Iowa Ice fishing shelters must be removed by Feb. 20

Ice fishing shelters, left unattended, must be removed from all state-owned lands and waters by Sunday, February 20th. 

The Iowa DNR is encouraging ice shelter owners to not to wait until the last minute to get their shelter off the ice. If a shelter falls through the ice, the owner is responsible for getting it out of the lake, which becomes more possible as daytime temperatures begin their seasonal warm up.

DNR Conservation Officer for Floyd and Mitchell counties, Jacob Fulk, reminds ice fishing enthusiasts to still dress accordingly.

Fulk also echoes the caution stressed by the DNR this season, for all on-ice activities, that no ice is 100% safe, so be aware of ice and weather conditions.

Fulk adds that it’s always best to venture on the ice with at least one other person, but if that’s not the case, be sure to alert someone when you’re heading out and expected time of return.