On Wednesday, Alex Begg from Alnwick/Haldimand was creating wood duck boxes on the north shore of Rice Lake when he spotted something
When he was on his way back to the south side of the lake he noticed this “big thing” in the water along the north side or Rice Lake by Sugar Island.
“When I came up I noticed it was a ice hut – unfortunately.”
Begg said anglers had until March 1 to remove the huts from the lake.
“This year we had lots of good ice to get the huts off safely.”
Running a guide service Begg said he had four huts on the ice, and they were all off before March 1 to be safe and there is no excuse for anyone leaving a hut on the ice.
“There is no excuse at all. It’s going to wreck it for everyone. It’s going to cost a lot of money to get the hut out.”
Begg said the ice hut was a nice one considering it was set up for electricity, had a bed along with a counter, propane and gas, but it’s ruined now and the Trent Severn will have to bring in equipment to lift it off the bottom of the lake.
Ice fishing has been allowed on Rice Lake since 2009 but Begg said disrespectful anglers could ruin it if things like this happen.
“They aren’t the true fishermen and they don’t respect the outdoors and that’s what’s going to wreck it for everyone.”
Begg said the hut is a danger on the lake.
“The water will start heating up soon and that’s going to bring boats out starting to fish for panfish. It gets pretty busy out here. Some people are going to see the hut and could possibly hit it.”
Adding the people that would abandon a ice hut don’t respect the laws and the sport.
“They aren’t the true fishermen and they don’t respect the outdoors and that’s what’s going to wreck it for everyone.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
