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Ice-Fishing Safety Tips

Stay Safe When You Head Out Fishing

Catherine Boeckmann
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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

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Do you have tips to add? Please share below! 

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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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Comments

Doug Dickson (not verified)

10 months 2 weeks ago

I would also recommend a loud whistle -- even if you manage to get back onto the ice you'll probably need help. I keep mine attached to my PDF.

Tommy Tookalook (not verified)

8 years 10 months ago

When going out onto the ice, follow a well used path if there is one. Don't go alone if possible & walk single file about 20 feet apart. Carry a 50 ft. length of nylon rope with you in case somebody falls through the ice. If you fall through the ice, try to stay calm & catch your breath for the first minute, before you attempt to get back on to the ice.

Farmerboy (not verified)

12 years 6 months ago

helps to bring a heater along too. also bring some beverages and depending how long you are out there bring some snacks also.(Don't forget the worms!!!!)

oscar8854 (not verified)

13 years 10 months ago

Dress in layers, avoid sweating when walking out onto the lake,and making a hole in the ice. Ive seen so many people do this and there cloths get damp and no matter how much outter clothing they have on they get cold after a short time after they start fishing... makes for a bad day out on the ice if you cant get warm