Ice Fishing in Minnesota
Ice fishing in Minnesota can spawn entire villages on the frozen waters of the state’s more than 10,000 lakes. Avid fishermen and resorts pull permanent shelters big enough for one person, or small houses that can sleep 10 or more people, onto their favorite winter hotspots. Other anglers simply walk out on the snow-swept ice and walk from hole-to-hole, braving the elements and drilling until they find fish. Whatever method is used, the popularity of ice fishing in the state is undisputed.
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Season
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Ice fishing season in Minnesota is dependent on safe ice. Little official data is kept on average freeze-up dates. Typically ice can begin forming anytime from November on. Safe thickness is usually reached by January. According to the State Climatology Office average ice thickness out on Minnesota lakes can range from late March to early April in the south to late April to early May in the north. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and local bait shops will frequently monitor ice thickness and publish ice reports throughout the season.
Regulations
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All anglers over 16 years of age must possess a valid Minnesota fishing license. Some special exemptions apply. Annual licenses are valid from March 1st to April 30th of the following year regardless of the date purchased. Single-day and shorter time period licenses are also available. Licenses are available for residents and nonresidents and are available from the DNR as well as most sporting goods stores and bait shops. Licenses cover all species of fish with the exception of trout and salmon. Special stamps are required when fishing in waters known to contain those species. Fish houses and shelters left unattended overnight must be licensed.
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Equipment
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Short rods or tip-ups are the rod of choice. Ice jigs with or without live bait work best through the small hole in the ice. Shelters are optional and come in basic windbreaks, portable enclosed models or full-blown wooden cabins that can sleep a large party. An ice-auger and ice scoop is necessary for keeping the fishing hole open. Butane heaters can keep you warm in an enclosed shelter. Propane heaters in larger houses can let you fish in shorts and a t-shirt.
Species
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Walleye, northern, crappie, bluegill and bass are all fair game when fishing through the ice. Some designated trout lakes have special regulations that allow you to go after rainbow, brook, brown and lake trout. Musky are off-limits in the winter and must be immediately returned to the water if caught. Most species are in-season until late February. Check with the DNR’s annual regulations as dates can change yearly.
Dangers
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Numerous deaths happen on the ice each winter due to dangerous ice conditions or bad planning. Thickness of the ice is not a fool-proof indicator of the ice’s safety. Many factors play into the strength of ice. Four inches of ice is considered adequate for walking, while 15 inches or more is needed to support larger vehicles or fish houses. Always use caution and be aware of thin ice or rapidly changing weather conditions. Hypothermia and frostbite also can sneak up on unsuspecting anglers on the frozen lakes.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit ice fishing image by Inger Anne Hulbækdal from Fotolia.com
