Another ice fishing season is nearing its end in Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offered a couple of reminders for all anglers.

First, everyone enjoying the remainder of the season across the state should make sure to keep their area clean. Far too often, anglers leave trash and other debris behind, which is bad for the environment. Now is the perfect time to make sure everything is picked up so that you leave nothing behind when you remove your fish house.

Secondly, all anglers should have a plan set for removing their fishing shelter as deadlines are fast approaching across the state, with the first deadline coming as early as March 1.

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The DNR notes 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. However, if dangerous ice conditions are present, County sheriffs may prohibit or restrict the use of motorized vehicles, so you may need to remove your shelter early to avoid issues.

The owners of shelters that aren't removed will be prosecuted. A conservation officer also may confiscate, remove or destroy any ice structure and its contents if not removed by the deadline.

Here are the Minnesota removal deadlines:

Minnesota DNR
Minnesota DNR
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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

The DNR determines the dates of removal 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 the removal dates have passed, shelters may remain on the ice between midnight and one hour before sunrise only when occupied or attended. Storing or leaving shelters in a public access area is prohibited.

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