Many Minnesota ice anglers have already removed permanent fish houses from snow- and slush-covered lakes. The deadline for removing the remaining shelters depends on where you’re fishing.
Dark houses, fish houses and portables must be off the ice no later than midnight for each of the dates given in the following categories below. County sheriffs may prohibit or restrict the use of motorized vehicles if dangerous ice conditions are present.
Border waters
- Minnesota–Iowa: Feb. 20
- Minnesota–Wisconsin: March 1
- Minnesota–North and South Dakota: March 5
- Minnesota–Canada: March 31
Inland waters
Dates of removal are determined by an east-west line formed by U.S. Hwy. 10, east along Hwy. 34 to Minnesota Hwy. 200, east along Hwy. 200 to U.S. Hwy. 2, and east along Hwy. 2 to the Minnesota-Wisconsin border.
- South of line: March 4
- North of line: March 18
Other regulations
- If shelters are not removed, owners will be prosecuted. The structure and contents may be confiscated and removed or destroyed by a conservation officer.
- After removal dates, shelters may remain on the ice between midnight and one hour before sunrise only when occupied or attended.
- Storing or leaving shelters on a public access is prohibited.
- It is unlawful to improperly dispose of ice fishing shacks anywhere in the state. Please clean up around your shack and check with local refuse providers or landfills for ice shelter disposal information.
Source: Minnesota DNR
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