Ice-fishing shacks north of Highway 16 must be removed from lakes by March 31. (Ronald Quaroni/paNOW Staff)

By Ronald Quaroni

On the Hook

No extension for ice fishers to remove shacks

Mar 24, 2020 | 11:24 AM

As the weather warms and the ice thins, the COVID-19 outbreak is not going to be an excuse to leave your ice-fishing shack on the ice.

A Prince Albert Conservation Officer is reminding everyone all fishing shelters south of Highway 16 were to be removed by March 15. Shelters north of Highway 16 must be removed by March 31.

“Right now, the Ministry [of Environment] hasn’t approved any extensions on that deadline,” Carrie McKay told paNOW. “If shelters are not removed the owners may be prosecuted and the structures and the contents may be removed by [conservation officers] and confiscated.”

“A couple of years ago there was a gentleman from Saskatoon who was fined $2,800 for leaving his ice fishing shack on the water on Black Strap [Lake]. He was charged for having it unmarked and littering,” McKay said.

It’s important that shacks are taken off to avoid obvious problems caused should they fall through the ice.

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They “can pose a danger to boaters, water skiers and others that are enjoying lakes and reservoirs. Also, pieces can wash up on shores and cause environmental hazards during the summer,” McKay said.

McKay recommended people follow provincial COVID-19 guidelines when removing shacks. This includes using social distancing and avoiding group gatherings.

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Ron.quaroni@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @RonaldQuaroni