Thin Ice: St. Michael's Pelican Lake Still Has Thin Spots

A popular winter fishing spot and a new winter event might be in question after a man broke through the ice on Pelican Lake in western St. Michael/eastern Monticello Township. 

According to Wright County Sheriff Joe Hagerty:

Tuesday, Jan. 3, the Wright County Sheriff's Office responded to Pelican Lake in Monticello Township on a report of an ice fisherman who had gone through the ice on the east side near Wright County Road 119.

A 38-year-old Ramsey man had been on the ice with a fish house and ATV when he went through the ice. The subject was able to stand on top of his fish house and call for help on his cell phone.

The Wright County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Monticello Fire department and the man was rescued from the lake and transported to the Buffalo Hospital to be checked out.

Wright County Sheriff Joe Hagerty reminds citizens to exercise caution before venturing out on to frozen water this season.

"The unseasonably mild weather has lead to dangerous ice conditions on several area lakes," he said.

As for Pelican Lake, it is set to host the North American Ice Fishing Tournament regional qualifier this weekend, with activities starting in Monticello Friday night.

According to Monticello Chamber of Commerce assistant director Rachel Wernsing, the incident Tuesay happened on a different spot on the lake.

"I know the tournament officials were out there [Wednesday] to check things out. They're pretty sure they'll be able to go on," she said.

A complete list of events surrounding the "Frostbite Challenge" fishing tournament this weekend is attached.