Ice fishing shelters south of Highway 16 are to be removed by March 15 while shelters north of the highway have until March 31. (submitted photo/Government of Saskatchewan)

By Elliott Knopp

Ice Fishing Shelters

Saskatchewan ice fishers to remove shelters by March deadlines

Mar 4, 2021 | 5:00 PM

With the ice fishing season coming to an end, the Government of Saskatchewan is reminding residents to remove their ice fishing shelters by their region’s deadline.

All ice fishing shelters south of Highway 16 must be removed by March 15 while all of the shelters north of the highway have until March 31. In a media release, the province stated shelters are abandoned every year, leading to the shelters and debris washing up on shore and creating environmental hazards that can pose a risk to people enjoying the lake such as boaters and water-skiers.

Glen Kurjata, conservation office inspector in Meadow Lake, said this year’s local ice fishing season has seen more fishers than any year in recent memory.

“The ice-fishing season has gone pretty well. We’ve had some nice weather, so there’s lots of people out and about. We’ve probably had more fishers than we’ve ever seen in any other year, and that’s good. Everybody is out and getting some fresh air,” Kurjata said.

“Even from last year, we are up with the number of ice fishers visiting our local lakes. As you drive by Green Lake, you’ll see numerous people out there. Waterhen Lake, both of those are very popular lakes in the area. Everybody seems to be abiding by the COVID rules and family group and that’s wonderful.”

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With more people ice fishing than any season in recent memory, Kurjata advises residents to get out and prepare to remove the shack sooner as there could be some challenges in removing the shack from the surface.

“Go out before the deadline to ensure that your ice shack isn’t frozen down or can’t be removed because of snow.”

The province is reminding fishers travelling on ice to tread with extreme caution as the changing temperatures could lead to unsafe conditions. Any ice fishing shelters that aren’t removed by the deadline are subject to confiscation and can lead to the prosecution of the owner. Shelters must have the owner’s complete name, address and phone number on the outside of the structure in legible writing at least 2.5 cm high.

If anyone suspects any wildlife, fishery, forestry or environmental violations, they are encouraged to contact Saskatchewan’s toll-free Turn in Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1 (800) 667-7561 or #5555 for Sasktel users. Callers can choose to remain anonymous and could become eligible to receive a cash reward.

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Elliott.Knopp@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp