Photo: Niclas Lundin on Unsplash.com

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - January 15, 2025

Over 100 Cook County lakes await those looking to catch trout this winter, but that wait will soon be over. Starting January 18 through March 31, fishing for trout in lakes outside or partly outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness will open. (Fishing for trout in lakes entirely within the BWCAW opened on January 1 and will close on March 31.)

Ice Safety

The recent cold weather has allowed lakes to form a solid layer of ice, but the MN DNR recommends checking the ice regularly while outdoors and not relying on reports alone. "If people are going out on the ice, check the ice and not just for thickness. White ice can be deceiving. If the ice is white, double the ice thickness guidelines," the DNR said. For example, if 4" is the recommended thickness for walking or fishing on new, clear ice, 8" should be measured for ice that is white or "snow ice." 

Here are some guidelines from the MN DNR to help minimize risk should an incident occur on ice: 

• Always wear a foam life jacket or float coat on the ice (except when in a vehicle).
• Carry ice picks, rope, an ice chisel, and a tape measure.
• Check ice thickness at regular intervals; conditions can change quickly.
• Bring a cell phone or personal locator beacon.
• Don’t go out alone; tell someone about trip plans and expected return time.
• Before heading out, inquire about conditions and known hazards with local experts.
• Parents and guardians should talk with their children about staying away from the ice unless there’s adult supervision. This includes lakes and rivers, as well as neighborhood ponds, wetlands, and anywhere ice forms.

Pack it out

Speaking of ice, the MN DNR reports that people leaving behind trash, including human waste, has been an increasing issue in recent years. The problem became so bad that a law was put in place beginning on July 1, 2023, which states that all trash, including human and pet waste, must be placed in a container that's tied to an ice house, vehicle, or other equipment. 

Before the law, officers weren't allowed to take action if any trash was near a shelter, vehicle, or equipment, but people were present. Now, however, if an officer sees trash that is not secured to anything, regardless of whether people are present or not, they can enforce the law, which can bring a $100 fine and a petty misdemeanor. 

The MN DNR recommends bringing a "sturdy, shatter-and rip-proof container(s) for trash and human waste" to tie up while out on the ice. 

Take a kid ice fishing

This weekend is the statewide Take a Kid Ice Fishing event, which allows anyone bringing a youth aged 15 or under to fish for free (anglers do not need a license or a trout stamp) beginning Saturday, January 18 - Monday, January 20. If you are not fishing with anyone under the age of 15, a fishing license and trout stamp (if applicable) are still required. 

For more information regarding winter fishing in Minnesota, including additional regulations, visit the MN DNR site here.