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 Alex Rodgerson

Fishing & Outdoors News

Province calls for removal of ice fishing shelters by months end

Mar 5, 2022 | 8:00 AM

The Province of Saskatchewan is advising anglers that all ice fishing shelters will need to be removed by the end of March.

With ice fishing season winding down, the province says anglers should plan to remove their ice fishing shelters before the provincial deadlines which are March 15 south of Highway 16 and March 31 north of the highway. They add that each year, shelters end up abandoned on the melting ice, which poses a danger to boaters, water skiers and others using the lakes. Leftover debris can also wash up on shore, causing litter, and other potential environmental hazards.

Ice fishing structures must be removed from the ice surface and transported to a different location, along with all leftover debris. Shelters not removed could result in prosecution as well as the confiscation of the structure and its contents. The province notes that all fishing shelters require the owner’s complete name, address and phone number marked clearly on the outside in letters that are at least 2.5 cm high.

Meantime anyone travelling on the ice should be very cautious, as slush can often indicate that ice is eroding. Quickly changing temperatures can cause thermal cracks and ridges, which are all indicators of unsafe ice conditions. If you suspect that any violations are taking place, the province asks residents to call Saskatchewan’s toll-free line at 1-800-667-7561, or call #5555 from a SaskTel cellular device. Violations can also be reported online at saskatchewan.ca/tipp.