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The deadlines to remove ice-fishing shelters in Saskatchewan are approaching quickly, with some warm weather on the horizon.
According to the provincial government, shelters must be removed from all bodies of water south of Highway 16 by Sunday, while anglers in northern Saskatchewan can wait until March 31.
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But waiting might not be a great call, with most areas of the province expecting above-freezing temperatures next week.
“Anglers are urged to remove their ice fishing shelters before the ice becomes unsafe to travel upon. Late season ice can weaken from below, shift without warning, and hide cracks under the snow cover, making even familiar routes potentially hazardous as the weather warms up,” the Government of Saskatchewan advised in a statement.
“Waiting until the last days increases the risk of equipment breaking through the ice or becoming impossible to retrieve safely. Early removal is the best way to avoid dangerous situations as conditions deteriorate.”
Anyone venturing out on the ice was reminded to keep a close eye out for slush, discoloured ice, standing water or pressure ridges, which may indicate weakness in the ice surface.
“These are clear signs that the ice may no longer support your weight,” the province noted. “Travel should be limited, and anglers are encouraged to check conditions frequently, as stability can change within hours.”
Anyone who fails to remove a shelter from the ice could face a fine, along with the confiscation of the shelter and its contents, the government added.
“When dismantling shelters, all materials, garbage, and debris must be taken off the ice,” the government noted.
“Items left behind can sink or drift once the ice melts, creating hazards for boaters and swimmers and posing risks to wildlife in the spring. Shelters cannot be left on shore, and each structure must display the owner’s full name, address, and phone number in letters at least 2.5 cm high.”
The ice fishing season officially closes on March 31 in central and southern Saskatchewan, and on April 15 in northern regions.
