Ice-out dates and black flies in Minnesota

[Philtrum]

It looks like this year's ice-out is progressing about two weeks earlier than last year.
2015: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ice_out/index.html This is probably fairly typical.
2014 by comparison: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ice_out/index.html?year=2014
Other years are available via a dialog box on the right side of the page.

I try to time my spring trips for two weeks after the last ice-out in order to avoid the early black fly hatch. I don't think I'll make it this year because I can't go until almost the end of May.

 

[BWCA66]

I love the BWCA in May. No bugs and not too many people. Permit is set for the 14th this year.

 

[meopilite]

i'm heading out on the Minnesota River saturday. Havent seen any bugs out yet. A lot of lakes are still froze.