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Friday, November 6th, 2026

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Poor ice not so nice for Minnesota’s fishing retailers

Unseasonably warm weather across Minnesota has created unstable ice conditions and contributed to a poor overall start to the ice-fishing season. (Stock photo courtesy of Steve Carney)

During a normal December, business is booming at Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle in Oakdale.
“It’s typically our busiest time of year,” said Blue Ribbon owner, general manager, and fishing guide Josh Stevenson, who purchased the popular outdoor shop in 2004. “Kids are off for Christmas break. College students are home. A lot of people are taking vacation. Everyone goes a little a crazy indoors after a while, and they want to get out and many go ice fishing. Not this year. I’ve never seen business this slow. It’s completely unprecedented.”
Stevenson isn’t alone.

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