Minnesota's long, snowy winter has delayed the onset of spring, but last week's blowtorch of warmth has eased some anxiety felt by anglers and resort owners who count on northern lakes to be open in time for the state fishing opener.
Assistant state climatologist Pete Boulay said ice-outs were running behind by a week to 10 days before the heat wave. Lake Pepin, for instance, became free of ice April 8, eight days past its historical median ice-out date of March 30.
With a whole month to go before walleye and northern pike season opens May 13, conditions can change but progress is being made.
