Unusually warm weather resulting in weakened ice could lead to an early end to the ice fishing season across Michigan.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has set dates for shack removal, but the ice may not be safe for that long, officials said.
“In most of the Lower Peninsula, Mother Nature, unfortunately, did not cooperate with us this year,” said Acting Lt. Jeff Rabbers, DNR Law Enforcement Division. “As disappointing as it is for many anglers to have their season cut short, safety is the DNR’s top priority. We want to make sure everyone has ample opportunity to get their shanties out before conditions become unsafe.”
The DNR instructs those venturing onto the ice to use “extreme caution” as temperatures begin to rise and fluctuate. Repeated thawing and freezing weakens the ice. This deterioration, along with water currents, high winds and the additional weight of people, vehicles and equipment, can lead to pressure cracks. These cracks can leave the fishermen, or the huts, stranded on ice banks or at risk of falling through the ice.
Owners of shacks whose structures fall through the ice are subject to penalties of up to 30 days in jail or fines of up to $500, or both. If a government agency removes a shack, the owner can be required to reimburse that agency up to three times the cost of the removal.
Daily use of ice shacks is permitted anywhere in Michigan if ice conditions permit and if the shacks are removed from the ice at the end of each day.
- Lake St. Clair: Before sunset on Sunday, February 26
- Northern Lower Peninsula: Before midnight on Wednesday 15 March. (This includes Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Bay, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clare, Crawford, Emmet, Gladwin, Grand Traverse, Iosco, Isabella, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Midland, Missaukee, Montmorency, Newaygo, Oceana, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon and Wexford.)
- All other Lower Peninsula counties: Wednesday, March 1 at midnight.
- Upper Peninsula, Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters: Midnight Wednesday, March 15.
- All other areas of the Upper Peninsula: Friday March 31 at midnight.
However, the ice may not be safe during the dates specified above.