Public water access conditions vary due to late ice out

Minnesota boaters will find a variety of conditions at public water accesses for the May 10 fishing opener, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The DNR Division of Trails and Waterways is making a special effort to ensure all DNR boat launches are ready by the opener, said Nancy Steward, the Public Water Access Program coordinator.

“Some lakes in the northern half of the state may still have ice, which poses a challenge in making repairs. It’s wise for boaters to check ahead for the latest report on the access they plan to use,” Steward said.

Stewart offers these suggestions for the opener:
- Plan to be patient and prepared at public water accesses and use extra care while launching and loading boats.
- Inspect the ramp condition before using it; some of the worst ramp damage can be below the water line.
- In case your favorite lake access is unusable, be prepared to try another public access.
- Operate boats carefully because there could be free-floating ice sheets on some lakes.

For public water access maps, boating information and lake ice-out status, go to the DNR website at: www.mndnr.gov. Boaters who encounter problems should contact the local DNR office or call the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367).