It’s important to stay safe when you’re on the ice.
That’s the message from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. The MNRF always reminds people that no matter what the winter weather is like, ice conditions can be deceptive and unpredictable.
The MNRF says you should always check local ice conditions before heading onto the ice to fish.
There’s a number of things to keep it mind before heading out, remember:
- Ice does not freeze at a uniform thickness across most lakes and rivers.
- Check thickness with a spud bar or auger as you move further out on the ice.
- Ice that has formed over flowing water, springs, pressure cracks, old ice holes or around the mouths of rivers and streams can be weaker than surrounding ice.
- Ice that has a a honeycombed look, should be avoided.
- Heavy snow on a frozen lake or river can insulate the ice below and slow the freezing process.
- Travelling on frozen lakes or rivers with snowmobiles or vehicles can be dangerous and precautions must be taken. You need eight inches of clear blue ice for snowmobiles and 12 inches for light vehicles. The thickness should be doubled if the ice is white or opaque.
Before heading out you should check ice conditions with other anglers, let people know where you’re going and when you plan to come back, and wear proper clothing and equipment. The MNRF says many anglers wear flotation suits and carry a set of ice picks.
You can learn more about ice fishing by going to ontario.ca/fishing.