Ice Fishing During Your Minnesota Vacation
In Minnesota, the natives take their winter fishing seriously.
Every detail from location to equipment to comfort--is carefully considered, with comfort being quite high on the list! On a beautiful, sunny day, it is a pleasure to experience the action of catching a fish and reeling it up through the ice.
With little preparation and over 5,000 fishable lakes, anglers of all ages and skill levels can easily enjoy the peaceful nature of ice fishing during an exciting Minnesota winter vacation.
Minnesota is known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes".
According to the MN Department of Natural Resources, there are actually closer to 12,000 lakes in the state.
Of these nearly 12,000 lakes, 5,493 of them are fishable--and that doesn't include fishable rivers and streams! Many of these lakes are are located within close proximity right in the heart of Central Minnesota--a popular Minnesota vacation destination--and can be fished in the summer or winter.
Winter ice fishing, if you have never been, is sometimes difficult to imagine.
If you have ever seen the movie "Grumpy Old Men" and have never been ice fishing, the scenes from the movie may be your only concept of the sport.
While it is true that the situation on the ice can be very much like a small community and there are rustic houses such as those depicted in the film, the amenities of a really first class "fish house" can be quite extensive! The more elaborate houses contain full kitchens, televisions and bunks to accommodate overnight fishermen in comfort.
One way or another, they can all be heated for a plush Minnesota ice fishing excursion.
It is also a common sight to see folks of all ages sitting on a folding chair or an overturned pail near their fishing hole without the cover of a fish house on nice sunny days.
With or without the cover of a fish house, you can experience ice fishing on great Minnesota fishing lakes.
Don't shy away from telling the locals that you are planning to go ice fishing and asking them for any tips.
Since Minnesota is first in the nation for the number of fishing licenses sold per capita (according the MN DNR), your chances of finding an angler to help you out are quite good! Often, you will find out not only a hot spot to check out but also a few insights such as how deep the fish are and what time of day they have been biting.
There are plenty of opportunities to simply walk or to drive (via auto, snowmobile or ATV) out onto the ice to fish.
Yes, it's true: the ice on the lakes gets thick enough to drive on during the winter! It is advised that you check the ice conditions on your lake to confirm it is thick enough before going out.
The Minnesota DNR website provides great information about ice safety.
In addition to checking the ice conditions before heading out on the ice, you will want to gather your fishing gear.
Some basic fishing gear you may want or need include: a fishing rod and reel, fishing line, bait and tackle, bobber, ice auger, ice chisel, ice scoop.
Ice fishing rods are much shorter than an open water fishing rod; most anglers use a rod that is approximately 28 inches in length.
It is best to spool your line on the reel before you hit the ice.
Most stores that sell rods and line will be able to assist you with this task.
Once you've reached your destination on the ice, you must drill a hole through the ice.
An ice auger is a special drill manufactured specifically for this task.
The holes are typically 8-10 inches in diameter, depending on your auger.
In popular fishing spots, these outdoor holes are often open from use by previous fishermen.
If you locate an open hole that has been left by a previous angler, it is okay to use one of these.
An ice chisel is used to break open the thinner ice that reforms over the holes, and the ice chips are removed with the assistance of an ice scoop to clear the hole.
The line with baited hook is dropped into the hole to the proper depth, and a bobber can be attached to the line so you can see when a fish is nibbling the bait down below.
A successful ice fishing trip, doesn't end when you step off the ice.
Pan fish bite readily and it isn't difficult to bring enough fish back to shore for an excellent lunch.
Walleye is one of the most sought-after fish in Minnesota, and proves to be a tasty treat for all of your drilling, bobbing and reeling efforts.
A nice lunch starring your catch of the day will definitely put the Minnesota style into your ice fishing vacation.
If you are vacationing in Minnesota, know that many MN resorts are fully equipped to provide visitors with everything needed for a fun Minnesota ice fishing expedition.
They can direct you to the nearest MN fishing licensing office.
They also have the knowledge to get you started on your adventure, including bait and tackle, instructions and directions to the best places to try your luck.
They even have fish houses all set up and ready to use for those who prefer to be indoors while catching their dinners.
It is quite an experience to sit in a fish house, watching a football game, playing cards or reading a good book while waiting for a bite on your line! Minnesota is also home to the world's largest charitable ice fishing contest: The Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza.
This ice fishing competition is held each January in Brainerd, MN.
With tons of prizes to be won and over 10,000 anglers on the ice at once, the Ice Fishing Extravaganza offers a truly unique ice fishing experience for all--one that is quite different from going out on the ice in a cozy fish house! Whether you hit the ice with only your rod & reel or with a few extras for added comfort, a Minnesota fishing vacation in the winter is an experience you won't forget.
