PHOTOS: Minnesota snowmobile clubs helping anglers remove stuck icehouse

As a deadline approaches Monday to remove ice houses from lakes in the southern part of the state, the DNR is working with local snowmobile clubs to get the job done. 

The heavy snow fall means the agency could use the extra help. 

“This year we have record-setting snowfall and it’s making it very difficult,” said Alexander Birdsall, a Conservation Officer with the Department of Natural Resources. “And with the heavier snowfall we’re getting more slush than normal. Combined with deep snow and slush we have the perfect storm for tough conditions to get fish houses off.”

Birdsall said there are a number of options to help get the houses removed, including trail groomers from local snowmobile clubs. 

Scott Wakefield with the Minnesota Snowmobile Association has been clearing snow and pulling houses from Lake Waconia. 

“As we get contacted through the In Town Marina, we’re going to go out to the fish houses using that big machine,” said Wakefield as he pointed to large snow groomer. “It’s got a lot of diesel power in there, we’re going plow the roads back and forth, make it so we can get around and then we’re going hook the house to the back of that hitch, with a rope or a chain, and hopefully pull the fish house out, and get it on the road.”

Officers with the DNR are reporting a number of requests to extend the deadline to have shelters off the ice due to all the snow, but unfortunately, that’s up to Minnesota lawmakers.

“The DNR is not extending the shelter off deadline for the state,” said Birdsall. “With that being said, we understand the conditions this year are extremely difficult. We are working with our partners and the community to assist anglers getting their equipment off in a safe, responsible and timely manner.”

Birdsall said there are a number of options to help get the houses off, including trail groomers from local snowmobile clubs. Scott Wakefield with the Minnesota Snowmobile Association said he’s going to keep clearing snow and pulling houses from Lake Waconia until the job is done.

“As we get contacted through the In Town Marina, we’re going to go out to the fish houses using that big machine,” said Wakefield as he pointed to large snow groomer. “It’s got a lot of diesel power in there, we’re going plow the roads back and forth, make it so we can get around and then we’re going hook the house to the back of that hitch, with a rope or a chain, and hopefully pull the fish house out, and get it on the road.”

The DNR not only wants the houses removed, but all trash and debris gone as well.

In the southern two-thirds of Minnesota, icehouses must be off lakes by Monday March 4. In northern Minnesota, they have until March 18. If the shelters are not gone by those dates’ anglers, could face a fine or have the shelter confiscated and destroyed.

However, there is a loophole for anglers wanting to keep their houses out lakes past the deadline. Birdsall said if an icehouse is occupied overnight from midnight to sunrise, it can stay.

“You can keep your fish house out if you’re spending the night,” said Officer Birdsall. “Until it’s unsafe to be on the ice. We don’t make that call as far as when you have to quit going out on the ice.”

Staff with the DNR said some people could try to cheat the system, so they’ll be monitoring icehouses closely to see if they’re being occupied overnight.