Anglers are reminded that all fishing shelters south of Highway 16 must be removed by March 15, and shelters in areas north of Highway 16 must be removed by March 31.
The provincial government stated in a release Monday that if shelters are not removed, owners may be prosecuted, and the structure and contents may be moved off the ice and confiscated.
According to Saskatchewan’s environment ministry, every year, ice fishing shelters are abandoned on the ice, which can later pose a danger to boaters, waterskiers and others enjoying the lakes. Pieces can also wash up on shore and cause environmental hazards.
Anglers are reminded that litter must also be removed when ice shelters are taken off the ice and structures must be moved to a location where they can be loaded and transported to the individual’s residence or property.
Also, says the ministry, ice fishing shelters must have the owner’s complete name, address and phone number on the outside in legible letters that are at least 2.5 cm high.
The ministry also cautions that anyone travelling on the ice should take extreme caution. If you see slush, that indicates the ice is eroding from above and below at an advanced rate. In addition, changing temperatures can cause thermal cracks and pressure ridges, which are indicators of unsafe conditions.
