Posted: Thursday, February 25, 2010 3:25 pm

County News/Drew Amo Fish houses will need to be off area lakes by the end of the month.

By DREW AMO
Staff Writer

WASECA — The end of February means it’s time to get the fish houses off area lakes for another year.

After the midnight on March 1 deadline, all dark houses, fish houses and portables must be off the ice on lakes in Waseca County.

After the deadline, shelters may remain on the ice between midnight and an hour before sunrise only when occupied or attended, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Those that do no remove their shelters will be prosecuted. The DNR also notes that it is illegal to store or leave a shelter at a public access.

DNR conservation officers may remove the structure themselves, or confiscate it.

Although there is close to two feet of ice out on Clear Lake, anglers looking to get in some last minute ice fishing are reminded that there is no such thing as 100 percent safe ice and to exercise caution when on the ice.

The DNR recommends vehicles stay off the ice for 24 hours after a cold snap, as a rapid drop in temperature makes ice brittle. And when you are out on the ice in a vehicle, drive less than 15 miles per hour.

The reason behind this is because a car or truck moving on ice creates waves, just like a boat in the summer. According to the DNR, if the waves’ speed is the same as the vehicle speed a “critical velocity” is reached that can lead to ice failure.



Drew Amo can be reached at 837-5451 or damo@wasecacountynews.com