Ice-out status around the Twin Cities is coming in fast with today’s warm push. At 78.7°F under partly cloudy skies and a steady breeze around 14 mph, you’re looking at rapid melt across metro lakes. In early spring, ice-out arrives first on shallower, wind-swept bays and smaller lakes, while big lakes with deeper basins still hold pockets of ice in coves or channels.
What to expect on the water right now:
- Lakes likely open water in the Twin Cities metro: Lake Calhoun (Bde Maka Ska), Lake Harriet, Lake Nokomis, Lake of the Isles, Cedar Lake; many smaller neighborhood lakes are already ice-free or close to it.
- Large metro lakes (e.g., Minnetonka) may have ice only in some coves or along the deeper edge; plan for mixed conditions and scout with binoculars or a quick poke with an auger or a drone if you have one.
Post-ice-out fishing ideas (early-spring tips):
- Panfish (bluegill, crappie) often move to shallow bays first. Focus on 6–12 feet with small jigs (size #6–#8) or a small wax worm/mealworm.
- Walleye bite usually starts along weed edges or near drop-offs in the 8–14 feet zone after a warm day; try a jig/minnow combo or a slow-troll with a worm harness.
- Bass are typically on the move for warm-water spots; topwater lures (poppers) or small swimbaits near newly thawed weed lines can draw hits.
- Safety first: ice-out means thinner ice around inlets, outlets, and coves. When you see open water or slushy edges, switch to open-water gear and consider fishing near shore where ice finished melting earlier.
Gear ideas for this time of year (handy to have on-hand as water opens up):
- TRUSCEND Easy Catch Swimmax, Magic Noisy Turbulent Wiggling and Vibrating Actions
- LITTMA Shiner Glide 130 Glide Baits
- Fishing Lures Multi Jointed Fish Fishing Kits
For ongoing updates from fellow anglers in the Twin Cities, check these real-fishing videos:
- Twin Cities Area Ice Fishing Report and Update | Ice Fishing Tips
- Ice Fishing Update | Twin Cities Area MN | Ice Conditions and Tips for March 8
Remember, ice-out is when the water starts telling you it’s open. Keep a weather eye on the forecast and be ready to switch from ice-fishing to open-water tactics as temps stay up. Stay safe, stay flexible, and get after those early-season bites! 💪🎣
