As winter comes to a close on the prairie in the next few months – ice anglers in Saskatchewan are urged to heed the approaching deadlines for removing fishing shelters from the province’s lakes.

With March 15 set for areas south of Highway 16 and March 31 for the north, the time to clear away old shelters is now. Abandoned shelters pose significant environmental risks. Predictably, these structures can break up, littering the shores and creating hazards for summer enthusiasts. Negligent owners face substantial fines, and their shelters, along with contents, may be confiscated.

Owners are must mark shelters with legible information, including their name, address, and phone number. Litter must be removed, and shelters should not be left on the shore.

The ice fishing season draws to a close on March 31 in southern and central Saskatchewan and on April 15 in the north. Anglers are encouraged to consult the Anglers Guide, accessible online at saskatchewan.ca/fishing, for more information.