Ice Fishing Safety Practices

“Thick and blue, tried and true. Thin and crispy, way too risky.” This old rhyme is intended as a reminder of the dangers of thin ice.



While ice fishing is an enjoyable sport for many anglers, it is an activity that requires strict vigilance and observation of safety practices. Even when all precautions are observed, ice can unexpectedly fail.

When is ice completely safe? Never. However, many fishermen follow safety practices that have allowed them to ice fish successfully for years.

How Thick Does Ice Need to Be?

A general rule of thumb is that ice should be at least four inches thick before it can be walked on safely, and vehicles need at least eight to twelve inches of solid ice. Thickness measurements must be of ice only, not including depth of snow cover.

In addition, rotting, cracked, or honeycombed ice is unsafe regardless of thickness. If temperatures have been above freezing for 24 hours or more, all ice is considered to be unsafe.

Aeration systems, schools of fish, flocks of waterfowl, depth of water, current, wind, underwater vegetation, and warm water discharge can all compromise the structure of ice.

Fishermen must consider all such factors when determining whether it is safe to venture out onto the ice.

Ice Fishermen Proceed with Caution

Before walking out onto the surface, anglers should check thickness by using an ax, auger, or spud to chop or cut a hole in the ice. However, the fisherman should proceed with extreme caution.

It is highly recommended that two people walk together, with a little distance between them. If one falls through the ice, the other can call for help and assist in rescuing his companion.

Walking with a spud, or metal pole with a chisel-shaped end, allows for testing the ice while walking along. Additional precautions include dressing properly to reduce the risk of injury from exposure. Thick, warm hats that cover the ears are favorites with ice fishermen.

Mittens keep hands warmer than gloves, and some mitten styles allow the fingers to be exposed during the brief periods when greater manual dexterity is required. The first clothing layers next to the body should be silk, wool, rayon, or nylon, but never cotton, which holds water and is a poor insulator.

The next layer should be wool, because wool wicks moisture away from the body, and has insulating properties even when wet. Outer layers should be wind and water resistant.

If a fisherman does fall though the ice and become wet, keeping the wet garments on until the warmth of a shelter is reached is best, since the wet wool will become slightly warmed by the body and provide some insulation.

Bare, wet skin in cold temperatures will result in quick, severe hypothermia. Before the fishing trip, all participants are advised to familiarize themselves with recommended techniques for getting accident victims back on solid ice.

Knowledge prevents panic and possibly fatal mistakes. Knowing that accidents can and often do happen, ice fishermen can plan accordingly.

Rope, communication devices, thermos containers of hot beverages, and an understanding of recommended rescue procedures are essential for those wishing to pursue this challenging sport.

Ice Fishing Is Risky Business

No matter how careful the angler tries to be, there are simply too many risk factors to allow for complete safety on the ice. When the cold winds blow and fishermen head out for ice fishing expeditions, they can increase their odds of returning safely by being vigilant about the condition of the ice, dressing properly, and planning for emergency situations.