Cold is helping, but caution still needed on newly frozen lakes

Yes, this week's cold weather should help solidify ice around the state. But it may not remove the danger from weeks of unseasonably warm temperatures.DNR officials say the cold temps could freeze open water on some lakes, making them appear safe, though that new ice may not support a person or vehicle. And last week, DNR conservation officers again reported many people or things falling through thin ice. Several ice fishing houses went into lakes near Glenwood and Albany, and a truck went through the ice on Garrison Bay of Lake Mille Lacs. Near Mora, a truck fell through ice on Knife Lake, and two ice houses fell in two other area lakes.With the recent cold weather, some ice houses likely now will be frozen into lakes — another problem for anglers. GOOD FISHIN'Walleyes and perch have been biting at Lake Mille Lacs, and anglers reportedly have been doing well on Upper Red Lake and Lake of the Woods, too. The trout season opened, and angling was very good in the Grand Marais area, "in fact too good for some who didn't stop when they reached their limit,'' reported conservation officer Darin Fagerman. Trout fishing also was very good near Two Harbors.TRAIL CONDITIONSATV riders are reminded that they can't legally drive on snowmobile trails after Dec. 1.