Fish House Removal Deadlines Approaching for Otter Tail and Becker County Lakes

Anglers in Otter Tail and Becker counties are reminded to remove their fish houses from local lakes by the upcoming deadlines.
For lakes south of U.S. Highway 10 and Highway 34, including those in Otter Tail County, shelters must be off the ice by 11:59 p.m. on March 3. In Becker County, which falls north of this boundary, the deadline extends to March 17 at 11:59 p.m.
With warmer temperatures and wind in the forecast, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging extra caution for anyone heading onto the ice. Ice Safety Coordinator Nicole Biagi says ice conditions have remained strong for much of the season, but changing weather patterns could lead to rapid deterioration.
“This winter has been favorable for forming clear, solid ice due to cold temperatures and minimal snowfall,” Biagi explained. “However, prolonged warm weather and strong winds can weaken ice quickly.”
The DNR reminds anglers that all shelters must be removed, along with any debris left behind. Conservation officers may issue citations, and abandoned structures could be confiscated or destroyed.
Even after the deadline, fish houses can still be used if they are occupied or attended between midnight and one hour before sunrise. County sheriffs also have the authority to restrict or prohibit motorized vehicles on lakes if conditions become dangerous.
For the latest updates, visit the Minnesota DNR website.