Metro Lake Ice House Design Considerations

[duck2]

I am planing the design of a 6' x 8' permanent ice house which I plan to deploy on White Bear Lake. I don't want to build too many niceties into the house if it is is likely to be broken in to or otherwise vandalized. Can anyone weigh in on the likelihod that my ice house would be broken in to? I know that one school of thought is that one should not lock their house as it will invite others to break in to steal that which is locked inside. As an example, would I be inviting theft if i used catchcovers? Do the low lifes who prey on fish houses care about stealing things like that? I have an old propane stove which I would like to use and could bolt it to the floor. Would that prove too tempting a target for the ne'er-do-wells who prowl the metro lakes? Any design considerations to address the security issue would be appreciated. I know there are risks inherent in leaving it unattended, but I am looking to get a feel for the likelihood of intruders and to what extent i need to settle for a very spartan interior. Thanks

[LaZyDayZ]

get one or build one with wheels and take it with you when you go..

If they dont steal it they will use it as an outhouse, burn it, hit it with vehicles. More worries than just what gets stolen.

[duck2]

A dire prediction indeed from LazyDays. I am intent on having a small getaway left on the lake which I can walk out to and do not have to haul on and off the ice each time i feel like fishing. Are there any anglers with Whie Bear experience. The house will only be a few hundred yards from shore and in full view of the million dollar homes along the lakefront. Would this cut down on the likehood of destructive hijinks? Thanks

[HarryG]

I have had stuff taken on the lake at Leech and North Long. No matter where you are, it seems that can happen. All I can say is take your stuff with you and lock down what you can. IE Propane tanks. Don't let it get to you too much because if you do, then the thieves have already taken something from you. Just build your house, take the stuff with you when you leave and worry about catching fish.

Good Luck!

[Augusta]

It's a sad thing to say, but Lazy is right. Some people just don't respect other people's property. I built my fish house on wheels, just so I could take it home with me every nite.

[BradB]

I'm from the school of thought that you should leave it unlocked and neither build in or leave in it something that you mind being stolen.

[walldoggie]

I cannot say much as far as white bear lake but i can tell you that Bald eagle, took a toll on my brand new ice house 2 years ago. And that hosue was in plan view of million dolllar homes. I was broke into atleast 4 times if not more and i left the door unlocked and nothing in there to steal. 1st some kids "I am assuming" went in fished in the house left all there beer bottles and broke a hole in one of my walls, and as i was cleaning up found a visa recipt with there name on it gave it to the local athorites who did absolutly nothing about it. They said the visa recipt could have blown in there " um no way the house was beautifully banked and closed doors and windows"

Anyways the moral of this story is what every you put in there or what ever you dont. Someone will find a way to ruin it for you