Ice Fishing: Safety

Here are some things you can follow while ice fishing to increase your safety while you are on and around the ice.

Stay warm.

Dress in layers. Wear wool hats, mittens and waterproof boots. Ice shanties keep the wind and blowing snow from chilling you to the bone.

Don't get lost.

To avoid getting lost on a large lake, be aware of daylight and weather conditions. Learn to use a map and compass to stay oriented.

A Simple Tool.

You can make a simple tool that could help save your life if you fall through. Drive nails in one end of two stubby dowels, drill a hole in each of the other ends and tie a rope through the holes. Keep this around your neck so it's handy. Use it to dig into the ice and quickly claw your way out if you fall through. Once on the ice surface, head back to shore the way you came.

Stay on top of the ice.

The DNR does not monitor ice conditions or the thickness of the ice. Check ice conditions before heading out. Make sure the ice is at least four inches thick before walking out onto it. If taking a snowmobile, ATV or other vehicle, at least five (5) inches is needed to safely travel onto the ice. Because thickness can vary across an area, check more than one spot. Remember this rule of thumb: "Thick and blue, tried and true. Thin and crispy, way too risky."

Don't go out alone.

Head out with fishing friends. Take a cell phone if available and make sure someone knows where you are and when you are expected to return.

DNR Press Release on Safety

On January 8, 2008, Tyler Strelow, Conservation Warden in the DNR's South Central Regional Fitchburg office, released this handy list of safety tips.

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