BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – While the deadline for removing fish houses from North Dakota lakes is March 15th, the state Game and Fish Department is urging anglers to consider removing their houses early in areas of the state where ice conditions are deteriorating.

Given the long-range forecast predicting temperatures well above normal, coupled with a marginal ice pack in most areas of the state, removing a fish house can be difficult or dangerous.

Ice conditions can vary from region to region, between lakes in the same region, and even on the same lake.