When you are willing to brave the still cold air temps and hit the open water, so technically when you say it does! However, the “official” start of boating season is when the sheriff’s department declares ICE OUT. In Hennepin County, the average ice out day is around April 14. The recent record for earliest ice out was March 17 in 2016. The latest was May 5 in 1857 and in 2018. How is ice out determined? It can vary from lake to lake but generally speaking, it is when a boat can be safely launched and get from point A to point B without hitting ice. For the most up to date information regarding ice out, check the MN DNR website ice out 2022.