Minnesota Ice Fisherman are Part Die-Hard, Part Nuts

Snow is melting on area lakes due to above average temps. Ice fishing contests are being postponed because of this. This isn't stopping local fishing fanatics!

When you live on a lake, you get to see it's transformation daily based on the temperatures in the winter. A week ago our lake had total snow cover and ice was plenty. Since the temps have been above freezing the last few days, the snow cover is quickly going away, and the top ice is getting a little slushy. The shore line is also starting to show open water as well, making me a little hesitant to step foot on the lake.

Maybe it's just me, but are the people nuts? I'm still seeing ice houses and collapsing shelters on the lake - including vehicles driving, as you can see in the picture (less the ice houses that are finally starting to leave). What is it that makes people attempt to defy the odds and still bring a vehicle on a lake right now? I can understand if you park the vehicle at the landing and pull your ice house out, but driving it out?? Kudos to you die-hards who like the adrenaline rush. Personally, I'll just watch you from the shoreline...