The deadline to remove fish houses from the ice on inland waters in the southern two-thirds of the state is quickly approaching, and the DNR reminds anglers to start planning for their removal. The statutory shelter removal deadline for inland waters in the southern two-thirds of the state is 11:59 p.m. on March 2. The deadline for inland lakes in the northern portion of the state is 11:59 p.m. on March 16. The DNR reminds all fish house owners to pick up any trash before hauling their shelter off the ice.
Exceptions to the removal deadlines are Minnesota-Canada border waters (March 31), Minnesota-South Dakota and North Dakota border waters (March 5), Minnesota-Wisconsin border waters (March 1) and Minnesota-Iowa border waters (Feb. 20). After removal deadlines, shelters may remain on the ice between midnight and one hour before sunrise only when occupied or attended.
As they venture out, anglers always should keep in mind that ice conditions vary widely, that ice is never 100 percent safe, and that they should check the ice thickness for themselves. For more information, visit the DNR ice fishing shelter webpage.
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