SHAKOPEE, Minn. — Sometimes that winter catch can be disappointing, especially if your catch is trash.
"I was pretty ticked off," said Robbie Friendshuh of Jordan.
He had his trailer filled with what he found on Lake O'Dowd this past weekend.
"A couch," said Friendshuh. "A gas grill, a Christmas tree. It's not good."
He had his eye on all that stuff left behind for at least a week before he finally collected it Sunday. He posted his find on Facebook to let people know.
"Ruins the fish, ruins the lake," said Friendshuh.
He is now working with the DNR to try and track down who left it on the lake.
"It's a statewide issue. It's sad to see," said DNR Conservation Officer James Fogarty.
He says the issue continues year after year. Last year, the DNR reported all sorts of trash left out on lakes including recliners and ice houses.
With this years ice house removal deadline quickly approaching, Fogarty is sending out a request to those recreating out on Minnesota lakes.
"It's time of the year when it's going to get warmer and the ice is going to go away," said Fogarty. "What we ask is if you brought it out there, bring it back in with you."
He says you could face a fine of hundreds of dollars if you're caught littering.
Fogarty also says the vast majority of angler don't leave their litter on the ice. They routinely clean up after themselves and other people. He says the DNR is really appreciative of people who take it upon themselves to keep our lakes clean.
Friendshuh hopes this past weekends disappointing catch is the last one of the season.
"I hope people start picking up their garbage," he said.