DNR Count Shows Fewest Fish Houses in 35 Years

An annual count of Minnesota fish houses found the fewest number in 35 years.

The Department of Natural Resources Hutchinson Fisheries Management Area surveyed 59 lakes in Brown, Meeker, McLeod, Nicollet, Renville, Redwood and Sibley counties in January.

Workers found just 111. That is just 15 percent of the 35-year average of 734.

While the warmer winter weather is certainly playing a role, the DNR also points to the growing popularity of portable shelters.

Officials say the count misses anglers who come out after work, pop up their shelter and fish for a few hours.

Sales manager at Joe's Sporting Goods in St. Paul Matt DeGeest said the pop-up shelters first hit the market about five years ago. At the time one company was manufacturing them. Now at least five companies are selling them.

He said, "They're just so portable, quick and easy. You don't have to spend thousands of dollars on some kind of permanent shelter and you don't have to have giant trucks to move them around."

The light weight of the pop-up shelters has made them a must-have item for this year's weaker ice.