Spring is approaching, and with rising temperatures comes the mandatory removal of ice-fishing shelters across New Brunswick. The Department of Environment and Local Government has officially set the deadline for removing all structures from provincial waterways.

Mark Your Calendar for March 15

You must remove your ice-fishing shelter no later than March 15. However, officials warn that you should not wait until the last minute. If the weather warms up and the ice shows signs of thawing before that date, you are required to remove your structure immediately.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LePage emphasized the safety risks associated with lingering winter gear.

“With warmer weather approaching, it is necessary that ice-fishing shelter owners remain vigilant and take timely action to remove their structures,” LePage stated in a provincial news release. “Fluctuating and rising temperatures can quickly weaken ice conditions, creating significant safety risks.”

Fishing Season Continues

It is important to distinguish between the shelter removal deadline and the end of the fishing season. While your permanent shack needs to come off the ice by mid-month, the winter fishing season remains open until March 31. You can continue to fish until the end of the month, provided you do not leave permanent structures on the waterways.

Protecting Our Waterways

This annual order falls under the Water Quality Regulation of the Clean Environment Act. The goal is to prevent debris from sinking into rivers, bays, and lakes when the ice melts. Owners must remove not only the shelter but also all associated garbage and debris.

“Our priority is to ensure that no materials left on the ice make their way into our rivers, bays and lakes,” said LePage. “We are asking everyone to take all equipment and belongings with them and do their part to protect the cleanliness of our province.”

Failure to remove shelters or leaving trash behind poses a threat to water quality and aquatic life. The department encourages all New Brunswickers to report environmental infractions if they see abandoned gear or debris.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the absolute deadline to move my shelter?
You must remove your shelter by March 15. However, if the ice begins to thaw or deteriorate before that date, you must remove it immediately.

Can I still fish after I move my shelter?
Yes. The winter fishing season remains open until March 31. You simply cannot leave a permanent shelter on the ice after the removal deadline.

Why is the removal date earlier than the season end date?
The removal date prioritizes safety and environmental protection. As spring approaches, ice conditions weaken quickly, making it dangerous to retrieve heavy structures. Early removal prevents shelters from falling through the ice and polluting the water.