are only another 1.5' below that. less variation than i would have guessed, but i suppose that's on purpose from the folks controlling the dams.

of course, a change of 3' could dry up a lot of shallow structure and create a bunch of "new" structure...it'd be like fishing a whole new lake! could be fun, could be trouble for lower units...

[Frank Walsh]

Things are sure looking better. Enough ice left the bay where I was able to move the barge and docks into place. Luckily, the water is deep enough to allow the barge to float. Whew!!!!! Don't see any issues on the side where I park, but was a bit concerned about the other side where suspicious characters dock.

To check things out, I pulled the airboat to the slip where Dick and Tim park, and I'm happy to report no issues docking there.

[dpear]

What about us poor people that can't afford an outside berth plus have motors that are under the water?Are we push poling in?

[Frank Walsh]

Not really concerned with you "One Percenters"..............

[dpear]

The thread title is appropriate re that 1% comment.
Regardless,I've applied for Gov boat stamps so I can hopefully afford it.

[DSmith]

Glad to hear that things are improving. Just in time for my trip up.

[Frank Walsh]

This year we are going to average the weekly gas cost over all the people fishing for that week. Excepy when Nixon is here. I'm out.

I'll bet Smith is getting Junior to make him an underwater cover to protect his Lund from the muddy bottom.

[DSmith]

Speaking of mud, I have it all polished up for the trip. I am considering getting Rhino Liner sprayed on the bottom as I understand that they have a finish that is smooth and clear.

[musky1969]

Frank,
I think that is a really good idea I second that!!!! He'll if that don't work Carol and I could just have Dick tow us from behind he already fishes all our spots.

[lambeau]

How's the water level? Getting any rain up there?

[dougj@wiktel.com]

This from the LOTWs control board.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.56 m (1058.3 ft), a 50th percentile level for this time of year. The lake level rose by 4 cm (2 in) over the past week and is expected to rise by 5-7 cm (3-4 in) over the next week.

Lake of the Woods outflow is scheduled to be increased from 230 m³/s to 300 m³/s on Wednesday, April 25th. The Winnipeg River level below Norman Dam will rise by 12 cm (4 in) as a result of this flow change. The Winnipeg River level at Minaki will not be affected.

However, It's still pretty dry, we need more rain to keep the lake coming up.

Doug Johnson