Here’s when ice fishing shacks must be removed from Sask. bodies of water

As of Monday April 1, all ice fishing shacks need to be off Saskatchewan lakes and rivers.

The provincial government says all ice fishing shacks must be removed from bodies of water by the end of this month.

Shelters must be taken off ice by March 15 in all areas south of Highway 16 and by March 31 in northern regions of Saskatchewan, the province said in a news release.

“Spring weather can be unpredictable, and deteriorating ice conditions can make it dangerous to retrieve shelters later in the season. It is the responsibility of all anglers to ensure they remove their structures and any associated debris before these deadlines,” the province said in a release.

Not removing shelters before deadlines can result in fines and the confiscation of structures and the contents inside them, the province said.

• Download the CTV News app for local breaking news alerts on your mobile device

“Ice fishing shelters must be marked on the outside in legible letters of at least 2.5 cm high, displaying the owner’s complete name, address and phone number. Shelters cannot be left on the shore,” the province said.

Ice fishing season officially closes March 31 in southern Saskatchewan and April 15 in northern Saskatchewan.

As weather conditions gradually warm, the province said to be extremely cautious when travelling on ice as thickness can vary.

Signs of unsafe ice include slush, pressure ridges and thermal cracks.