All the cold weather we've had lately has anglers excited for the start of the ice fishing season. But, before heading out you have to make sure the ice is ready.
A warden with Rhinelander’s DNR Office says they've already seen multiple ice shanties fall through on Oneida County lakes. That’s why they're warning anglers to make sure they're fully prepared.
DNR Warden Jim Jung says making sure the ice is thick is the first move anglers should make. "What you look for when you go out is you check the ice often. You’re looking for that clear ice without a lot of bubbles. That’s not kind of milky in color. That will typically be the stronger ice."
There are a variety of ways anglers can find out about ice thickness on lakes. Checking with local law enforcement or simply go into the local bait shop can be very helpful says Warden Jung. He says they’ll usually have a good indication for where it's safe and what ice is not yet ready.
Anglers need to make sure the ice is at least 8-10 inches thick before putting out their shanties.
Those who do decide to fish should also follow a few safety guidelines to make sure they stay safe. One of the biggest is not going out on the ice alone. Also, not allowing children out on the ice alone can help save lives.
