An end to ice fishing season may not be coming too soon after TRK Ice Recovery had to retrieve a GMC 2500 from Lake Diefenbaker earlier this week. The company said the truck “fell victim to compromised ice due to strong current that developed from constantly changing under water structure” on Lake Diefenbaker. They point out what is good ice today, isn’t necessarily good ice tomorrow.

TRK was aided by Fireside Scuba & Recovery. Meanwhile Fishery biologist, Maxime LeGal, reminds the public that the season closes on March 31st, and it’s the same date every year. That closure is put in place to protect the fish as they go into the spawn.

With spring thaw approaching officials are reminding anglers that deteriorating ice conditions can quickly become unsafe.

LeGal adds, “This is a great opportunity to remind everybody that any ice fishing shelters south of Highway 16 must be removed by March 15th, and anything north of Highway 16 must be removed by March 31st”. Structures left on the ice past the deadline may result in fines or removal at the owner’s expense.

Authorities say the deadlines are designed to prevent damage to lakes and shorelines, as well as to reduce safety risks when ice weakens and begins to break apart. Warmer daytime temperatures and fluctuating overnight lows can significantly reduce ice thickness in a short period of time.

(with files from TJ England, DiscoverMooseJaw.com)