Ice Fishing on Lake Minnewaska in Minnesota
Although most people think that fishing is strictly a summer sport, the sport is actually enjoyed year-round. In fact, ice fishing is one of the most popular winter activities in Minnesota. Located in central Minnesota, Lake Minnewaska offers ice fishermen a bountiful supply of fish in a quiet atmosphere. Before embarking on an ice fishing trip to Lake Minnewaska, research the local area and understand the characteristics of the lake.
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Location
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According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Lake Minnewaska is located in central Pope County between the towns of Glenwood and Starbuck. The 7,110-acre lake is the largest in Pope County and the thirteenth largest in the state. FishingWorks.com explains that the lake sits at coordinates 45.6058 latitude and -95.4606 longitude, with an elevation of 1138 feet and a maximum depth of 32 feet.
Considerations
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Ice fishing takes place during the winter months, when ice forms over Lake Minnewaska. While some people prefer to start fishing at first ice, others wait until the ice is thick enough to drive across. For fishermen who visit the lake during the early ice season, safety precautions are vital. Before advancing onto any stretch of ice, the strength and durability of the ice should be checked. Stepping onto a stretch of unstable ice and breaking through into the cold waters underneath can be extremely harmful to the human body.
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Characteristics
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MinnesotaSportsManMag.com explains that Lake Minnewaska is not "overly deep, but it is highly vegetated." Although weed growth varies from one year to another, certain parts of the lake are typically highly congested with weeds and standing cabbage. During the ice fishing season, bluegills are the most prevalent fish species available in the lake. However, most bluegills found in Lake Minnewaska are only of medium size. Other species include bass, sunfish and northern pike, along with a particularly high walleye population. Guests can expect the occasional black crappie, although the size and pervasiveness of the species remains inconsistent from year to year.
Etiquette
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The state requests that Lake Minnewasksa guests follow fishing etiquette by releasing larger fish, which helps maintain the quality of fishing in the lake. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, "releasing medium to large fish will ensure that the lake will have enough spawning age fish and should provide anglers with opportunities to catch more large fish in the future." Small- and medium-sized fish can be harvested freely.
Options
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For Lake Minnewaska guests who wish to spend several days ice fishing on the lake, five local resorts offer comfortable accommodations and ice fishing assistance. These resorts include Green Valley, Hunt's, Pelican, Little Norway and Woodlawn. When taking a break from the ice, visitors enjoy a wide variety of local area attractions. Sightseeing options include Glacial Lake State Park, Pope County Historical Museum and Morning Glory Gardens.
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References
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- Photo Credit ice fishing equipment image by Inger Anne Hulbækdal from Fotolia.com
