Ice Fishing Season Is Here on Rainy Lake — Let’s Keep It Clean
As winter settles in across the Rainy Lake area, anglers are once again heading out onto the ice to enjoy one of northern Minnesota’s most cherished traditions: ice fishing. From early-season walk-outs to fully set fish houses later in the winter, Rainy Lake offers incredible fishing opportunities and breathtaking scenery.
With the excitement of a new season comes an important reminder: what we bring onto the ice must leave with us.
A Growing Tradition and a Growing Responsibility
Ice fishing continues to grow in popularity, thanks to improved technology, comfortable shelters, and longer stays on the ice. While this growth is great for our communities and local economy, it also means increased responsibility to protect the waters we all enjoy.
The Keep It Clean campaign began over a decade ago on Lake of the Woods and has since expanded statewide, now including Voyageurs National Park gateway communities, Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, Ash River, and Crane Lake. What started as a grassroots effort has grown into a coalition representing more than 1,200 lakes across Minnesota and it’s making a real difference.
Minnesota Law: Leaving Waste on the Ice Is Illegal
As of July 2023, Minnesota law makes it illegal to place any garbage or waste on or below the ice of Minnesota waters. Anyone ice fishing, snowmobiling, or recreating on frozen lakes must keep trash secured in a fish house, vehicle, or container.
Violations may result in a $100 civil penalty per offense, and conservation officers now have clearer authority to enforce the law. This legislation is helping prevent tons of trash and human waste from entering Minnesota’s lakes each winter and protecting fish habitat, wildlife, and water quality.
Most anglers are responsible stewards of the outdoors. But with thousands of people venturing onto the ice each season, even small amounts of forgotten trash can quickly add up. Wind, snow, birds, and freezing conditions can scatter or bury garbage, making it easy to unintentionally leave something behind.
How to Keep It Clean This Ice Fishing Season
Before you head out onto Rainy Lake, keep these best practices in mind:
- Plan ahead for trash and waste removal. Whether you’re using a public access, resort, or private landing, know how and where you’ll dispose of waste.
- Use colored garbage bags. White bags can disappear in snowy conditions. Bright or black bags are easier to see.
- Never place garbage on or under the ice. It’s illegal and harmful to the lake.
- Secure trash before leaving. Prevent items from blowing out of truck beds, sleds, or trailers.
- Remove everything when moving a fish house. This includes wood blocking, insulation, and any loose materials.
For more information on the Keep It Clean campaign, visit keepitcleanmn.org
Bundle up, fish safe, and Keep It Clean this ice fishing season on Rainy Lake.
