What better defines Minnesota in January and February than ice? After all, we are the Land of 10,000 [Frozen] Lakes! Make this the coolest winter yet, by taking your kids on a family ice fishing adventure during the winter months at one of these kid-friendly events. Rather curl up with a good book? We have some ideas for seasonally appropriate family reading, too.
Note: These events that rely on the cooperation of frozen lakes and are weather dependent.
December 2021 Family Ice Fishing Events
Take an ice fishing trip during Christmas vacation without even leaving the Twin Cities:
Time/Date: Thurs December 30, 2021 • 10am-1pm Location: Silverwood Park, 2500 County Rd E St. Anthony, MN 554211 Details: Participants will be provided with a sled, shelter, auger, lures, tackle and instruction. We like Silverwood because you can warm up by the fireplace in the coffee shop when you get too cold. Purchase hot cocoa and snacks. You will also find bathrooms in the coffee shop. • $40/Family (2-6 people)(Registration Required)
January 2022 Family Ice Fishing Events
Spend a beautiful day of Minnesota ice fishing without the commitment. You don’t need to take an ice fishing vacation in Northern Minnesota; there is no need to buy or rent an ice fishing house; ice fishing equipment is provided and no experience is necessary at these events:
Time/Date: Saturdays Jan 8 – Feb 26, 2022 • Sign up for 1-hour slots between 11am-1pm Location: Staring Lake Park Outdoor Center, 13765 Staring Lake Pkwy, Eden Prairie, MN 55347 Details: We like Staring Lake Park, because there are a a variety of outdoor activities to try, including Ice Fishing. When you get cold, you can warm up next to the bonfire. • FREE, but registration required.
Time/Date: Sundays Jan 9 – Feb 27, 2022 • 12pm-2pm. Registration Required Location: Bush Lake Beach, 9140 East Bush Lake Road, Bloomington, MN 55438 Details: Part of Bloomington Winter Fete. Instruction and all equipment will be provided. • $5/pp. Max 15 participants in each session. Registration required.
Time/Date: Sat Jan 15 – Mon Jan 17, 2022 • All Day Location: Minnesota Lakes Details: Adults who bring a child 15 or under can fish without a license (kids under 15 never need a license). Find some beginner pointers, tips and safety precautions at the Minnesota DNR’s website. • FREE
Time/Date: Sat Jan 15, 2022 • 1-4pm (waitlist); Sat Jan 18, 2022 • 10am-1pm Location: Fish Lake Regional Park, 14900 Bass Lake Road, Maple Grove, MN 55311 Details: Participants will be provided with a sled, shelter, auger, bait and rods and instruction. • $40/Group (2-6 people)(Registration Required and availability is limited.)
Time/Date: Saturday, January 22, 2022 • 10am-12pm Location: Fort Snelling State Park, 101 Snelling Lake Road, St. Paul, MN 55111 Details: Learn Ice fishing with all ice fishing gear and bait provided. We like Fort Snelling because there is a playground on the beach so kids can run and play after ice fishing. Also, Minnesota residents do not need a license to fish in State Parks. • FREE, but vehicle permit required $7/day • Pre-Register by Phone 612-279-3550.
Time/Date: Sunday, January 23, 2022 • 1pm-5pm Location: Silverwood Park, 2500 County Rd E St. Anthony, MN 55421 Details: Expert ice anglers and staff will guide visitors through ice safety, fishing equipment at this all-ages event. • FREE • Pre-registration preferred, drop-ins welcome.
Ice Fishing On Your Own
The nice thing about the family ice fishing events listed above is that you’ll have expert ice fishermen on hand to answer questions and instruct your family in ice fishing safety and basics. If you plan to strike out on your own, the Minnesota DNR’s fishing page is a good place to start. While some fish (crappie, catfish, sunfish, perch and bullhead) are legal to catch at any time. If you want gamefish, like walleye, northern pike and bass, you’ll need to check the DNR’s regulations. You will also need fishing licenses for any family member that is 16 or older (unless you are fishing at a State Park). You can do this through the DNR’s website as well.
As with any outdoor events during Minnesota winters, dress in layers for flexible warmth and comfort. Make sure your kids do too, you’ll stay outside longer if everyone is comfortable.
Three Books that Feature Ice Fishing?
Reading is definitely cozier than ice fishing, but maybe one of these books will inspire you to get out and try the real thing.
Gianna reviewed this book by local author, Deborah Jo Larson, and referred to as “The most beautiful book ever written on one of the most deplorable past-times known to man–ice fishing”. Whether or not you share Gianna’s opinion of ice fishing, she is certain you will love this prose-style book. Read more here.
Recommended by Ruhama, one of our favorite librarians. She tells us that in this children’s novel, “Alice leads a rich life, and can inspire you and your family to do the same.” One of Ruhama’s suggested projects to go with the book is to try ice fishing together. Read more about it here.
Another local author who has written about Ice Fishing is Laura Purdie Salas. This is a non-fiction book that could fill out your ice fishing collection, nicely. Read more about the author here.
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