March 17th is the last day for permanent ice shanties to be out on state waters according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, marking an end of the season for many anglers in Door and Kewaunee Counties. Ice fishing guide JJ Malvitz says the season has been challenging for anglers since the beginning when ice took its time forming. Heavy snowfall caused a slush on the ice that made it hard for guides and their customers to get to their fishing spots. The recent warm temperatures are causing four to eight inches of water to accumulate on the surface. Malvitz says dealing with nature is just part of the deal.
For anglers still looking to snag a fish or two before the ice disappears, Malvitz urges people to take extreme caution when heading out. He added Door County remains a destination for ice fishing enthusiasts partly because of the popularity of whitefish.
