I was able to take my old boat,( procraft), out on lake vermilion the day before thanksgiving about 6 years ago. Had to drive to a couple different landings to find one not iced in. Had to bust ice to get to main part of lake. Very scary sound having a glass boat rise up on ice and crunch thru it.. reverse off, take another run and climb up and bust a few more feet... sunflower propane heater going after you minnow up. Lotsa walleyes, and only 6 other boats at my hotspot! LOL