Ice Out Altering Minnesota’s Fishing Opener

LITTLE FALLS -- If you're planning on heading to northern Minnesota for the fishing opener Saturday, the DNR's Eric Altena says check ahead because there will be many lakes which still have ice on them. He says however, there may be some areas where you can get on the water, like Rainy River or some lakes that have water flowing through them.

Altena says southern Minnesota lakes should have open water and many central Minnesota lakes will also have ice out but he says it's a good idea to check with bait shops first.

The DNR says if you do find open water, make sure to wear your life jacket because the water is still dangerously cold. You're also reminded to remove any invasive species from your boat when landing it.