Trout enthusiasts, get ready to drill those holes and bait your hooks because Cenaiko Lake is officially a go for your angling adventures starting 7:00 am on Thursday, Jan. 18. If you've been itching to finally hit the ice, consider your patience rewarded as the recent cold snap has worked its frosty magic, coaxing ice thickness to reach safe DNR-approved levels.
While ice fishing diehards had their reels ready for the initial Cenaiko Lake trout season kickoff on Saturday, Jan. 13, Mother Nature decided to keep them on the hook just a bit longer. Thanks to unusually balmy winter temps, stretches of the lake were more suited for ducks than augers as recently as Jan. 14. But safety first, Anoka County promptly put a freeze on any premature fishing fiascos until a solid six inches of ice consistently blanketed the lake.
According to information posted on the Anoka County website, “In the interest of public safety, Anoka County prohibited access to Cenaiko Lake until ice thickness reached a consistent depth of six inches.” So polish off that tackle box, because it's all systems go.
But before you scamper off to your secret spot on the lake, remember that ice can be as tricky as a well-crafted lure. Officials urge everyone to not just blindly trust the ice. You've got to check and double-check those conditions because even with the all-clear, remember: “Ice is never 100 percent safe.” Keep your peepers peeled for anything that might weaken your winter platform – whether it’s weird plant growth underfoot, a deceptive blanket of snow, or stealthy currents aiming to undermine your chilly perch.
