Living in Minnesota offers access to tens of thousands of lakes that are perfect for fishing. If you think your angling ends in the autumn, think again! There are hundreds of opportunities for winter fishing around the state, especially on Lake Minnetonka. Located just a few miles west-southwest of Minneapolis, Lake Minnetonka is a gem of the Excelsior area and a perfect place to go ice fishing this winter.

Lake Minnetonka Ice Fishing Destinations

If you've never been ice fishing before, there are a few things you should know before you go. First of all, Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources wants to remind fishers and spectators alike that no patch of ice is 100 percent safe. They do not measure the thickness of ice on any of the lakes in the state, so judging whether or not a lake is safe to fish in is the angler's responsibility. New ice is always stronger than old ice. Use this relative thickness guide for reference:

• 4" or Thinner: Dangerous to stand on.
• 4": Suitable for the weight of people on foot.
• 5"-7": Strong enough for ATVs or snowmobiles.
• 8"-12": Strong enough for a car or small pickup truck.
• 12"-15": Strong enough for a medium-sized truck.

Use the following to check ice thickness:

• Ice Chisel
• Ice Auger
• Cordless Drill
• Tape Measure

Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions new residents have about ice fishing in Minnesota.

• When can I ice fish in Minnesota?
  The first day of ice fishing season occurs on the "freeze-up date," which is when a lake is 90 percent or more frozen over. This typically happens to Lake Minnetonka at the end of November or beginning of December. 
  
  
• Should I wear a lifejacket?
  Yes, or a new flotation snowmobile suit. Ice can break at any moment and send you into the water.
  
  
• Do adults need fishing licenses?
  Yes, and there are a variety of license options to choose from, including single-person fishing, married couple fishing, single-person hunting and fishing, and two-people fishing/one-person hunting. There are also licenses available for nonresidents.
  
  
• Do children need ice fishing licenses?
  Children in Minnesota ages 15 and younger do not need a fishing license.
  
  
• Is there any time that an adult can ice fish without a license?
  Yes, during Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend both the adult and child do not require fishing licenses.
  
  
• Where do I get a license for ice fishing?
  The license for fishing in Minnesota allows you to fish in lakes throughout the year even when they are frozen over. These licenses are available through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Ice fishing can be dangerous, but with proper caution and preparation, it can change the way you experience fishing in Minnesota. Whether it's your first time or part of your annual weekend winter activities, consider enlisting the help of these experts to help you find the perfect spot for ice fishing on Lake Minnetonka.

• Set the Hook Guide Services — Set the Hook Guide Services offers public fish house rentals as well as guided ice fishing services that come with reels, rods, tip-ups, and bait.
• Jasper Guide Services — With Jasper Guide Services, you can instantly rent a luxury fish house and professional guide for an amazing ice fishing experience. They even have an Ice Fish Camp for kids to learn how to ice fish using sonar and cameras.
• TonkaFishing — Known as Lake Minnetonka's fishing resource, TonkaFishing provides guided individual ice fishing trips for anglers of any level.

Would you like to live close enough to Lake Minnetonka so you can take advantage of every ice-fishing opportunity? Contact Homes by Joel today, and we'll show you all of the Excelsior homes for sale around the Lake Minnetonka area.