Fish house removal dates approaching

Minnesota’s ice fishing shelter removal dates are approaching, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Dark houses, fish houses and portables must be off the ice of inland water no later than midnight on March 4 in the southern two-thirds of the state and March 18 in the northern third. Enforcement action will be taken if shelters are left after the deadlines.

The March 4 removal deadline applies to waters south of a line starting at the Minnesota-North Dakota border near Moorhead along U.S. Highway 2 and east along Highway 2 to the Minnesota-Wisconsin border near Duluth. The March 18 deadline applies to water north of that line.

Those not removing shelters will be prosecuted. Conservation officers may remove the structure and confiscate or destroy it. It is unlawful to store or leave a shelter at a public access.

After removal dates, shelters may remain on the ice between midnight and one hour before sunrise only when occupied or attended.

It is unlawful to improperly dispose of ice fishing shacks anywhere in the state. Anglers should check with local refuse providers or landfills for disposal.

Tags: fish houses, news