Although the fickle winter weather has kept ice fishermen from enjoying their favorite winter activity thus far, there have been occasional pockets of ice throughout Indiana for brief periods of time. The upcoming weather this weekend and into next week might change all that. Fingers crossed that in a week or so, we will be out with spud bars looking for that first safe ice of the season.
Ice fishing is an enjoyable way to combat cabin fever for lots of Hoosiers this time of year. Sadly, however, each year we hear of tragedies of people who have fallen through the ice. Despite the dangers, ice fishing remains a safe activity as long as you know how to recognize hazards and practice safety.
There is no reason to shun the opportunity to pursue your favorite game fish during the winter months. After all, fish taste better when they caught through the ice. Just exercise caution and follow these simple safety procedures to help keep you from becoming a statistic.
As a rule, three to four inches of ice is safe. Always drill or spud several test holes when venturing onto any frozen body of water to ensure safe ice. Start near the shore, drilling a hole every ten to twenty feet as you make your way out to your desired location.
Underwater springs, currents, schools of fish, flocks of waterfowl and even wind can create varying ice thickness on a lake. One area of the lake may have a foot of ice while an area just a few yards away may only have a couple of inches.
Beware of snow-covered ice. Besides hiding possible cracks or weaknesses in the ice, snow acts an insulator and can therefore impede ice development.
Clear ice is the safest ice. Cloudy or milky colored ice is not as strong. Also, slushy or honeycombed ice is usually weak and unsafe. Even thick ice may become rotten after a rain.
Likewise, dark ice is thin and not safe. For ice to be safe, it should appear white or blue in color.
If possible, fish with a partner and carry a cell phone. In the event that you do fall through, your partner can aid in getting you out of the water and call for help.
To that end, keep a safe distance from others. Congregating in a small area can stress the ice.
Bring a length of rope. It can be invaluable for pulling someone out of icy water.
Carry a pair of wooden-handled floating picks or screwdrivers attached to a few feet of rope. These will enable you to get out of icy water should you fall in.
Nearly seventy percent of ice fishing fatalities occur when the angler is in a vehicle. Always travel on foot on a lake when possible.
Consider wearing a life jacket. Should you happen to fall through the ice, at least you will stay afloat. The risk of hypothermia will still exist, however. Many high-end ice fishing suits also serve as flotation suits.
Avoid alcoholic beverages. Not only do they reduce your reaction time, they also lower the body’s internal temperature, increasing the odds of hypothermia; I definitely don’t practice what I preach here; I enjoy a slushy adult beverage or two while out on the ice!
If you fall through the ice and manage to make it out, you are not out of the woods as hypothermia can set in quickly. Bring along a blanket or extra clothing to wear while getting back to your vehicle.
With a dose of common sense and by putting these tips to use, there is no reason why you cannot go out and have an enjoyable and safe day of hardwater angling.
Before you go:
Be sure to check with local bait and tackle shops for current ice conditions and fishing reports.
If you currently have a 2023 Indiana fishing license, it is valid until March 15th, 2024.
Each fisherman is allowed no more than three rods in use at one time.
