ice houses

[woody 1961]

MY FRIENDS AND I WERE COMING UP TO MILACS THE FIRET WEEKEND IN MARCH TO TRY OUR LUCK AT SOME PERCH AND EYES.. DID I READ CORRECTLY THAT ALL ICEHOUSES HAVE TO BE OFF THE LAKE BY FEB 28TH?? AND IF THIS IS TRUE DOES THAT LAW APPLY STATEWIDE?? THANKS

[bturck]

Woody: There are basically three different areas of the State regarding removal of the houses. In this area which is south of HWY 2 houses must be off by midnight on Feb 28th. You can still use a house permanent or portable after this date however it cannot be on the lake before a half hour before sunrise, and off by midnight each night. You also cannot leave them parked at a public access. If you are north of HWY 2 the date is then March 15th, with the same usage period as above. This area would include Upper Red lake and other lakes north of that line. If you are on LOW which is Canadian Border Water you must have the houses off on March 30th, same on and off rule applies up there until April 15th as there season is only closed for one month. You can fish walleyes etc until the April 15th date.

Two years ago I talked to a CO on an area lake and told her I did not understand that if I was into a good crappie bite and occupying the house after midnight why I could not fish. She told me the definition of a structure is two sides and a roof. She told me that at midnight collapse the canvas and just sit on my sled chairs and I would be fine and within the scope of the law. She also told me fishing from a vehicle is considered to be in a shelter!!!! Hope this helps, best pan fishing of the year is yet to come. Bill

[bturck]

Woody: I went back after I posted and looked at your post again. Walleye, northern, bass all large game fish excluding the panfish closes on Feb 26th today. So don't get caught next weekend with wallies in your possession. I've caught many of them while fishing for perch after the season has closed, but they must go back into the lake. At midnight tonight it is all over until May 13th. Bill

[woody 1961]

bill,thanks for the info and it was great to know the rules before we make the drive up there, again thanks and you sure saved us some greif!

[bturck]

Woody: Not sure how long of a drive it would be for you, but the perch fishing can really be good on Mille Lacs in March. Upper Red Lake kicks out some nice crappies, and Lake of the Woods has some really good walleye and sauger action during March and April. I just got back from Lake of the Woods, and some nice eyes are being caught. Let me know if you are interested in any additional info and I will give you my email address. How late does your big game fish season run in Wisconsin? Bill

[woody 1961]

BILL BIG GAME IN WISC CLOSED THIS PAST SUNDAY.THE WEEK BEFORE WE WENT TO LAKE OF THE WOODS.. WENT OUT A RESORT ABOUT 8 MILES AND DIDNT HAVE MUCH LUCK. WE WERE THINKING OF HEADING UP THERE THIS WEEKEND AND GIVE THE EYES ANOTHER SHOT SINCE MILAC IS OUT OF THE QUESTION.ALSO HAVE YOU BEEN OUT IN URL LATELY AND ANY SUCCESS? BEEN SKUNKED ON THE CRAPPIES THERE ALSO. ANY INFO WOULD BE HELPFUL THANKS BILL

[woody 1961]

I FORGOT MY EMAIL ADDRESS IT IS [email protected] and also where were you on lake of the woods bill and what was your secret!