Lingering ice remains hot topic ahead of 2022 fishing opener

The ice lingers.

Many area lakes, from the end of the Arrowhead Trail to the Middle Gunflint Trail, still hold ice on the day before the 2022 fishing opener.

Minnesota’s fishing opener for walleye, bass, trout and pike is Saturday, May 14.

The opening of spring fishing is an unofficial Minnesota holiday, dubbed “The Opener.”

Minnesota statute sets the fishing opener as the Saturday two weeks prior to the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend.

This year Memorial Day is on May 30.

Meanwhile, ice clung to many lakes in the WTIP listening area in the days leading up to the fishing opener. If lakes become ice free in time for the opener on Saturday, water temperatures will be extremely dangerous, local officials warn.

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Kylan Hill about the 2022 Fishing Opener and what Cook County and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness anglers need to be mindful of this year.

Audio below.

Kalli Hawkins May 13, 2022