Goodbye Fish Houses

The ice fishing season for many anglers is ending even though the deadlines to remove the houses isn’t until the middle and end of March.

DNR Conservation Officer William Landmark said, “We’re already starting to see some houses come off the ice and guys anticipating that deadline approaching.”

But for some, they won’t have to be off the ice for a while, since their houses are portable.

West Fargo Angler Brad Thacher said, “These are a lot more affordable, plus you can just pick it up and move where ever you want to verse hooking it up to the truck and dragging it across the ice.”

Although Thacher will be able to stay a bit longer, those who have to leave should know one thing they shouldn’t leave behind.

If you leave trash on your departure from the lake, you may face some serious consequences.

You could face a misdemeanor and fines up to a whopping $1000.

“It’s easier to take two minutes after you’re done fishing for the day and make sure all your trash is gathered and is clean around your house,” said Landmark.

And he’s not the only one that’s bothered by the litter.

“That’s the most aggravating thing in the world. After the ice melts, all that trash goes right in the lake and then it ruins it for everyone else,” said Thacher.

The area outside your fishing house isn’t your front yard, its public waters and a home to animals in the lake.

The deadlines to remove the houses in Minnesota are coming up on March 2nd in the southern part of the state and March 16th for the northern.