Get shanties off the ice by March 31
February 12, 2024 | By Waterbury Roundabout 
A fishing shanty on the Waterbury Reservoir. February 2024. Photo by Gordon Miller
Deputy Chief of the state Game Warden Service, Maj. Sean Fowler. Vermont Fish & Wildlife photo
If you’ve been fortunate enough to have an ice fishing shanty out there this winter, state officials have a reminder that it needs to be taken off the ice by March 31 at the latest.
Vermont state law requires that ice fishing shanties be removed from the ice either before the last Sunday in March (which is March 31 this year) or before the ice weakens and becomes unsafe or loses its ability to support the shanty out of the water — whichever comes first. according to the Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife.
All contents, debris, wood, and supports must also be removed so they do not become a hazard to navigation in the spring, officials said.
Leaving a fishing shanty on the ice can result in a fine and points on your license. In addition, shanties may not be left at state fishing access areas, officials said.