Ice fishing is going full throttle in most of Minnesota, thanks to recent cold weather. Still, anglers are urged to use caution.

Up north, anglers are reporting about 8 inches of ice on Upper Red Lake, and conservation officers said some permanent fish houses were seen on the big lake. At Lake of the Woods, anglers reported more than 9 inches of ice near Morris Point and Pine Island. "Fishing has been excellent, with many anglers catching more than 30 fish per day," reported DNR conservation officer Robert Gorecki of Baudette. Near Bemidji, lakes had 6 to 9 inches of ice.

Conservation officer Chris Vinton of Perham reported a steady stream of anglers heading to the frozen lakes there. Ice thickness varies from 4 to 11 inches. Up in Moorhead, most anglers were walking onto ice, thought some ATVs were seen. Ice thickness averages 5 to 8 inches. Anglers had luck with crappies and sunfish.

At Pelican Rapids, many areas have 4 to 8 inches of ice, but there is still open water, too. At Park Rapids, up to 8 inches of ice was reported on smaller lakes. Near Longville, small lakes were reported to have 3 to 5 inches of ice. There was about 7 inches on Deer River lakes. Lake Mille Lacs had around 9 inches of ice in most areas, though some areas had 4 to 5 inches.

Near Pine River, some ice was 10 to 12 inches thick. At Hinckley, there was around 6 inches of ice and anglers were targeting crappies. Anglers were out in force near Marshall, where ice ranged from thin to 11 inches.

DOUG SMITH