Ice causing problems at public water accesses;
not all will be ready in time
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Trails and Waterways crews are working feverishly to prepare nearly 2,000 DNR public water accesses for the May10 fishing opener. However, due to excessive winter ice damage and the late ice out in the northern half of the state, it is unlikely they will fully meet their goal.
“Ice is causing some major problems in the north,” said Tim Browning, DNR Northwest Region trails and waterways manager. “Hundreds of concrete boat ramps have been buckled from ice movement over the winter and repairs are being hampered by the late ice out. Our crews are working overtime to get as much done as fast as we safely can.”
The late ice-out is also delaying dock installation. According to Browning, installing the docks before the ice disappears is not an option on most lakes, as strong winds could blow the ice toward shore and damage the docks.
DNR Northeast Region Trails and Waterways Manager Les Ollila concurs. "There just isn't enough time to get all the accesses ready before the opener, even if the ice melts tomorrow,” said Ollila. “Once the ice melts, crews will be busy fixing ramps and getting docks in the water as quickly as possible.”
The DNR urges anglers to use caution at access sites this fishing opener. Boaters should be aware that the condition of access ramps could differ above and below the water line. Boaters should inspect the entire ramp before launching a boat.
For more information about Minnesota’s water accesses or the Minnesota fishing opener, visit
www.mndnr.gov
