My wife and I have talked about this as well. I've taken this position with Honda and as a result, several of my weekends have been cut in half over the next few months.
After some serious thought and conversation, we have decided that I'll get more bang for my buck if I stick around and wait for our ice to come on.
From what I understand large areas of Simcoe and Hamlin are still open. I spoke to Jonny over the weekend (who was kind enough to answer his phone on a goose hunt) and he had mentioned Fletcher Pond which is near Alpena. I did some digging and made a phone call. I was told that they are fishing 4"-6" of good ice and that they are putting on about 1" a day. This lake will be deep within the fishable ice zone by weekend, but I'd bring my spikes as temps are going to climb. No report of the amount of snow.
Call around if you're serious about making a trip, you may very well find something closer to home.
