Ice Fishing Safety 101

Rule number one when it comes to ice safety is that no ice is 100% safe….however, we do have some simple rules to live by on the ice and make sure you live to fish another day!

Rule #1 - Thickness matters. We’re looking for a minimum of 4” in order to get out and onto the ice. You can check the ice with your ice auger, making holes as you go. You can also use a 5/8” wood drill bit. Mark the bit with tape at 4”, 8” and 12” so you know relative thickness as you drill. One last way to check thickness is a spud bar. Drive the bar through the ice and then check the thickness from the hole created. It doesn’t matter which tool you use, it just matters that you check that thickness. You’re looking for at least 4” for walking, skating and ice fishing. 5” to 7” allows for atv’s and snowmobiles. If you’re wanting to drive your car, it needs to be at least 12” or more. In our area, we fish on foot and look for that special 4” mark. Keep in mind that the ice thickness will never be uniform across the entire lake, so check the ice periodically, no matter the thickness.

Rule #2 - what’s the color of the ice? Clear blue ice is the strongest and created during deep freezes. White or cloudy ice has air bubbles trapped, making it less safe than clear ice. Stay away from grey, molted or soft looking ice. Those are not safe for travel.

Rule #3 - Inspect the ice for cracks and pressure ridges. Cracks happen during expansion and contraction of the ice. Straight and shallow cracks are typically safe. Keep an eye out for intersecting cracks, water seepage or widening cracks. Those indicate structural problems, so keep clear! Pressure ridges occur when two sheets of ice impact each other. This creates a ridge in the ice. These areas tend to have thinner ice in locations and should be avoided. If you encounter a pressure ridges, you should go to shore and go safely around the pressure ridges. There is no real reason to try to cross them while on the ice.

Rule #4 - Wear the correct gear! Ice fishing can be cold. Make sure to bundle up in layers. Use a cold weather personal flotation device or floating ice fishing bibs. Unlike regular PFD’s, cold water ones typically have increased floatation as well as insulation. They are designed to help, even when wearing extra clothing. In addition to the PFD, make sure to have a string of ice picks. In the event that you fall in, you can use the ice picks to grasp the ice while you pull yourself to safety.

Rule #5 - Have a plan and travel safely. Spread your group out while you’re walking to distribute the weight across a wider area. Stay audible and in constant communication with your group. Sometimes a whistle can help gain attention of your group if the wind is blowing hard. Clear communication will keep everyone safe!

Rule #6 - Keep an eye on changing conditions. Both water and weather conditions can change rapidly. Snow, rain, wind and sunlight all have an affect on ice conditions. Under ice conditions can also affect the ice stability. Water currents, springs, inlets and outlets can affect the ice stability so avoid those areas as well.

Rule #7 - Have a plan! Before you leave, tell someone of your days agenda. Tell them when you’re leaving and check in when you return. Well before heading out, practice self rescue techniques and using ice picks to get back on solid ice. In the event that someone in your group falls in, call 911 before attempting a rescue. And finally, bring along a change of clothes and an emergency blanket. Getting warm will be priority number one to avoid hypothermia and other injuries.

Following these simple rules will give you a leg up on having a safe ice fishing outing. It can be overwhelming your first few times out. Pick a busy lake and watch others and how they move out on the ice. Ask questions and don’t be shy! Most fishermen are happy to help a novice find their way in a safe matter. After a few times out, it’ll become second nature.

And finally…have fun out there! Ice fishing is one of the best ways to spend a wintery afternoon!

Tight Lines and Happy Trails,

Trails to Trout Family