The wind has kept most of the lake open this week, but ice has started to take hold along the south shore, Trader’s Bay, and in Steamboat Bay. Many small lakes and shallow bays throughout the area are also covered with a thin layer of ice, but it all needs to get thicker before walking out is advised.
Yes, anglers have started walking on the ice and fishing on many small, shallow lakes or bays. Monday night’s cold, calm conditions appeared to be just what was needed for walkable ice to develop, especially across the northern part of the state.
Generally speaking, and with some caution, you should be able to find a place to fish somewhat comfortably through the ice this weekend. Those lakes and bays that already had a thin layer of ice heading into Monday night are going to be the safest spots to check. With that, ice depths vary greatly; they always do this time of year. But the ice-fishing season has started in some areas more quickly than expected.
Leech Lake Tourism
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