OSHKOSH, (NBC 26) -- This weekend the Otter Street Fisheree tournament kicks off on Lake Winnebago, followed by sturgeon spearing the next weekend, and then the Battle on Bago fishing tournament will take place in mid-February. These are all tournaments that can benefit from thick ice on the lake, allowing for vehicle traffic, and as of Monday, it looks as if ice bridges will be going out soon to allow vehicles out on the ice.
It was just a couple of weeks ago when many fishing club members were wondering if lake Winnebago's ice would get thick enough for vehicle traffic this season. Local ice expert Don Herman has some good news for anglers looking to drive out on the lake in the weeks ahead.
"It seems like those clubs are getting ready to get their bridges out. I know Otter Street is talking about it."
Herman says most of Lake Winnebago currently has about 12 to 14 inches of ice. More than enough for UTV's and ATV's to drive on, and nearly enough for anglers to feel comfortable bringing their cars onto.
"When we put our bridges out here, we'll have 2,3,4 thousand cars (a day)," says Herman.
And with more freezing temperatures likely coming our way, Herman says the bridges may start popping up sooner than some expected.
In the next week, we're supposed to get some below zero weather coming so we're hoping to put them out this week."
And by the time the bridges go up, many anglers hope to welcome them just in time for a couple of major fishing events.
"Next weekend is sturgeon spearing and then we have our 14th annual Battle on Bago," says Battle on Bago President Glenn Curran.
Curran anticipates thousands of people hitting the lake in the weeks ahead for various fishing contests. And with the ice conditions continually shaping up, he's optimistic they'll have quite the turnout.
"People are itching for things to do and I think an outdoor activity, in general, is a safe thing to do and participate in."
