Winter activities are in full swing, and there will be even more traffic on the big lake this weekend with Battle on Bago. The Winnebago Waterways Program wanted to share this information from the Pipe Fishing Club, which explains how the local clubs use trees to mark roads and unsafe ice. Remember, the ice is never 100% safe!!! It’s up to you to check local conditions and get the most accurate and up to date ice reports.
This list describes what the trees indicate…
- The holes are drilled at an angle when the trees are first set, so that the trees lean towards shore and aid in directing anglers to the landing.
- The trees marking the road are set 1/10th of a mile apart.
- At the half mile marker or every 5 trees, the tree is turned upside down. This is to indicate a half mile of travel.
- Mile markers are as follows:
- 2 trees = 1 miles
- 3 trees = 2 miles
- 4 trees = 3 miles
- 5 trees = 4 miles
- 6 trees = 5 miles
- Trees lying down mean poor ice conditions or danger. Please steer clear of these areas. Never move any trees on the lake as they all serve a purpose.
- Trees marking the road at a landing do not mean that the ice conditions are suitable for cars and trucks to travel on. Trees are put out to assist anglers that walk, snowmobile, or use their ATV to get to their favorite fishing spot.
- All travel on the lake is at your own risk. Please check with the local businesses for ice conditions.
- If any poor ice conditions are found, please contact the local club that is affiliated with the nearest road, so that the issue is addressed.
Thank you Pipe Fishing Club for putting out this information and promoting ice safety!
CLICK HERE to download a PDF of this article.
