2024 fish regs and non-native species

Wasn’t last weekend wonderful? With temperatures in the 50s, sunshine and no wind, I just had to dig out my dusty lawn chair, walk to the back yard, sit my butt down and soak up the glorious heat and sun. If this was global warming, I love it!    

This brief taste of spring is a warning for those of us who want to sneak in another ice fishing trip or two. This week I will be at my cabin doing just that. The warm sun has begun the slow process of melting lake ice, especially on the north shore that gets the warmth of the late afternoon southern sun. 

There is still good ice on most lakes, but you may have to get on the ice from the shaded side of the lake. Don’t forget to have your ice picks on a cord around your neck, just in case you fall in. Fish with a buddy and walk single file with good spacing between anglers so the person behind the lead angler can help pull out the lead angler if they fall through.