An Ice Safety Primer
It is getting to that time of the year when my thoughts turn to ice fishing, and in the next few weeks, my readers are likely to notice some ice fishing-related posts on here. I am going to start with the topic I consider most important – ice safety.
How do you know when the ice is safe to travel out on and continue your fishing adventures? There are some general guidelines to follow, but never forget, ice is never 100% safe! You must take several factors into consideration before deciding to venture onto a frozen lake.
Ice Thickness
Most sources agree that ice should be 4″ thick for walking on. The following chart shows recommended thickness for other activities.
Remember, these are just guidelines.
My personal preference for minimum ice thickness is 5″. It allows for a little variation in thickness as you venture out on the lake.
You can test the thickness of the ice in several ways, such as using an ice chisel, an ice auger, or a cordless drill. I use the auger and start by drilling a hole a couple of steps from shore. I will then take my ice scoop, hook it on the bottom of the ice, and take a measurement based on markings written on the handle. If the ice is thick enough, I will move out another few steps, drill another hole, and repeat the process. With new ice, I will drill a lot of holes. As the season goes on and if the weather has not changed enough to negatively affect the ice, I will drill fewer holes.
If don’t have an auger you can use one of the other tools, and measure the thickness with a tape measure. Do not guess at the thickness. Do you want to risk your life on a guess?
Ice Quality
Another thing I will observe when drilling a test hole is the quality of the ice. Does it look black? This is the eeriest ice to be on because you can see beneath it, but it is the safest ice you can find. As the season goes on you will notice the ice gets honeycombed, it gets snow on top, melts, refreezes, and more. When this happens, increase your minimum thickness requirements.
Observe the big picture. Looks for areas of open water and give them a wide berth. I have come close to walking into holes that were created by springs. The water from the springs keeps ice from forming, but you can get a layer of snow above them and they will just just look like a dip. Keep your eyes open. Look out for hazards such as stumps that may be above the ice but slightly covered with snow.
Safety Gear
There are several items that will help you have a safe trip on the ice and could be vital in getting you out of a bad situation.
- A Floater Suit – Also known as a survival suit, it makes me feel like an orange penguin, but it will keep you warm and if you go through the ice and it will help you float and give you those precious extra minutes to get yourself out. If you choose not to wear a floater suit, consider wearing a PFD over your jacket.
- Ice Picks – These can be worn like a necklace and the pointed ends stick into each other so you don’t have to worry about them. Imagine how hard it is to get a grip on a frozen surface. If you have ice picks, they will help you get a grip on the ice and pull yourself out.
- Cleats – I did not think these were an essential tool until I bought a pair last year. There is nothing worse than slipping all over the ice, especially if you are trying to pull a sled loaded with gear behind you. Not having secure footing means you run the risk of falling and injuring yourself. There are several access points that have quite a slope and cleats will give you the traction necessary to negotiate them. Plus, I never think it’s a good idea to wipe out and crash on the ice. What if my weight is just enough to make the ice crack?
- Whistle – If you have fallen through the ice, chances are you won’t be able to make a phone call. Having a whistle handy may be just what you need to alert someone to your situation.
Research
There are many resources available online that will will help you find safe ice. A quick Google search for your location will turn up many sites. Join fishing forums where other anglers will tell you about their experiences on the lake. If a Conservation Authority allows ice fishing at one of their parks, they will monitor, and usually post those conditions.
Always check the weather before you go out. If very warm weather is coming, it may enough to make the ice unsafe. Extra weight from water and snow can also have an impact. If you are fishing on a body of water that does not completely freeze up, be extra cautious of wind. This can cause the ice to break up much faster than you may anticipate.
Again, never trust the ice. Just because another angler says the ice is safe, does not mean you should skip the usual safety steps. Always test it for yourself.
What If The Worst Happens?
The best advice I can give is to watch these videos. If the worst happens and you do fall in, hopefully these will have given you the knowledge to extricate yourself from the situation.
Final Notes
Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. This is a good practice to follow at any time of the year.
If you fish in an ice hut and use a heater, make sure you have adequate ventilation. Most tent-style huts have ventilation flaps built in, keep them open.
Always take a change of clothes. If you get wet, you will need them. If you get cold, they will come in handy.
Ice fishing is a great sport and a wonderful way to keep you fishing year-round. Take the necessary safety precautions and so you can enjoy your time on the ice!
argosgirl
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