Photo from nodakoutdoors.com
The time growing near here in Michigan for us ice angers to begin check and test the ice around Michigan. The number one thing that should be on everyone’s mind when they decided to head out on the ice is safety. Early ice and Late ice can be some of the most dangerous times for anglers on the ice and there is some simple steps you can take to make sure you make it back home to your family.
- Use a spud to test the ice has you walk.
- Carry a throw rope with a life jacket or boat cushion on one end so it can be thrown to you or you can throw it to someone that is trouble.
- Wear a life Jacket
- Carry ice spikes around your neck at all times so if you go through you can get to them easily
- Always let someone know where you are going and where on the lake you plan on fishing. If the plans change let them know.
- Carry a cell phone in a waterproof bag. That way the phone is safe and you can call for help if you or someone else needs it.
- Wear spikes on your boats so you don’t slip on the ice when there is no snow cover.
- Place your shanty or sled on a long rope, it keeps the weight near you lower but also keeps the sled or shanty from following you in and if someone is walking behind you they can grab it and use it to assist you getting out of the water if you fall through.
Understand ice and what effects the ice strength is also very important.
New ice is usually stronger than old ice. Four inches of clear, newly‑formed ice may support one person on foot, while a foot or more of old, partially‑thawed ice may not.
Ice seldom freezes uniformly. It may be a foot thick in one location and only an inch or two just a few feet away.
Ice formed over flowing water and currents is often dangerous. This is especially true near streams, bridges and culverts. Also, the ice on outside river bends is usually weaker due to the undermining effects of the faster current.
The insulating effect of snow slows down the freezing process. The extra weight also reduces how much weight the ice sheet can support. Also, ice near shore can be weaker than ice that is farther out.
Booming and cracking ice isn’t necessarily dangerous. It only means that the ice is expanding and contracting as the temperature changes.
Schools of fish or flocks of waterfowl can also adversely affect the relative safety of ice. The movement of fish can bring warm water up from the bottom of the lake. In the past, this has opened holes in the ice causing snowmobiles and cars to break through.
General Ice thickness Guidelines
- 2″ or less – STAY OFF
- 4″ – Ice fishing or other activities on foot
- 5″ – Snowmobile or ATV
- 8″ – 12″ – Car or small pickup
- 12″ – 15″ – Medium truck
Remember that these thicknesses are merely guidelines for new, clear, solid ice. Many factors other than thickness can cause ice to be unsafe.
Here is a great video with tips and info on how to surviving falling throw the ice.