Every detail from location to equipment to comfort--is carefully considered, with comfort being quite high on the list! On a beautiful, sunny day, it is a pleasure to experience the action of catching a fish and reeling it up through the ice.
With little preparation and over 5,000 fishable lakes, anglers of all ages and skill levels can easily enjoy the peaceful nature of ice fishing during an exciting Minnesota winter vacation.
Minnesota is known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes".
According to the MN Department of Natural Resources, there are actually closer to 12,000 lakes in the state.
Of these nearly 12,000 lakes, 5,493 of them are fishable--and that doesn't include fishable rivers and streams! Many of these lakes are are located within close proximity right in the heart of Central Minnesota--a popular Minnesota vacation destination--and can be fished in the summer or winter.
Winter ice fishing, if you have never been, is sometimes difficult to imagine.
If you have ever seen the movie "Grumpy Old Men" and have never been ice fishing, the scenes from the movie may be your only concept of the sport.
While it is true that the situation on the ice can be very much like a small community and there are rustic houses such as those depicted in the film, the amenities of a really first class "fish house" can be quite extensive! The more elaborate houses contain full kitchens, televisions and bunks to accommodate overnight fishermen in comfort.
One way or another, they can all be heated for a plush Minnesota ice fishing excursion.
It is also a common sight to see folks of all ages sitting on a folding chair or an overturned pail near their fishing hole without the cover of a fish house on nice sunny days.
With or without the cover of a fish house, you can experience ice fishing on great Minnesota fishing lakes.
Don't shy away from telling the locals that you are planning to go ice fishing and asking them for any tips.
Since Minnesota is first in the nation for the number of fishing licenses sold per capita (according the MN DNR), your chances of finding an angler to help you out are quite good! Often, you will find out not only a hot spot to check out but also a few insights such as how deep the fish are and what time of day they have been biting.
There are plenty of opportunities to simply walk or to drive (via auto, snowmobile or ATV) out onto the ice to fish.
Yes, it's true: the ice on the lakes gets thick enough to drive on during the winter! It is advised that you check the ice conditions on your lake to confirm it is thick enough before going out.
The Minnesota DNR website provides great information about ice safety.
In addition to checking the ice conditions before heading out on the ice, you will want to gather your fishing gear.
Some basic fishing gear you may want or need include: a fishing rod and reel, fishing line, bait and tackle, bobber, ice auger, ice chisel, ice scoop.
Ice fishing rods are much shorter than an open water fishing rod; most anglers use a rod that is approximately 28 inches in length.
It is best to spool your line on the reel before you hit the ice.
Most stores that sell rods and line will be able to assist you with this task.
Once you've reached your destination on the ice, you must drill a hole through the ice.
An ice auger is a special drill manufactured specifically for this task.
The holes are typically 8-10 inches in diameter, depending on your auger.
In popular fishing spots, these outdoor holes are often open from use by previous fishermen.
If you locate an open hole that has been left by a previous angler, it is okay to use one of these.
An ice chisel is used to break open the thinner ice that reforms over the holes, and the ice chips are removed with the assistance of an ice scoop to clear the hole.
The line with baited hook is dropped into the hole to the proper depth, and a bobber can be attached to the line so you can see when a fish is nibbling the bait down below.
A successful ice fishing trip, doesn't end when you step off the ice.
Pan fish bite readily and it isn't difficult to bring enough fish back to shore for an excellent lunch.
Walleye is one of the most sought-after fish in Minnesota, and proves to be a tasty treat for all of your drilling, bobbing and reeling efforts.
A nice lunch starring your catch of the day will definitely put the Minnesota style into your ice fishing vacation.
If you are vacationing in Minnesota, know that many MN resorts are fully equipped to provide visitors with everything needed for a fun Minnesota ice fishing expedition.
They can direct you to the nearest MN fishing licensing office.
They also have the knowledge to get you started on your adventure, including bait and tackle, instructions and directions to the best places to try your luck.
They even have fish houses all set up and ready to use for those who prefer to be indoors while catching their dinners.
It is quite an experience to sit in a fish house, watching a football game, playing cards or reading a good book while waiting for a bite on your line! Minnesota is also home to the world's largest charitable ice fishing contest: The Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza.
This ice fishing competition is held each January in Brainerd, MN.
With tons of prizes to be won and over 10,000 anglers on the ice at once, the Ice Fishing Extravaganza offers a truly unique ice fishing experience for all--one that is quite different from going out on the ice in a cozy fish house! Whether you hit the ice with only your rod & reel or with a few extras for added comfort, a Minnesota fishing vacation in the winter is an experience you won't forget.
