The DNR reminds you that it’s nearly time to remove ice fishing shelters from lakes in southern Minnesota. The deadline is end of day Monday, March 6th, for ice anglers in the southern two-thirds of the state. The DNR says all trash and equipment must be moved from lakes as well. Anglers in the north have until March 20th to remove their ice fishing structures.
Dark houses, fish houses and portables must be off the ice no later than 11:59 p.m. (end of the day) for each of the dates given in the categories below. County sheriffs may prohibit or restrict the use of motorized vehicles if dangerous ice conditions are present. If shelters are not removed, owners may be cited. A conservation officer also may confiscate, remove or destroy any ice structure and its contents if not removed by the deadline.
Inland waters
- South of line – March 6, 2023
- North of line – March 20, 2023
Border waters
- Minnesota-Iowa – Feb. 20
- Minnesota–Wisconsin – March 1
- Minnesota–North and South Dakota – March 5
- Minnesota–Canada – March 31
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. 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.