How to Walk on Ice Safely While Ice Fishing

Avoid falls while ice fishing

Nothing puts a damper on an ice fishing outing like someone taking a bad spill on the ice. Many serious injuries occur each ice fishing season from individuals slipping on the ice. Falls result in concussions, broken bones, and various aches and pains, but most of them can be avoided. Prevent accidents using the correct equipment and common sense. Following these guidelines will help keep you upright on the lakes and ponds while ice fishing.

Things You'll Need

• Ice cleats or chains
• Warm waterproof gloves
• Thick hat

Instructions

1. Wear footwear with traction. When snow is covering the ice, a good insulated pair of boots will suffice. When there is no snow, the ice will be extremely slippery. Available at sporting goods stores and bait and tackle shops, the various spikes and cleats available attach to your boots to provide traction. You can also purchase ice cleats and chains that will fit easily on the bottoms of your boots. These give you a secure footing as you walk across glare ice. Keep at least two pairs of these cleats in case you encounter a problem on the ice, such as one of them breaking.

2. Be wary while ice fishing as you approach holes that have been drilled for tip-ups. Holes are surrounded by dangerously slick patches. The patches result from ice chips and crystals that have been removed from the hole combining with water that comes up from the hole when it is first drilled. Always be on guard as you approach a hole, not letting the excitement of a flag up on a tilt override safety first. Slow down as you come to the hole and expect slippery conditions. Walk gingerly around the open hole.

3. Never walk on ice with your hands in your pockets. This is asking for trouble, since you may not be able to get your arms out to break a potential fall if they are deep in your pockets. Warm waterproof gloves will help keep hands free.

4. Watch the ice in front of you as you walk. Do not focus on your destination. Tripping on the ice is as painful as slipping on it. You can safely pass over raised cracks in the ice, chunks of ice frozen onto the surface, and small depressions in the ice—but only if you are looking. Walk with your head down, watching for potential problem areas.

5. Walk with a skating motion on very smooth ice if you do not have ice cleats. Shuffling your feet as you walk keeps them in contact with the surface, making falls less likely. Watch for thin layers of snow on the ice, as this can mean a double dose of slickness.

6. Wear a hat that has some substance to it. A heavy woolen pull-on hat or a thickly insulated hat with ear flaps could cushion your head if you fall.

Tips & Warnings

• A good pair of sunglasses will reduce glare and let you see possible hazards better.

• If you must ice fish alone, let someone know where you will be if you do have an accident. Bring a cell phone in case of emergency.