DNR: Fish Houses Must Be Off Twin Cities Lakes by March 3 Deadline
This winter as temperatures warm, Minnesota is getting to be on thin ice.
Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Brent Grewe is monitoring Medicine Lake in Plymouth as ice houses get cleared off.
“The ice deteriorates at the edge first because water and snow drains down,” Grewe said.
The 50-degree temperatures come as a March 3 deadline arrives to remove fish houses off area lakes. If your ice house isn’t off the ice by 11:59 p.m. Monday, you’re subject to a fine.
“One-hundred-fifty, 200 bucks probably. But if it continues, it goes on the next day, the next day, the next day… it could add up in a hurry,” Grewe said.
Grewe said that on Medicine Lake, it looks all clear.
“I did have a house that I was a little worried that was going to be left,” Grewe said. “Thankfully, it was gone. So I’m going to move on to Lake Minnetonka next, and check out some areas out there that I cover.”
Fortunately for Grewe, the northwest metro seems to be adhering to the law.
For those wh0 have put off taking in their ice house, the DNR advises checking that thickness every 150 feet. Grewe also recommends wearing a life jacket, bringing a rope and letting a friend know when you’re out on the ice.
“Make sure you are checking at the shoreline to make sure that you can even get on, and just be very, very cautious and safe,” Grewe said.
More information about ice fishing shelters in Minnesota, including removal deadlines, is available on the DNR website.
