DNR Urges Fishing Safety Amid Open Water, Thin Ice
Warmer-than-usual temperatures are making for open water and thin ice, a dangerous combination for ice anglers.
Jack Betker, part owner at JR’s Tackle in Brooklyn Park, said winter is not biting like it should.
“We are usually fishing on 10-12 inches of ice right now, and sometimes more in other spots up north,” Betker said.
Customers at his shop are adapting, but it’s not ideal.
“They are anxious and either wanting to go out in the summer, or they are putting their shack away and getting their boat out,” Betker said. “I would just tell people: ‘Hang in there. It’s early ice, there’s no ice. Don’t go out. Don’t risk it.'”
Like most Minnesota lakes, Eagle Lake in Maple Grove is almost entirely open water, except for thin ice at the access points.
Open water in January on Eagle Lake in Maple Grove
For now, DNR officials say it’s best for anglers to stay at bay. Ben Ulrich, a conservation officer for the Minnesota DNR, said the open water cuts the fishing season short. Like Betker noted, some people are finding a workaround.
“They are out, especially on the rivers,” Ulrich said. “They’re out just open-water fishing from the shore. We see a lot of shore anglers out here still.”
For now, Ulrich said stay off the ice. When it gets colder, he warns fishers to not get too eager.
“It is not going to be safe right away. DNR recommends at least four inches of ice on the water for walking out and getting there for ice fishing,” Betker said.
If and when the ice hardens, ice houses still have to be removed from the ice in most of Minnesota by early March.
More information about fishing seasons are available on the DNR website.
