Ice fishing is popular in Alaska and a great way to enjoy the outdoors during winter months. Ice fishing can be enjoyable but is risky. Follow proper safety to ensure your safety while participating in ice fishing.
Check The Ice
Check thin ice when choosing a fishing location. Ice does not freeze uniformly, one area may be a foot thick but a few feet away, the ice could be less than an inch or two. Testing ice yourself can be done with an ice chisel, auger, or cordless drill with a long drill bit. Also, stop at a local resort or bait shop when you get close to your fishing destination to ask about ice conditions in that area.
Understand Ice
Freshly frozen ice is stronger than old ice because partially thawed or ice that had time to wear away is not as secure. Four inches of clear, newly formed ice, may support one person on foot while older, partially thawed ice as thick as a foot or more, may not.
Snow acts as an insulator and slows down the freezing process of ice. Ice that has a lot of snow on it has extra weight that needs to be considered. Freshly packed snow on top of ice will make ice less sturdy for additional weight.
Never Assume
Some people make the mistake of assuming ice is safe because it appears thick, but location also plays a part in strength. Ice formed over water currents or flowing rapids is dangerous. If you are near streams, bridges and culverts, prepare an exit strategy before setting up your fishing spot. It would be better to move to a location where water isn’t flowing because the under current wears on ice. When ice is formed near the shore, it can be weaker than ice farther out on the water.
Different animals can affect the safety of ice as well, including schools of fish or flocks of birds. Too many fish moving under the ice brings warm water from the bottom of the lake or river and may cause holes in the ice to open up.
Ice fishing can be an enjoyable experience for the whole family and with proper planning, many dangers can be avoided.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
