Schmitt: Panfishing Should Be Good While Ice Allows

ST. CLOUD -- Fish houses in the southern two-thirds of Minnesota have to be off the lakes by the end of the day Monday.  But, Glen Schmitt from Outdoor News says most anglers have already removed their houses by now.

Despite that, Schmitt says there is still good ice fishing to be had this spring as panfish start to become more active, the days get longer and we get closer to spring.

While there is still plenty of ice on central Minnesota lakes, Schmitt says now is the time to be extremely cautious when venturing out onto the ice because it can change quickly.  Last year, a string of warm temperatures led to ice out on central Minnesota lakes by the end of March.

If you do plan on doing some fishing yet this season, make sure you buy a new license.  Fishing licenses expired at the end of February.

Get our free mobile app

Schmitt says DNR conservation officers are out in force this time of year not only checking for licenses but also to make sure fish house owners are cleaning up their garbage and taking it with them.

Schmitt says the northern lakes are very difficult to navigate with all of the snow and slush.  It may mean more fishing pressure on area lakes as we finish the ice fishing season.

If you'd like to hear my conversation with Glen, you can find it below.