With the ice on the lakes, the fishing begins. Local bait shops last week shared some fishing reports and tips. 

According to Brock at Last Cast Bait and Tackle in Starbuck, “there have been some people fishing with reports of 4 to 5 inches of ice on Minnewaska. Sunfish, crappies and some walleyes are being caught on the Glenwood end and some walleyes are being caught on the Starbuck end. People are out on Emily with some success but it’s still slow. On Reno, I know they’re catching walleyes and crappies.” 

“The ice is forming nicely on many area lakes. A few of the bays are a little rough from the ice breaking up and the wind blowing it in, but once you get out on the main part, it is as smooth as a baby’s bottom. I’m hearing reports of 4-6 inches on Lake Reno and 3-5 on Minnewaska,” said Nancy Koep of Koep’s Bait in Glenwood. “People have been walking out in front of the beach access and I have also seen people out by the DNR. Reno has a few smaller permanent houses out in the bay off Highway 29. There were two a few days ago. Please remember NO ice is ever safe ice. Remember ice picks when you head out, a chisel to check the thickness and a float suit is helpful or a life jacket,” she said. 

Ice safety is important, and ice can change from day to day.   See the ice thickness recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) below.