West Grand Ice Out: April 20, 2013

April 22, 2013

Spring arrives in Downeast Maine in many stages, but for Grand Lake Stream, ice out on West Grand Lake is certainly among the most notable events.  It signals access to open water fishing on the lake – and exciting salmon fishing near the surface soon to follow.  The 2013 ice out date of April 20 is fairly typical for recent years – and consistent with a trend toward earlier ice out.  The data for West Grand Lake stretches back 135 years to 1878.  Timing of ice out is determined by a complex mix of winter and spring weather – how the ice developed over the course of the winter, and how quickly spring sun, warmth, and wind weaken it.