The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources defines a lake as a body of water with an area of at least 10 acres.

Usually, Boulay says, ice-out occurs when a lake is roughly 90% ice-free, and when a boat may be successfully launched.

For Minnesota lakes and rivers south of highways 2 and 200, the deadline is March 6. For lakes and rivers north of highways 2 and 200, the deadline is March 20. Ice fishing houses must be entirely ...