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Ice Fishing Safety Tips: How to Stay Safe on Frozen Lakes

Winter fishing in frozen mountain lake landscape. Male fisherman in warm jacket sitting on folding chair with fishing rod to catch fish in hole in ice, man waiting cartoon vector illustration

Stay Safe When You Head Out Fishing

Written By: Catherine Boeckmann Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Ice fishing lets anglers enjoy their favorite sport all winter long—but frozen lakes demand extra caution. Slippery surfaces, sharp tools, and thin ice can turn a great day into a dangerous one fast. Follow these essential ice-fishing safety tips to stay protected while fishing on the ice.

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

5 Essential Ice-Fishing Safety Tips

  • Wear creepers. These spiked shoes will keep you from slipping and falling on the ice.
  • Bring two ice picks. 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.
  • Use vegetable oil on gear. 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.

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Silhouette of a man ice fishing on a lake in Norway at sunset.
Photo: Marianne Danielsen

Frequently Asked Questions

How thick should ice be for ice fishing?

Generally, at least 4 inches of clear ice is recommended for a single person on foot.

What should you do if you fall through the ice?

Use ice picks to pull yourself out, then roll away from the hole in the direction you came from.

Are ice creepers necessary for ice fishing?

Yes. Creepers reduce the risk of slipping on ice, especially when carrying equipment

Before you head out, be sure to check our Best Days to Fish!

Ice fishing is safest when preparation comes first. Pack the right gear, check ice thickness, and enjoy fishing all winter long—safely.

Do you have tips to add? Please share below! 

Fishing
About The Author
Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann

Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Catherine Boeckmann is the Executive Digital Editor of Almanac.com, the website companion of The Old Farmer's Almanac. She covers gardening, plants, pest control, soil composition, seasonal and moon c...
Read More from Catherine Boeckmann

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Comments

<span>Doug Dickson</span> Sat, 12/23/2023 - 15:03
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.
<span>Tommy Tookalook</span> Sun, 01/10/2016 - 06:30
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.
<span>Farmerboy</span> Sun, 04/22/2012 - 21:34
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!!!!)
<span>Oscar8854</span> Fri, 12/31/2010 - 09:49
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