Ice-Fishing Safety Tips

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Stay Safe When You Head Out Fishing

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Ice-fishing, while enjoyable, can also be dangerous. Here are some ice-fishing safety tips for those lucky enough to fish all year round!

  • Wear creepers. These spiked shoes will keep you from slipping and falling on the ice.
  • Carry two picks to help pull your way out of the water if you fall through the ice. Once you spike your way out or are pulled out, don’t stand. Roll across the ice in the direction you came from.
  • Carry a buoyant seat cushion. It will add to your seating comfort while fishing and give you something that floats to throw to someone who has fallen through the ice.
  • Keep your auger covered. The blades are sharp and can easily cut you.
  • Spray vegetable oil on your auger and snowshoes. Snow won’t stick, and you won’t cut yourself when cleaning off the snow.

It is essential that the ice is thick enough to support you. Refer to our Ice Thickness Safety Chart for details.

Work should not be so pressing as to prevent a day’s fishing through the ice.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac, 1910

Do you have tips to add? Please share below! 

About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening so it’s not surprising that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website, and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana. Read More from Catherine Boeckmann

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