What’s Up Outdoors: Ice on area lakes is starting to get sketchy

Normally this time of year the fish houses are off the lakes and we are wondering why the removal date is so early. But that’s not the case this year, as I don’t ever remember going from good ice to honeycomb ice so fast.

Some of the roads on Lake of the Woods are already closed, with reports of a few vehicles going through. The Rainy River is also starting to open near International Falls and with some warm weather and wind it’s possible we will be open water fishing very soon.

Related: What's Up Outdoors: Late season ice fishing can be a hit — or a miss
It’s hard to say how long we will be ice fishing in the Brainerd area but some of the shorelines are pretty bad. But unlike the ice conditions the fishing is really good and will continue to get better.

It is possible that our normal late ice bite might include using a boat this year. After all it is Minnesota and that could all change. Being that most anglers are chasing panfish right now, be sure to look at the new regulations as many lakes have new limits on bluegills and crappies that are not statewide, so you have to do your research.

Related: What’s Up Outdoors: Looking for something different to liven up winter
Also, if you normally buy a husband/wife combination license, the DNR has made that more complicated for some reason, so check and see what you need to do differently this year.

And most importantly, even though the temps have been unusually warm, throw on that floating suit and bring your ice picks with you if you do go out on the ice. I know during the middle of winter we start to feel really safe but right now things can get kind of sketchy.

Good luck out there, and be safe everyone.

Related: What’s Up Outdoors: The good and bad in ice fishing this month

JAMIE DIETMAN, What’s Up Outdoors, may be reached at 218-820-7757.