I'm heading up from Des Moines to camp next weekend in the BWCA via the Gunflint Trailer and need to pick up some frozen fish for my Arctic Warriors and tip-ups. Since the ice fishing season is nearing the back-end I fear I may not be able to find bait.

Does anyone know if I may have issues finding frozen bait and if so where would you recommend I go to acquire said bait?

thanks!

Frozen cisco are no longer available anywhere that I know of. Minnesota has some strict regulations on dead baits to issues with VHS. Check this page on the DNR website.

For smelt your best bet is to call around. A couple of suggestions that are not far off I-35:

Mike's Bait on 8, Forest Lake MN
Marine General, Duluth MN

Bucks in Grand Marais usually has frozen smelt.

Great! Thanks friends!

This place isn’t very far off the interstate and it is on your way. They usually have frozen smelt, shiners and you can call ahead and confirm before stopping.

Frozen bait

Stop at Marine General in Duluth! It is only a mile or so out of your way and it is one of the best bait/tackle shops in the state. They almost always have frozen smelt, but as others have said cisco are impossible to find right now. Call before you stop at Marine, but I am confident they will have the best options in the state as they cater to Lake Trout fisherpeople on Lake Superior