With temperatures below freezing across much of Wyoming, ice fishing season has begun. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department urges anglers to practice safety before venturing out on the ice. Ice on many waters may not be safe, especially with varying temperatures and wind conditions throughout the state.
“Fluctuations in temperatures across the state can lead to unsafe conditions,” said Alan Osterland, Game and Fish chief of fisheries. “Anglers can have a fun and safe trip by just practicing a few ice fishing safety tips.”
Safe fishing ice should be at least four inches thick. Anglers should make special efforts to check the thickness of the ice every 100-150 feet. Avoid fissures in the ice and significant-sized cracks that can emerge on a lake. Clear ice is stronger than cloudy or white ice, which has frozen, thawed and refrozen. Cloudy ice is not always stable. White ice can also be from air bubbles or frozen snow and is much weaker than clear ice. For white ice, double the recommended thickness in terms of being safe while fishing.
Changing water levels in reservoirs and wind can create dangerous ice conditions. Be aware of recent weather conditions and scout the lake you wish to fish for overflow, wet areas and open water. With variable ice conditions across the state and rapidly changing conditions, anglers are urged to call their regional Game and Fish office to inquire about ice conditions.
Prioritizing safety while ice fishing is key to preventing accidental drownings.
“The best way to stay safe is being extra cautious — avoid driving a motorized vehicle on a frozen lake and ice fishing on rivers or on other moving water that has frozen over,” Osterland said.
Osterland also recommends anglers should not fish alone. They should always wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device and carry an ice pick on their person. Packing extra clothes and hot liquids can prevent hypothermia if an ice fishing accident occurs.
Anglers venturing on fishing trips this winter should also remember the Fishing Regulations and Special Winter Ice Fishing Provisions.
-WGFD-
