Wildlife Agencies Urge Anglers to Stay Safe During Early Ice Fishing Season
OutdoorHub Reporters 12.11.13
Early ice fishing season brings with it many opportunities, and wildlife agencies across the country are once again reminding anglers to follow good safety practices when they hit the ice. States such as Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa have issued safety warnings coinciding with more anglers going out earlier. In Wisconsin, experts say that breezy temperatures have led to one of the earliest seasons in years.
“The colder weather in recent weeks has frozen smaller lakes much earlier than last year, so we’re looking forward to a nice, long season,” said Wisconsin’s fisheries director Mike Staggs in a statement. “There are an abundance of great places to fish across the state and even more time for anglers to hit their favorite hot spots and try some new locations.”
This is no surprise, since Wisconsin has been reporting a growing number of ice fishermen in recent years. However, months of anticipation can cause a few ice fishermen to lose caution. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has released 13 tips for both veteran and rookie anglers alike, warning the estimated 590,700 ice fishermen in the state to watch out for ice conditions.
“Especially on shallow lakes, where the fish seem to be accessible and biting more earlier in the hard water season,” said regional fisheries director Steve Avelallemant.
Lakes with aeration systems also present a danger to anglers, as these bodies of water can be susceptible to rapid changes. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminded ice fishermen that although these lakes will usually be marked with a “Thin Ice” sign, anglers should know whether their intended fishing spot has an aeration system.
”Open water areas created by aeration systems can shift or change shapes depending on weather conditions,” said Marilyn Danks, DNR aquatic biologist. “Leaks may develop in air lines creating other areas of weak ice or open water.”
Here are 13 tips to follow when ice fishing, courtesy of Wisconsin’s Recreation Safety Chief Todd Schaller:
- Always remember that ice is never completely safe under any conditions.
- Fish or walk with a friend. It’s safer and more fun.
- Contact local sport shops to ask about ice conditions on the lake or river you want to fish.
- Carry a cell phone, and let people know where you are going and when you’ll return home.
- Wear proper clothing and equipment, including a life jacket or a float coat to help you stay afloat and to help slow body heat loss.
- Wear creepers attached to boots to prevent slipping on clear ice.
- Carry a spud bar to check the ice while walking to new areas.
- Carry a couple of spikes and a length of light rope in an easily accessible pocket to help pull yourself—or others—out of the ice.
- Do not travel in unfamiliar areas, or at night.
- Know if the lake has inlets, outlets, or narrows that have currents that can thin the ice.
- Look for clear ice. Clear ice is generally stronger than ice with air bubbles in it or with snow on it.
- Watch out for pressure ridges or ice heaves. These can be dangerous due to thin ice and open water.
- Take extra mittens or gloves so you always have a dry pair.
- Driving on ice is always a risk. Use good judgment and consider alternatives.
Ice claws, or devices that let you grip the ice, are a necessary piece of equipment for any ice fishermen. These life-saving tools can let an angler who has fallen into the water pull themselves up and can be made easily at home. The Wisconsin DNR also gives some pointers on how to make your own ice claws:
- Get two four-inch pieces of wooden doweling the size of a broom handle or a little larger. Whatever material you select, it should float in case you drop the claws while struggling.
- Drive a stout nail into one end of each dowel. This should be a hardened 16 penny or larger concrete nail.
- Use a file to sharpen the nail heads to a point.
- Drill a hole into the dowels (in the end opposite the nail) and tie a length of strong cord through the hole so a pick is on each end “jump-rope” fashion. You may also drill a hole in the ends alongside the nails so the nail on the other pick can nest in the hole, keeping both points covered. Keep the picks in your pocket for quick emergency access if you or a companion do break through.
