Ice-out arrives just in time for May 10 fishing opener

Kalli Hawkins | May 8, 2025

Only a few days remain until what many consider the official start to summer: the fishing opener.

While ice conditions ranged from 20 to 26 inches as of April 20 on many inland lakes, the most recent heavy rain and warmer temperatures across northern Minnesota this past week have significantly reduced the ice.

The first week in May brought high 60-degree temperatures closer to the Lake Superior shore and temperatures in the 70-80 degree range throughout the Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

On Tuesday, May 6, a WTIP listener reported inland temperatures reached 80 degrees near mid-trail of the Gunflint.

The warm temperatures helped many lakes, such as Round Lake, Gunflint Lake, Iron Lake, Little Iron Lake, Sawbill Lake, Deeryard, and many others, officially reach the ice-out milestone.

In just a couple of days, many anglers and canoeists will dip their boats or canoes into open water for the annual fishing opener on May 10. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says approximately 500,000 people across the state are expected to fish on Saturday, May 10.

Below is a look at Cook County inland ice-out reports as of May 7.

Sawbill Lake:

2025 Ice-out – May 6

Clare and Dan Shirley, owners of Sawbill Canoe Outfitters, reported that ice-out officially occurred on Sawbill Lake on May 6.

“Paddling season is open,” said Clare Shirley.

While Sawbill Lake is officially open, Sawbill Canoe Outfitters reported that Alton Lake is still locked up with ice, which is normal. “Alton and Brule are so big, they typically go out 3-4 days after Sawbill does.”

Below is a May 7 interview with owner Clare Shirley at Sawbill Lake about Sawbill Lake ice-out and cold water safety reminders.

Sawbill Lake on May 7 | Photo by Chuck Olsen

Round Lake:

Andy McDonnell, owner of Tuscarora Lodge up the Gunflint Trail, reported in a Facebook post that ice-out officially occurred on Round Lake on May 7.

Iron Lake and Little Iron Lake:

WTIP listeners reported ice-out conditions on Iron Lake and Little Iron Lake up the Gunflint Trail on May 6.

Gunflint Lake:

WTIP listeners reported the west end of Gunflint Lake is open. Gunflint Lodge owners John and Mindy Fredrikson told WTIP that ice-out happened on May 7. “We’re all clear on this end,” John Fredrikson said.

Below is a photo from the Gunflint Lodge webcam showing Gunflint Lake conditions as of May 7.

Gunflint Lodge Webcam May 7

Poplar Lake:

WTIP listeners reported there is still ice on Poplar Lake up the Gunflint Trail. Smaller bays are open, but the main part of the lake still has ice as of May 7. Below is a photo from the Rockwood Lodge webcam showing ice on the lake out front of the lodge on Poplar.

Rockwood Lodge webcam May 7

Ball Club Lake:

Ice is out as of May 7

Ball Club Lake on May 7 | Photo by Kalli Hawkins

While partial ice remains on a handful of other lakes throughout the Superior National Forest, the forecast over the weekend calls for sun and temperatures in the high 60s, according to the National Weather Service.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources tracks ice-out conditions in Cook County and across the state and has historical ice-out records dating back to 1843 for various lakes.

The following are historical records for Cook County lakes according to DNR records:

Sawbill Lake:

Median ice-out date: May 7

2025 – May 6

2024 – April 17

2022 – May 14

Clearwater Lake:

Median ice-out date: May 5

2024 – April 26

2023 – May 15

2022 – May 17

2021 – April 25