Always Use Extreme Caution When Venturing on Ice for That First Ice Fishing Trip of the Year
Some knowledge of ice formation and safety precautions could help keep you safe when venturing out on the ice this coming winter season.
As ice forms on the inland lakes in Michigan, recreational fishers get excited about making that first trip out on the ice-covered lake to go fishing. This is the time of year when many accidents occur as people fall through the ice if the conditions are not safe. As a rule, no one should venture out on any ice when it is less than 2 inches thick. When traveling out on the ice for the first time, only do so after a hard freeze that forms clear solid ice. Four inches of this type of ice will support a person on foot, but it will take approximately six inches of ice to support someone on a snowmobile or ATV. As the winter progresses and the ice thickens, small cars and pickups may be driven out on the ice when the ice thickness reaches 8 to …
