Fishing is a year-round sport in the land of 10,000 lakes. Minnesota continues its fishing season through the cold weather months with ice fishing, and anglers often plan a winter vacation around the sport. An ice fishing vacation in Minnesota can involve simply hiking out on a frozen lake and fishing through a hole in the ice or it can mean setting up in the comfort of a heated fish house and spending nights at a comfortable lodge on the lake's edge. Ice fishing in Minnesota generally runs from December through February but is dependent upon the weather.
Destinations
With more than 10,000 lakes to choose from, it may be hard to decide on one destination for your Minnesota ice fishing vacation. Minnesota lakes that are popular ice fishing vacation destinations include Lake Winnibigoshish, Leech Lake, Detroit Lakes and Clearwater Lake in central Minnesota. Northern vacation destinations include Lake of the Woods, Mille Lacs Lake, Rainy Lake, Lake Bemidji and Red Lake.
Equipment
While you can stay "low-tech" and ice fish with a handheld auger and simple ice fishing pole, you can also take advantage of technology to help you catch a fish on your ice fishing vacation in Minnesota. From portable, pop-up fish houses to underwater cameras and depth finders, pieces of equipment and gadgets are available to make ice fishing easier and more comfortable.
Safety
Don't spoil your ice fishing vacation by ignoring a few ice safety tips. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends that lake ice be at least four inches thick before you try to walk on it. Ice should be at least eight to 12 inches thick before cars or small trucks are driven out on the lake---12 to 15 inches for a pickup truck. If you must drive on the ice, be prepared to make a quick exit from your vehicle in case it goes through the ice.
Types of Fish
The type of fish you can catch on your Minnesota ice fishing vacation depends on where you fish. Walleyes, northern pike and crappies are the most desirable fish during Minnesota ice fishing season, but perch, rainbow trout, saugers and bluegills can also be caught.
Regulations
Ice fishing in Minnesota is regulated by the Minnesota DNR. If you are between the ages of 16 and 90, you must have a valid Minnesota fishing license, which is available through the DNR, through many bait and tackle shops, and through professional outfitters. In addition, you must follow the DNR's regulations for fishing methods and limits. Certain lakes, such as Mille Lacs, have lake-specific regulations. In addition, if you own or rent a fish house on a Minnesota lake, you are required to purchase an overnight or three-year permit from the Minnesota DNR.
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