HOUGHTON — The ice fishing season is approaching its end in Copper Country. Bodies of water such as Keweenaw and Huron Bays are thawing and it is important for anglers to be aware of late season ice shanty laws, ice hazards and overall safety before going out for those last few ice fishing trips.

Anglers need to remove all permanent ice shanties by March 31 or sooner if ice conditions become unsafe. After that point, shanties may be used but must be removed each day after an angler is done fishing. Shanties left overnight will result in penalties from the DNR.

When anglers traverse the ice it is important for them to carry a tool called a spud with them to check the ice thickness. As a rule, clear ice is stronger than white ice.

Fish Management Biologist Kris Nault recommends bringing safety gear when ice fishing in the event the ice gives in. He recommended ice picks to help one hang onto the edge of the ice and to wear float suits if available. Nault also warned of driving vehicles such as trucks, ATVs and snowmobiles onto ice this late into the season.

Rick Freeman of Northwoods Sporting Goods of Hancock also warned of warming weather and ice safety. “Carrying a spud is vital. Safety should always be a priority before fishing.” Freeman said if fishermen are able to find safe areas to fish, there is live bait available at Northwoods this week, but will not be restocking until the beginning of Pike and Walleye season on May 15.

There are some areas that still have acceptable conditions including Lake Gogebic and some areas of Portage Lake, though caution is still emphasized by the DNR and law enforcement. Pike and walleye seasons are over, but other species are still legal for harvest.

“Anglers are still catching perch in deep water on Lake Gogebic with wigglers and minnows as the best bait,” Nault said. “However, perch will move shallower as March progresses and shallower bays can be a good place to fish.”

Nault said Bluegill and Crappie move in basin areas during this time and other panfish will move into the shallow areas of inland lakes. He recommends spikes and waxworms for Bluegill and minnows, waxworms and spikes for Crappie.