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Sure feels like spring in the south...I'm hoping it stays cold in AP for a while yet so the black flies aren't already out in force by May14th...any predictions or is it still too early to say AA friends?
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Hoping for an early ice out myself.
My spring vacation is a week earlier this year.
Within 4 weeks we should be on the water. Book it!
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all depending on the night time temps,, nights above freezing really help,, so does rain and high winds.
keep in mind that the park has a hand holding policy in terms of the park must be completely clear of ice,, not just some lakes clear before opening. certainly not like the old days
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According to the Friends of AP Facebook page, they're keeping the back country closed until mid-May. I guess they don't want to fish an inordinate amount of newbie corpses out of Opeongo this year.
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That Facebook post does say ON Parks might open earlier depending on conditions though. Which is all I would expect them to say at this point.
IanTendy wrote:
According to the Friends of AP Facebook page, they're keeping the back country closed until mid-May. I guess they don't want to fish an inordinate amount of newbie corpses out of Opeongo this year.
I'm not sure it will make a difference whether it is May 1st or May 15th if you turf in the middle of Opeongo that time of year.
I always look to book smaller lakes for ice out anyways. I have a good feeling that they will adjust and open accordingly, just as they have each year. Anyone else feel like we're owed an early start to the season this year? 
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Average ice out is April 28. It will probably be a week earlier than average this year
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So the forecast is mostly positive temperatures over the next 2 weeks. Looking more and more like an early ice out.
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I don't recall properly but Bo used to say something about 7 or 10 nights above zero for ice our.
Hopefully he will see this or someone else recalls because it was pretty much dead on.
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Wind and rain play a big part too. Any combination of wind and rain with warming temps and the ice vanishes fast.
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According to the Friends of AP Facebook page, they're keeping the back country closed until mid-May. I guess they don't want to fish an inordinate amount of newbie corpses out of Opeongo this year.
it's not just ice out, it's also to let the portages and trails firm up to prevent erosion, and to give staff a chance to clean up blowdowns, widowmakers, or other hazards.
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According to the Friends of AP Facebook page, they're keeping the back country closed until mid-May. I guess they don't want to fish an inordinate amount of newbie corpses out of Opeongo this year.
it's not just ice out, it's also to let the portages and trails firm up to prevent erosion, and to give staff a chance to clean up blowdowns, widowmakers, or other hazards.
Very good point. The portages can become mud pits early in the season if they aren’t given a fighting chance.
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According to the Friends of AP Facebook page, they're keeping the back country closed until mid-May. I guess they don't want to fish an inordinate amount of newbie corpses out of Opeongo this year.
it's not just ice out, it's also to let the portages and trails firm up to prevent erosion, and to give staff a chance to clean up blowdowns, widowmakers, or other hazards.
Very good point. The portages can become mud pits early in the season if they aren’t given a fighting chance.
I've never seen them use that as a reason not to open the park. Usually when the ice is out, the park opens.
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On their front page, the Friends of Algonquin website has a note about Backcountry camping being closed April 1 - May 14. Clicking the link there, brings you to a larger statement that includes the following:
"Ontario Parks is reporting that if conditions are safe they may open backcountry camping reservations earlier than scheduled. "
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On their front page, the Friends of Algonquin website has a note about Backcountry camping being closed April 1 - May 14. Clicking the link there, brings you to a larger statement that includes the following:
"Ontario Parks is reporting that if conditions are safe they may open backcountry camping reservations earlier than scheduled. "
Correct. They will open the park once the lakes are clear of ice. Which will likely be in 2 weeks or less.
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Would an earlier ice-out also be indicative of an earlier bug-in? I'm kind of thinking it is, since it means warmer temps....
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