There are reports of ice thick than 50". Auger are standard with an 18" extension. Some guys sporting 24" extensions this year. So much snow it isn't funny. Heck my city street is only 14' wide right now.
There is open water to be had. Drove many miles, and spent the good part of a day, but found lots of fishable water. Get out now before the melt comes and the blow outs follow.
I find that under the dams theres always some,open water if its reasonably warm out, I didnt catchanything though. Ive got an itch too, fishing can be an addiction. The thing about spring though, is that its worth waiting for! ; )
Lake Erie is 3-4ft thick go ice fishing! Awesome fun. Hopefully heading back out the end of this coming week. Last week myself and another member from OFF headed to Erie and caught some perch. Need more.