Newbie ice (house) questions.

[Slyster]

I see from exploring this forum that most here are quite experienced. I did search for some of these answers, but evidently they are below the scope of most of the topics posted here.

I have a few questions for us (me) who are less experienced... in fact... I haven't ice fished to this day! (as of 40 years now)...

Each winter I see many ice houses appear on local lakes. Here is my vision: Luke (son) and I just started fishing last summer.. and I would love to keep fishing in the "darker" months of the year. I envision setting up a permanent (tent temporary type) ice house on, lets say White Bear Lake... for X months each winter to go fishing 2-4 times per week... kind of like a "permanent" base on the lake. But... I really don't know if this idea if feasible? (I don't have a truck, SUV, snowmobile, 4 wheeler etc etc... only a Firebird and a summer 15hp rowboat at this moment).

1- Can a "cheap" tent like ice house last outdoors through the ice season? Or must they be packed up each day?

2- Any suggestions for a "budget" ice house that's easy to carry?

3- How long can you keep an ice house on a lake? (Both legally and physically?)

4- What is the cost for keeping an ice house on a lake?

5- How SAFE are ice houses (cheapy ones) from vandalism? With nothing inside.. are the actual HOUSES in danger from theft? I am talking about temporary fold up types. I don't have one yet but this is what I foresee with our situation.

Thanks for any input you have the time to give.

[BackHerUp]

If it's a portable, you'll want to take it home...because if you don't someone else will! Theft (on the ice) is a problem that continues to grow, as more and more people spend time on the ice...mainly youths out drinking (not fishing). Also, I wouldn't recommend setting up and leaving a lightweight semi-portable (or "tent-like" as you call it) fish house on a lake (even if not for the thieves), due to the weather and accompanying winds that can blow the house away. I've seen many an icefisherman chasing their portable across the lake during an outing, just because they went outside to "relieve themselves", only to have a gust of wind lift that thing..."and there she goes!" I have a 2-man flip-over style portable that I tie to the hitch of my truck with the tow rope on windy days.

If I were you, I would look into buying a used permanent fish house. When I say permanent, I mean one that has either wooden sides and roof and a door or some other type rigid material that creates some weight to it. They can be bought cheap, if you get a basic house. Or, you could make one like this:

It's just like building a small shed. Just keep in mind the weight factor. You might want to downsize the lumber to 2x2's instead of 2x4's and consider insulating it well for comfort. These types of permanents do require them to be towed out on a trailer (or in a truck bed), but you can rent a trailer for a few hours to get yourself on and off a lake.

But your best bet at this point is to start with a portable fish house, either the "flip-over/clam type" (really fast set-up and take-down) or the "suit-case style", which consist of a floor, tent sides and some sort of frame (usually aluminum poles) to erect the house. They take a little longer to set-up and take-down but they usually have more "headroom" in them. You can also make your own home-made "suit-case style" fish house. Something like this:

[image]http://www.afreeimagehost.com/upload/2586/homemadeshack1.jpeg[/image]

If you'd like, email me and I can direct you to some do-it-yourself fish house plans...--Andy and my email is:

itsakeeper (at) ourtownusa (dot) net

[BackHerUp]

Oh...and to answer your other questions.

Quote:

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- "How long can you keep an ice house on a lake? (Both legally and physically?)"

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You can keep the fish house out all winter until February 28th (if you live roughly south of Duluth, MN) and you have until March 15th north of that...

Quote:

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- What is the cost for keeping an ice house on a lake?

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All you need to have is what they call a "shelter license" which must be displayed on the outside of your fishouse at all times...and which you can buy when/where you get your fishing license. I think they were $11 or $12 last year. And they are good for one year.

[ice_shack]

I build the Menards tarp shack that most people build for portables except I make the floor real heavy so nobody wants to steal it and the wind don't blow it away. You can build one for under a $100 easy. Just as an extra measure I drill a hole in the corner of the floor and run some rope through it and knot both ends. Then drill a hole in the ice and put the rope knot in the water and let it freeze in. Kind of makes an anchor for the shack if it gets to windy.

This kind of shack you never lock so hopefully it won't get vandelized. Put a sign on it saying they are free to use it while your not there.

It costs $12.50 for a shack permit.

What's the worse that could happen? I my 30 years of ice fishing I have only had 2 get burned or trashed. It has alot to do with where you leave it.

[Slyster]

Thanks great info! I was wondering about wind blown houses....

Do any fold up models fit in a very small car? I have a small 2 door car with a back hatch. I know.. looks funny in the summer when I am often the only car at the launch... amid all the trucks and SUVs. Wish I had one now.

Maybe permanent is the way to go since I could always rent a trailer since I DO have a hitch for the boat. Haul something heavy out and drop it for 2+ months each year. That sounds pretty cool actually. How is it on the ice for "territory".. I notice some houses are very close together.. what's the general "rules" for placement of houses? Gotten yelled at more than once on the water.

I can imagine it must be great fun chatting with the "neighbors" out there. Very different from open water. Might even meet some of you finally.

Although.. it's too late for this winter.. and with the kiddies only 3 and 5.. perhaps next winter.. for sure after that. Plenty of time to build something. $12 permit is a lot cheaper than I thought!

Do people generally remove ALL items (rods, chairs, heater) from permanents when they are not using them? Or are those "minor" items safe?

[merc]

Take everything out of your house as breakins are way to common. You can place your house within ten feet of other houses but common sense says stay farther away. As for visiting people on the ice, that is my favorite thing to do when I'm fishing. I spend more time chatting with other fishermen than fishing. Ya gotta love it!!!!

[Slow Jigger]

Some portables will fold up into a car plus you have the added ability to hit any lake and go where they are biting. Flip over houses are most convienient but have a sled which you need to take into account for size. I have 2 shelters a flip over and a 5x8 that I bring when the family goes.

If you go permanent build one that is easy to set up and take down with as much room as you can. a small trailer is always a huge help.

Maybe even hook up with someone local in your area to take you out and show you some of the "basics". I am not too far away but don't get out as much as I would like.

I believe there is a Metro get together on White Bear Lake soon, Next Saturday the 15th possibly. I try to hit one a year at the least, they are a great time and you get to me some crazy ice fishermen... Right Matt!?

[email protected]

[Pig_sticka]

Permanent is the way to go if you know your always going to be fishing the same area, but dont leave anything in it at all, the jigs off the rattle reels are quick ones to go. and if you find "presents" left by other people dont be suprised. A few times going out to my buddies shack we noticed some weirdos thought it was a bathroom

if you put your house in a 'ice shack village' dont be suprised to have people fishing almost right next to your house, if you have it away from others just dont let them know your catching fish and you should be just fine.

[Deitz Dittrich]

There are actually 2 get togeathers next weekend where you can meet and greet some of the FM personalities.. one is on White Bear Lake... and one is on the Mississippi Backwaters down by Wabasha.. were calling it "THE BACKWATER BRAWL".. I'll be at the wabasha event...

[metrojoe]

I'll see ya at the "Brawl"

[Nutty Fisherman]

One other thing to think of is if we get a lot of snow, it might be tough to get to your house with just a car. Also instead of renting a trailer could you take your boat off and use it to haul you house. At least with a portable you could pull it on and off the lake by hand if you aren't going to far out.

[Randy Man]

I realize price may be an issue - but I have both a portable otter and a sleeper on wheels - I use the Otter very little once I can drive on the lake - I never worry about theft - cuz when I am done fishing - I take everything with me! Its real fast to set up also!