trout throught the ice

[Kyle]

I know that you can catch and release trout in SE MN in the winter, but does anyone know what the regulations are for central MN are for catching trout through the ice? Thanks for any help.

[DEADhead]

depends on what county you will be fishing in. Aitkin, Becker, Beltrami, Cass, Crow Wing, and Hubbard counties are closed to winter stream trout fishing.

Winter stream trout season outside of the BWCA is from January 15 to March 15. 5 trout limit, only three fish over 16". No live bait (minnows). Only one line allowed for winter and summer angling.

It's always a good idea to read the reg book or look at the DNR's Regulations page online:

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/fishing/index.html

[Kyle]

Im new to trout fishing, and when I read the regulation book, I wasnt able to find a clear answer about the st.cloud area. So are you saying that I could have gone out to Big Watab Lake just outside of St.Cloud and fished for Rainbows through the ice, and kept a limit of 5? I dont know if it is just me, but the MN regulation handbook seems to be not very specific when it comes to certain areas of the state. Thanks for the reply

[DEADhead]

The regulations apply to all inland waters, unless there is an experimental regulation for the lake. If the lake you want to fish is not listed in that section of experimental regs., then you can assume that the normal regulations are in place. There is usually a posted sign (chartreuse) at common access areas on the lake as well, if it is experimental.

You are correct in assuming that Big Watab has the normal regulations for trout fishing applied.

confused yet?

[Kyle]

I think Iv'e got it now, thanks for the help! Too bad the season is over for now.

[TRZ]

If it is not a designated trout lake you CAN use minnows and 2 lines-but you still need a trout stamp.