The Season Shift is Coming
We are officially in the home stretch of the Minnesota ice fishing season. Here on Lake Winnie, the sun is getting stronger, the days are getting longer, and the countdown to the mandatory ice house removal is officially on.
While many people think the season ends when the shacks come off, seasoned Winnie anglers know better. This is the pivot point. We have about three weeks of prime hard-water action left, followed by the anticipation of the 2026 open-water season. If you want to make the most of Lake Winnie this year, you need to be playing both the short game (ice) and the long game (summer).
The Short Game: The Final Ice Bite
The next few weeks offer some of the most productive fishing of the year. As we move toward the March 16th removal deadline for inland waters, the fish are shaking off the mid-winter slump.
- The Perch Power-Hour: The jumbo perch on Winnie are notoriously active right now. They are schooling up and feeding heavily, making this the absolute best time to get kids on the ice. The weather is milder, the fish are aggressive, and the "action-per-hour" is at its peak.
- The Last Hurrah: For the die-hards, this is the time to squeeze in that final solo trip or a weekend with the guys. Once the ice becomes unsafe in late March, we enter that "in-between" month where you can’t walk out and you can’t launch a boat. A successful trip now is what tides you over until the May Opener.
- Safety & Access: Our member resorts are currently working overtime to keep ice roads maintained. However, late-season ice conditions can change in a matter of hours. Always check in at the resort office for the latest report on heave locations and shore ice stability before you head out.
The Long Game: Why We Book Summer in February
Lake Winnie is a year-round destination, but the "Year-Round" part only works if you plan ahead. While we’re still bundled up, the summer calendar at the Lake Winnie Resort Association is already filling up.
If you’re waiting for the ice to melt before you call about a July cabin, you’re likely going to be disappointed. Here is the reality of the 2026 summer season:
1. The "Premier Week" Scramble The weeks surrounding the Fishing Opener, the 4th of July, and early August are the first to go. Many of our resorts have "legacy guests" who book the same cabin year after year. The remaining openings are claimed early by those who want the best docks and the best views.
2. Tactical Planning for the Opener The 2026 Walleye Opener will be here before you know it. Booking now gives you time to coordinate with your group, ensure you have enough boat slips reserved, and lock in the specific cabin size you need. Whether you're bringing a 20-foot Lund or renting a resort pontoon, the logistics are much easier to handle in February than in May.
3. Family-Proofing Your Vacation Unlike a solo fishing trip, a family vacation has a lot of moving parts. You need to know there’s a pool for the kids, a beach that’s accessible, and enough space for everyone to relax. By booking now, you get your pick of the resorts that offer those specific amenities, rather than settling for whatever is left over.
Lake Winnie: A 365-Day Factory
Whether it’s the "Walleye Capital" reputation or the world-class jumbo perch, Lake Winnie doesn't have an "off-season"—it just has different modes.
Right now, we are in Ice Mode. We’re seeing limits of perch, beautiful afternoon sun, and a community of anglers making the most of the hard water. But in just a few short months, the ice will clear, the loons will be back, and the sound of outboards will fill the air.
The Bottom Line: Don't let the end of the ice season catch you off guard. Get out here for one last pull on the line before the shacks come off, and while you’re here, stop by the lodge and get your summer dates on the books.
The "Big Chip" is ready for you—no matter what the thermometer says.
