(12-19-2021, 12:05 AM)wiperhunter2 Wrote: The problem is, where do we go to access the ice at Echo? I know there is limited parking near the dam but if they are keeping the access area closed by the state park, then that will make it hard for lots of folks to access the ice.

(12-19-2021, 01:54 AM)Freakyfisherman Wrote:

(12-19-2021, 12:05 AM)wiperhunter2 Wrote: The problem is, where do we go to access the ice at Echo? I know there is limited parking near the dam but if they are keeping the access area closed by the state park, then that will make it hard for lots of folks to access the ice.

I talked to the main state park office. It may be open to access only during the holidays, while no work is being done. That is what someone with last name Bradshaw emailed me. He wasn't sure if it would be open even then. Hiking down from the pullouts is a joke.
Gabe

(12-19-2021, 04:25 AM)wiperhunter2 Wrote: Yea, Bradshaw is the Echo park manager. I've contacted him twice and he told me it won't be open until next Spring but he did say the  new campground to the East of the marina would be open. Problem is, it is about 1/4 to 1/2 miles to the water or ice.

(12-19-2021, 02:44 PM)dubob Wrote:

(12-19-2021, 04:25 AM)wiperhunter2 Wrote: Yea, Bradshaw is the Echo park manager. I've contacted him twice and he told me it won't be open until next Spring but he did say the  new campground to the East of the marina would be open. Problem is, it is about 1/4 to 1/2 miles to the water or ice.

My question is this - will the park allow launching of snowmobiles/snowdogs/quads from the Dry Hollow Campground?  It will be open every day from 6 AM until 10 PM and one would assume the parking area will be plowed all winter long.  Agreed that it will be a long hike for folks walking and pulling a sled to get to fishable areas.  Not so much for machine users if the park allows us to launch machines from there.  Did you by any chance ask them about that?

(12-18-2021, 10:24 PM)Cowboypirate Wrote: Last night was good for Echo ice and its only about 18 degrees now so it ought to start putting some thickness on quick. Not to many days and i will see fritzfish on it with his floation device ( i will wait a few days, getting wet is why i shower). Same at Mantua

Its about to happen

(12-19-2021, 04:30 PM)Cowboypirate Wrote: My plan for Echo is simple. What I can fit in my little back pack and my little hand drill. Jump over the rock near the dam and do a "Paul" Lost Creek type hike to a couple spots. I will wave at Dubob as he flys by me on his dog sled. Depending  on snow depth there is a bit of parking just below the dam on the rail line. Its a plan. Never said it was a good one and I may only try it once before I head to easier access but I got to try Echo while it is this low.

(12-19-2021, 02:44 PM)dubob Wrote:

(12-19-2021, 04:25 AM)wiperhunter2 Wrote: Yea, Bradshaw is the Echo park manager. I've contacted him twice and he told me it won't be open until next Spring but he did say the  new campground to the East of the marina would be open. Problem is, it is about 1/4 to 1/2 miles to the water or ice.

My question is this - will the park allow launching of snowmobiles/snowdogs/quads from the Dry Hollow Campground?  It will be open every day from 6 AM until 10 PM and one would assume the parking area will be plowed all winter long.  Agreed that it will be a long hike for folks walking and pulling a sled to get to fishable areas.  Not so much for machine users if the park allows us to launch machines from there.  Did you by any chance ask them about that?

(12-21-2021, 07:31 PM)Springbuck1 Wrote: "Yea, Bradshaw is the Echo park manager. I've contacted him twice and he told me it won't be open until next Spring but he did say the  new campground to the East of the marina would be open. Problem is, it is about 1/4 to 1/2 miles to the water or ice.  "

Wasn't it you who once advised me that one key to catching fish is to get away from the crowds? 

(12-21-2021, 07:48 PM)wiperhunter2 Wrote:

(12-21-2021, 07:31 PM)Springbuck1 Wrote: "Yea, Bradshaw is the Echo park manager. I've contacted him twice and he told me it won't be open until next Spring but he did say the  new campground to the East of the marina would be open. Problem is, it is about 1/4 to 1/2 miles to the water or ice.  "

Wasn't it you who once advised me that one key to catching fish is to get away from the crowds? 

Without the access we had the last number of years, that should not be a problem at Echo this year, I guess we will see but I don't see there being nearly the number of people there this Winter.