If you’re into ice fishing, make it ‘safe’ outing
Wofficially has arrived, and snow was in the forecast for some western states. For those who prefer heat and sweat, this might not be good news, but for the rest of us, it means we can look forward to two or three more months of relative comfort. And if winter brings with it temperatures cold enough to cover regional trout waters with ice, we can look forward to some outdoor adventure, especially if the hard water is thick enough to make ice fishing safe.
Keep in mind that when it comes to ice fishing, “safe” is a relative term. After all, we are talking about walking onto a sheet of ice covering a body of water and then drilling a hole large enough to pull a fish through it. That thought alone is enough to put the brakes on one’s desire to give ice fishing a try.
The key to a successful ice fishing trip is taking the precautions to ensure you come home. Start by checking ice conditions before leaving and again before venturing onto the ice. Possible information sources include local tackle shops and resorts, coffee shops, park rangers and fishing reports. Even then, be sure to use common sense before stepping onto the ice.
According to the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation website, takemefishing.org, you can “Test the thickness yourself using an ice chisel, ice auger or even a cordless quarter-inch drill with a long bit.” Also, be aware of areas where thin ice is a possibility, such as near a stream inlet or an area adjacent to open water. Then keep your distance.
On one outing to Utah’s Panguitch
Lake, a favorite destination for anglers from Las Vegas, my friends and I saw a man bury his ATV up to its motor in ice that appeared to be quite solid. We were fishing no more than 30 to 40 yards away through ice that was easily 2 feet thick. That day we learned that ice doesn’t freeze to a uniform depth.
Here are some universally accepted guidelines when pursuing ice-related activities. If the ice is 2 inches thick or less, stay off. Once it reaches 4 inches, it is good for foot traffic and activities such as ice fishing. At 5 inches, the ice will accommodate a snowmobile or an ATV. For those who think they need to drive a car or small pickup on the ice, the standard is 8 to 12 inches. From 12 to 15 inches, the ice will handle a medium are the go-to bait.
■ LAS VEGAS URBAN PONDS — The ponds are still receiving weekly plants of rainbow trout. Beatty pond was stocked the week of Dec. 11. There will be no plants next week due to the holidays. One fisherman did well at Floyd Lamb this week while fly-fishing with an olive-colored Hare’s Ear nymph. He was using a dead drift.
■ KIRCH WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA — Thin ice is still the story for reservoirs on the management area. Conditions are unsafe for ice fishing.
■ EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR —
Despite cold temperatures, ice covering the reservoir remains too thin for safe ice fishing. For up-to-date ice conditions, contact the park at 775-962-5102.
■ ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR — Thin ice is continuing to make the prospect of ice fishing too dangerous for this week. For up-to-date ice conditions contact 775-9625103.
■ UPCOMING FISHING EVENTS — Beginners Fly Tying Tuesdays is a new monthly event the Nevada Department of Wildlife will be holding throughout
2018. The first workshop will take place Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 6 p.m. at the NDOW Las Vegas office. Register for the class online at https://register-ed.com/programs/ nevada/210-angler-education.
pickup.
I prefer ice that is at least 6 inches thick. But regardless of how thick the hard water is, my truck stays on the shore or in a designated parking area. I’ve seen too many news stories about trucks disappearing through the ice while their owners were waiting for fish to bite.
Depth isn’t the only quality a fisherman should use to evaluate ice quality.
“The strongest ice is new, clear ice,” notes the boating and fishing foundation. “Four inches of clear, newly formed ice may support one person on foot, while a foot or more of old, partially thawed ice may not.”
Something else to look for is a buildup of snow on the ice. Snow has insulating properties that can slow the freezing process, and it can weigh enough to impact how much additional weight the ice can handle.
The bottom line: Ice is never 100 percent safe, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. It just means you need to take the necessary precautions.
Never go ice fishing alone, and be sure to bring along materials that can be used in a rescue, such as throw rope or a length of closet rod. The boating and fishing foundation recommends wearing a life jacket under your winter gear and carrying a pair of ice picks in case you fall through. Ice picks can help you pull yourself out of the water.
A quick check of the fishing reports for the southern portions of Nevada and Utah and the northern parts of Arizona shows that we are still a week or two from good ice conditions.
Freelance writer Doug Nielsen is a conservation educator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
His “In the Outdoors” column, published Thursday in the Las
Vegas Review-journal, is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NDOW. Any opinions are his own. Find him on Facebook at @ dougwritesoutdoors. He can be reached at intheoutdoorslv@gmail. com.