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The first snow of the season has fallen and the nightly temperatures have dipped below freezing. This means Utah’s ice fishing season in just around the corner. If you’re anything like me, the anticipation of the first fishable ice starts in late November. This is the time to dust off the ice fishing gear, sharpen the auger blades, check your safety gear, and wait for the opportunity to fish the first ice.
The fishing during first ice and ice off can be very productive, but this is also two of the most dangerous times for ice fishing anglers. Each year we read stories about anglers who have taken the icy plunge. In most cases the angler survives, and in some tragic cases, loss of life is reported.
In this article, I’m going to share with you several ice fishing safety tips, and also discuss several pieces of ice fishing safety gear, I feel every ice angler should wear and carry.
Ice Fishing Safety Tips:
1. Do your Research:
Before you head to your first ice fishing location, it’s important to do your research. Check the fishing and ice reports, read and follow ice fishing or fishing forums on social media. Always research the body of water you plan to fish. Understand the unique characteristics of each body of water, which may affect the ice conditions. For example, every year someone falls through the ice on Mantua Reservoir. In some cases, this is not caused by being on the ice to early, but by the many springs located throughout the reservoir. As these springs bubble up from the bottom, they cause uneven ice conditions. Utah Lake is another example, as this lake is full of hot springs, which causes the ice to be uneven and unpredictable in some locations. It’s important to understand where the inlets and outlets are located on each lake or reservoir. Where there is moving water, the ice will be thin or not form at all.
2. Check the Ice Thickness:
Even though you have done your research and many have reported safe ice conditions, you should always check the ice thickness for yourself. Remember, an ice fishing report from one week to the next can drastically change. This could be caused by warm weather, rain, wind, and many other factors. The following ice fishing photo to the right, shows the ice fishing safety thickness guidelines.
When you are ready to venture out on the ice there are several ways to check the ice thickness, for example, you can start very close to shore and drill a hole. Continue to drill holes until you're confident the ice is safe and thick enough for fishing. The problem with this method, is in most cases you are only drilling holes every ten feet or so, which is not really effective if the ice right in front of you is thin and unsafe. I’m not against this technique, as I have used it for years, but there is a better, safer, and easier way and that is using a spud bar.
A spud bar allows you to check the ice thickness quickly, and more efficiently than drilling holes. The spud bar allows you to check the ice in front of you as you’re walking across it. Not only does the spud bar check the ice thickness, it will also help you locate those soft spots, and places where the ice may not be as thick.
3. Carry Self-Rescue Gear:
Self-rescue gear are tools used to help rescue yourself. The one tool every ice angler should carry are ice fishing picks. Ice Safety Picks are designed to wear around your neck for quick, easy access should you fall through the ice. Ice picks are used to dig into the ice to help pull you from the freezing water. This very inexpensive tool can really make the difference between getting out of the water quickly or struggling and having to wait for help.
Another tool that will dramatically help you with self-rescue is a floatation device or floatation ice fishing suit. Being able to float, will give you more time to focus, calm down, and execute self-rescue. This will increase your chances of survival and keep your head above the water.
4. Carry Rescue Gear:
Now, you may be wondering what is the difference between self-rescue gear and rescue gear. Well, rescue gear is not necessarily going to be used for you. For example, I carry a rescue throw rope every time I’m on the ice. Not because it will be used to save myself, but it can be used if a fellow fisherman happens to go through ice nearby. This allows me to quickly respond and help someone out that may be in trouble. I hope that other ice anglers carry the same tool and are willing to help others while on the ice.
5. Wear Ice Cleats:
Okay, ice cleats will not help you if you’ve fallen through the ice; however, they will help you from taking a nasty fall that may cause injuries. Ice Cleats are great to have when attempting to walk on the brand-new clear ice that has yet to be coated with a fresh blanket of snow. Clear wet ice even with a good pair of boots can be very difficult to navigate, and falling on ice is just like falling on concrete. You can purchase a pair of good ice cleats for under $20.00.
6. Fish with a Buddy:
Always fish with a buddy. Being alone puts you at a disadvantage if something should go wrong. Now, if you must ice fish alone, be sure to go where other anglers are on the lake or reservoir. This way help is nearby if needed. Most anglers look out for one another and if someone is in trouble or needing help most will jump into action immediately, which is super cool.
One last thing to remember, it’s not uncommon for reservoirs to fill during the ice fishing season. This will cause open water around the shore line. Also, late in the season when the ice starts to deteriorate it generally pulls back from the shore first. Always use caution when getting on and off the ice. If you use a plank to cross the open water around the edges keep in mind there is always a chance this open water may widen later in the day. It’s like you are riding on an iceberg and the wind can push the ice farther from shore.
There you have it, 6 ice fishing safety tips and a look at the ice fishing safety gear that I feel every ice angler should have. Ice fishing is one of the best times of year to fish in my opinion. With the right gear, the right tools, and some respect for the ice, fishing during this time of year is a fun exciting outdoor adventure the whole family can enjoy. I hope you enjoy this season. Be safe, have fun, and I hope to see you on the ice!
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