Ice Fishing Etiquette
By Your Inner Otter
We’ve reached the home stretch of the 2022/2023 ice fishing season. The walleye season on inland waters in Minnesota closes on February 26th, 2023. The good news is there should be plenty of bluegill and crappie angling opportunities in March. Here are some ice fishing etiquette tips to help you and those around you get the most out of any ice fishing season.
Leave No Trace
Whether you are fishing out of a hard house or portable, protecting our lakes is super important. When you break camp or head off the lake, please make sure that you leave no trace. This means picking up all the waste that might be lying around. Empty beverage containers, wrappers, plastic bags, and cardboard are common items found on lakes late in the season. If you have your hard house blocked up, please take the time to get those out of the ice as well. If we all do our part to keep it clean, we can enjoy these lakes for years to come.
Selective Harvesting
One of our favorite parts about ice fishing is the fish fry. Walleyes, crappies, bluegills and northern pike make for a delicious meal. Please remember to be selective in your harvest. Know the regulations for each species on the body of water you are fishing. Size restrictions and bag limits can differ from lake to lake. We believe the fish in the lakes in Otter Tail County are a limited resource. So please only harvest what you intend to eat. Letting the big fish go can also help reduce the impact of angling pressure on area lakes.
Respect Your Neighbors
Every winter, small communities pop up on our lakes. “Community spots” usually have lots of fish houses on a small area. Being mindful and respecting your neighbors is important when it comes to keeping trips fun. It might even be worthwhile to find a new spot to spread your wings. Who knows there might be a bit too much commotion in those community spots for fish to be biting. Venturing of the beaten path can create a sense of solitude and might be more productive.
Safety First
Ice fishing can be a dangerous past time. Even though we are late in the season, there can still be dangerous spots on any lake. Familiarize yourself with whatever lake you plan to fish. Look for rivers that flow into or out of a given body of water and steer clear of those areas. Always have some safety items in your possession should you or someone else be in trouble. A good shovel, a strong tow strap, rope and a throwable life jacket should be at the ready in case of an emergency. Late ice can be just as, if not more dangerous than early ice. Please proceed with caution the season winds down.
Hopefully, with a little cooperation, a conservative keep policy and a safety first approach, we can all enjoy our time on the ice the rest of the season. To learn more about ice fishing regulations, visit the MN DNR’s website. To find a local fishing guide or supplies, visit our outdoor recreation page.
