Released on March 4, 2020
As ice fishing season begins to wind down, anglers are reminded that all fishing shelters south of Highway 16 must be removed by March 15.
Shelters in areas north of Highway 16 must be removed by March 31.
Every year, ice fishing shelters are abandoned on the ice, which can pose a danger to boaters, water-skiers and others enjoying our lakes. Pieces of abandoned shelters can also wash up on shore, causing environmental hazards.
If shelters are not removed, owners may be prosecuted and the structure and contents may be moved off the ice and confiscated. Structures must be moved to a location where they can be loaded and transported to the owner’s residence or property.
Litter must also be removed when ice shelters are taken off the ice.
Anyone travelling on the ice should take extreme caution. Slush indicates that ice is eroding from above and below at an advanced rate. Changing temperatures can cause thermal cracks and pressure ridges, which are indicators of unsafe conditions.
Ice fishing shelters must have the owner’s complete name, address and phone number on the outside in legible letters that are at least 2.5 cm high.
Information about fishing in the province can be found in the Saskatchewan Anglers’ Guide and online at www.saskatchewan.ca/fishing.
If you suspect wildlife, fisheries, forestry or environmental violations, please call your local Ministry of Environment office, Saskatchewan’s toll-free Turn in Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800-667-7561 or #5555 for SaskTel cellular subscribers. Violations can also be reported online at www.saskatchewan.ca/tipp.
You may be eligible for cash rewards from the SaskTip Reward Program. Callers can remain anonymous.
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For more information, contact:
Jamie Gibson
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3900
Email: jamie.gibson@gov.sk.ca
For public inquiries
Environment
Phone: 1-800-567-4224
Email: centre.inquiry@gov.sk.ca