After a long 2020, many anglers are spending their spare time watching for tip-up flags and jigging through ice holes. That said, temperatures have been fluctuating between normal for this time of year and unseasonably warm. Combined with strong winds, ice thickness is highly variable on the Lakes. There have already been several ice rescues and removed recreational vehicles due to unsafe ice conditions in some areas.
We recommend a high abundance of caution when heading out on frozen water this year. Although ice is never 100% safe, taking the appropriate precautions can help anglers enjoy the frozen lakes even if conditions are not ideal.
Here are suggested steps to minimize risk when venturing out on frozen water:
- Understand that ice is never completely safe. Variability in conditions and unknown factors can render ice that seems safe suddenly dangerous.
- Before you head out, be sure to check ice conditions. Call the local bait shop or check the Facebook pages of local clubs and ice fishing groups.
- Tell someone where you are going, what time you plan to leave, and when you plan to return. Ideally, fish with at least one or two other people.
- Dress appropriately for conditions. Dress in layers and be sure to protect your feet and hands.
- Consider wearing some form of a flotation device.
- Carry basic safety gear: ice claws or picks, a cellphone in a waterproof bag or case, length of rope, and a change of warm, dry clothes to change into in the event that you fall through the ice. This will reduce your risk of hypothermia.
- As you venture out onto the ice, check the ice every 150 feet. Avoid inlets, outlets and known springs.
- Watch your surroundings. Look for clear ice, which is generally stronger than ice with snow on it or bubbles in it. Avoid ice close to open water.
In general, the rules for ice thickness measurements are:
- < 4 inches (new ice): KEEP OFF
- 4 to 5 inches: suitable for travelling on foot
- 5 to 8 inches: suitable for a single snowmobile or ATV
- 8 to 12 inches: suitable for one car, group of people
- 12 to 15 inches: suitable for a light pickup truck or a van
Links to Local Clubs Facebook Pages:
Wisconsin Darkhouse Angling Association
Paynes Point Hook & Spear Fishing Club, Inc.
Facebook Groups
Lake Winnebago Sturgeon Spearing
Other Resources
Time in the Outdoors – YouTube Channel – Drone footage
SUNK? Dive and Ice Service – Don Herman
What should you do if you fall through the ice?
If you fall through the ice, it’s important to remain calm, act quickly, and keep your head above water.
Once your head is back above water, go back toward the direction you came. Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface of the ice. Do not remove your winter clothing which can provide flotation and warmth from trapped air. Don’t stand up once you are out of the water. Lie flat and roll away from the hole and spread your weight to keep from falling back through. Get to a warm, dry area.
It’s essential that you warm up immediately. You may need to seek medical attention if you experience moderate to severe cold-water hypothermia. According to the DNR, cold blood trapped in your extremities may rush back to your heart after you begin to warm up. The shock of the cooled blood can lead to a heart attack.
If your vehicle breaks through, it’s important to escape before it sinks.
While the car is still afloat, your best chance for quick escape is through the side windows. A vehicle with its engine in the front will likely sink at a steep angle. As the car starts its final plunge to the bottom, water will rapidly displace remaining air making it unlikely that any air would remain by the time the vehicle hits the bottom.
The most important take-away message is to remember that ice is never 100 percent safe.
Here’s to a fun filled and safe ice fishing season! See you on the ice.
Questions? Comments? Please contact Korin Doering, Winnebago Waterways Program Coordinator at (920) 851-0948 or korin@fwwa.org.
Follow the Fox Wolf Watershed Alliance’s Winnebago Waterways Program on our Winnebago Waterways FacebookPage or @WinnWaterways on Twitter! You can also sign-up for email updates at WinnebagoWaterways.org.
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