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Ice fishing season approaches end

Mar 10, 2018 | 7:00 AM

As Saskatchewan anglers rush to the lakes this weekend, they should remember a couple of important deadlines.

The Ministry of Environment said all fishing shelters south of Highway 16 must be removed by March 15, and shelters on lakes north of Highway 16 must be removed by March 31. Conservation Officer Kevin Harrison said if shelters are not removed within the alotted time, the owners may be fined.

“The structure itself or any of the contents inside can be confiscated and seized,” he said.

Every year, Harrison said, conservation officers find ice fishing shelters left abandoned on the ice. He said it can make for a big mess, and can be a safety hazard.

“Once the ice melts, you’ve got these floating shacks,” he said. “[It’s] a danger to boaters, and a danger to water skiers.”

According to a statement from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, ice fishing shelters must have the owner’s complete name, address and phone number printed on the outside in legible letters that are at least 2.5 cm high. Litter must also be removed when ice shelters are taken off the ice. The structure itself must be moved to a location where it can be loaded and removed to the individual’s residence or property.

Ice fishing season closes on March 31 in southern and central Saskatchewan, and on April 15 in the North. 

 

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell