Deadline to remove ice fishing shacks approaching in Saskatchewan

The deadline to remove ice fishing shacks from lakes in Saskatchewan is quickly approaching, and anglers are reminded to make sure their shelters are taken off the ice before the provincial deadlines.

In Saskatchewan, ice shack removal dates are set to help prevent abandoned structures from sinking as the ice weakens in the spring. When shacks are left too long, they can fall through the ice and create environmental hazards, debris in lakes, and potential safety risks for boaters once open water returns.

For the 2026 season, all ice shacks south of Highway 16 must be removed by March 15, 2026. For lakes north of Highway 16, the deadline is March 31, 2026. These dates apply whether the shack is occupied or not, and anglers are responsible for ensuring their structures and all materials are fully removed from the ice.

If warm weather arrives early, it's a good idea to remove shacks well before the deadline. Melting and shifting ice can make it difficult (and potentially dangerous) to retrieve shacks later in the season.

Anglers should also make sure no garbage, wood, or other materials are left behind on the ice or shoreline when removing their shack.

Learn more about the regulations for ice shacks.

End of the Season

Not only do shacks have to be removed shortly, but the season itself is also ending soon. The season closes March 31st in the Southern and Central Zones and on Waskesiu Lake in the National Park. In the Northern Zone the season ends April 15th. Some stocked trout ponds remain open all year long.