Ice Fishing Safety Tips

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, 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. Lake of the Woods wants all its visitors to have the safest experience possible and have put together safety tips to keep in mind.

Ice Safety

• • Work through a resort.  safe. Resort Ice workers are constantly monitoring the ice thickness and ice conditions.  Ice roads are driven each morning.  If there are problem areas that can occur in the ice, the resort either adds bridges or re-routes for safety.

Markings

• • Double flags = CAUTION AHEAD (big ice chunk, crack to avoid, etc.)
  •  On snowmobile trails look for caution signs or single stakes or flags.

Emergency Contacts

• 911 should always be your first call.

Be Prepared

• Cell phone– Always a good idea to have your cell phone charged up.  Some people will actually carry the small portable battery packs that can plug into most cell phones for a good charge.  Remember if you are out of cell range, a text can sometimes get through.
• Clothing– A good rule of thumb is to be over prepared.  If you are venturing out on a snowmobile, in your car or even with a resort, having warm clothing, a hat and gloves can be crucial in the event of a breakdown, snowstorm or other situation that can occur.  The boy scout motto, “Always be prepared”.
• Vehicle– Whether you are traveling up to Lake of the Woods or headed out on the lake, it is a good idea to have your gas tank above a half a tank.  This will help with extreme freezing temps and if you would happen to run off of the road while driving. Other good items to have are a tow strap, jumper cables, and a shovel.
• Snowmobile– Keep your sled tuned up and in good working condition, as it always gives you ease-of-mind.  Have plenty of fuel, an extra belt (know how to change it), have safety materials in the storage compartment.  Some people will carry a rope along for a rescue situation or even a tow.  Some anglers who use sleds invest in a Nebulus. In the event you sled goes through the ice, this device is attached to your machine and has a pull cord which inflates a raft.  This raft can save you and keep your machine from going to the bottom of the lake or river.
• GPS- A GPS whether in your car or a handheld version can be very valuable. Start a plot line from shore to where I am headed on the ice.  In the event of a whiteout, you will be able to follow your plotline back which will help to stay on the ice road or trail you came out of and obviously get you safely home.  If conditions are extreme and you are in a fish house with ample heat, it is a good idea to stay put until the weather clears.  Contact a resort or someone to communicate your whereabouts and game plan.  In some cases, resorts may be able to assist.
• Don’t take chances- Let the resorts who are trained, who are on the ice daily and have years of experience guide you in what can be used and what is too heavy for the ice conditions.

Below is an example of whiteout conditions on Lake of the Woods.

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