With spring only a few weeks away, the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) says you should get any ice fishing equipment off the ice as soon as possible.
Under provincial law, all ice fishing huts need to be removed by March 15th in our region, but the organization says the recent warm weather means you should probably dismantle them before the deadline.
“It is an offense under the Public Lands Act to leave your ice hut out after ice break up, even if that occurs before the removal deadline,” the organization says. “So take some time this week to collect your belongings, dispose of your garbage and dismantle any structures you’ve built on the ice.”
Beyond ice fishing huts, the organization says it’s also best to get equipment like hockey nets off any bodies of water quickly, before the ice becomes too thin for you to walk on.
If you have any questions about ice fishing regulations, the Ontario government’s website has a full breakdown.