ICE FISHING SAFETY TIPS

November 13, 2019

All of the buzz around the Burbot ice fishing tournaments this winter is exciting! Between the Burbot Bash and the Burbot Classic, anglers are netting hundreds of fish. Not only do they win prize money for competing, but they also help rid Lake Flaming Gorge of the invasive, ugly Burbot.

While you don’t have to participate in one of the fishing tournaments to ice fish, we do recommend you follow some key safety tips if you are venturing out this winter.

Check before you step.
Ice conditions often fluctuate throughout the winter months as water levels in lakes and reservoirs change, thawing and refreezing the ice. Four inches of clear ice is usually safe for fishing. Wyoming Game and Fish advises that you check the thickness of any ice before venturing out onto it, and continue checking it every 100 to 150 feet. Clear ice is stronger than cloudy or white ice, which has frozen, thawed and refrozen and may be unstable.
Take a buddy.
Never go out on the ice alone. The buddy system will keep you safe and ensure that you have someone to help in case you run into problems.

Be prepared.
Wear a life jacket and carry a flotation device on a rope that can easily be thrown. Also take some sort of ice pick in case you fall in. Hypothermia is a serious risk for anyone who does fall through the ice. Learn to recognize and treat hypothermia. Finally, always have dry clothes and hot liquids close at hand.

Don’t drive on the ice.
Wyoming Game and Fish also recommends against driving vehicles or ATVs onto the ice.

(For more, visit Wyoming Game and Fish.)