With the end of the ice fishing season here, especially with the recent higher temperatures causing a high melt rate on the bay and lake, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (Wis-DNR) is reminding local ice anglers that they need to have their permanent shanties removed from Lake Michigan and Green Bay by March 16.  The inland waters deadline was March 2 for locations south of Highway 64 in the state. 

Although the shanties can be used after this weekend, they must be removed if they are not actively in use.  The DNR suggests that if you need help removing your shanty, you should contact local fishing clubs, vendors, and other anglers.    Impacting local ice conditions besides the weather is that the United States Coast Guard is beginning ice-breaking operations this week in anticipation of the Great Lakes shipping season approaching.  U.S. Coast Guard Master Chief Chris Zahn shared tips to stay safe on the ice, especially during the late season.

No ice is 100 percent safe, and anglers should check with local bait shops and fishing clubs for current ice conditions before trying to remove their shanties.