![Central MN Ice Fishing in March: What a Difference a Year Makes](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/03/attachment-fish-measurement-edit.jpg?w=630&h=420&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89&w=980&q=75)
Central MN Ice Fishing in March: What a Difference a Year Makes
Last year in mid-March on many lakes in Central Minnesota ice anglers could get on lakes due to the ice disappearing along shoreline. Glen Schmitt from Outdoor News joined me on WJON. He says this year is completely different but for most people ice fishing is done for the year. The heavy amounts of snow throughout the season, slush on the ice and the fact that ice houses can't stay on the ice unoccupied has caused many people to moved on.
![AM 1240 WJON logo](https://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/11/attachment-wjonam-alexacard-big.jpg?w=100)
Ice conditions in northern Minnesota are actually worse that what we have in Central Minnesota. Schmitt says heavy snow last week and a lack of plowing of roads on the ice has made ice fishing on northern lakes very difficult.
Schmitt says due to the conditions fishing in Minnesota is largely on hold until spring arrives and open water fishing can happen. He did say weather changes can happen quickly in the state. A stretch of temperatures in the 40s and 50s could change push spring a bit closer.
Last week many sportsman's shows took place in Minnesota which can kick off the start of open water fishing but that possibility isn't in site anytime soon. Schmitt says there have been years where the ice wasn't out the week of the fishing opener.
If you'd like to listen to my conversation with Glen Schmitt it is available below.
Rockville, Minnesota...in Pictures
More From AM 1240 WJON
![Minnesota Looking to Increase Numbers of This Animal](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2013/01/elk.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Grouse Numbers are Up in Minnesota; When to Fish This Weekend](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2019/02/RS4729_100560779.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![How Minnesota Fishing Is Being Affected by Flooding](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2022/06/attachment-Glen-Schmitt-water-levels-edit.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Fishing Is Amping Up Going Into Memorial Weekend](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/05/attachment-Andrew-Schmitt-fishing-edit.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![MN Turkey Hunting Record Set; Where to Find Walleye This Weekend](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/04/Glen-with-Turkey-jpg.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Best Walleye Lakes in Central Minnesota](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/05/attachment-Fishing-Glen-Schmitt-edit.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Black Bear Spotted in Cold Spring This Week](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/04/attachment-bear-in-Walden-Woods-edit.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Bear Sightings in Central Minnesota Aren’t Uncommon](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2022/09/attachment-Bear-in-Clearwater-edit.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Stream Trout Fishing Is Big In This Part of the MN](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2018/01/Trout-Fishing-Chung-Sung-Jun-Getty-Images.jpg?w=980&q=75)