The ice was measured at 18 to 10 inches. It all depends on how far out you go on the lake. I  fish closer to the dam area, not because it is safer. But because fishing is better in 5 to 15 feet of water. Scented night crawlers, meal worms or jigging a 1/8 oz kastmaster has been most productive. The area behind the dam is open to parking without trailers.