Date: 12/17/10
Contact: Doug Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127 x 3500

ICE FISHING OPPORTUNITIES ON THE WAY

It's time to get those rods ready for an ice fishing adventure at reservoirs in central and northern Nevada. Though ice conditions are not quite safe in most locations, ice anglers can start readying their gear for outings to destinations like Eagle Valley Reservoir, Echo Canyon Reservoir and the reservoirs at Kirch Wildlife Management Area.

"Believe it or not, we do have a cadre of dedicated ice anglers here in the Silver State," said Doug Nielsen, conservation educator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. "It's hard to explain the attraction to people who have never fished the hard water, but it can be very fun. One key to having a good time is dressing in warm layers so you can adjust to changing conditions and temperatures."

To fish through the ice you will first need a hole through which to drop your bait and then to reel in your catch. In Nevada, that hole can be no larger than 10 inches in diameter and all bag limits and other regulations still apply. No special equipment is necessary. A standard rod will work fine.

Though ice fishing is a fun activity, it can turn to tragedy in an instant. Before venturing onto the ice, it's important to know its condition and how thick it is. Naturally it's best to find out before you get on the ice. Something else to keep in mind is that just because ice is thick enough to fish at one end of the reservoir doesn't mean it is at the other. If the ice is clear blue and consistently more than 4 inches think, it can support adults safely. If there are dark areas of ice and snow with slush, it is probably too thin. Perhaps this saying can help, "Thick and blue, tried and true. Thin and crispy, way too risky!"

In addition, it's always a good idea to use the buddy system. Go with someone else. That way you each have someone available to help if you fall through the ice or have other problems.

Since there is always the chance of breaking through the ice, it is recommended that anglers and others carry ice claws made by using four- to six-inch wooden dowels with a nail inserted in the end. This will enable them to pull themselves from the ice should they fall in. By connecting the two claws with a string they can easily be worn around the neck for easy access should an emergency occur.

If you were to fall through the ice, turn and face the direction you came from, use the ice claws to grab the ice. Pull with your arms and kick with your feet to climb out of the hole. Once out don't stand up, roll a few yards away from where you fell in. If you are trying to help someone who's fallen through, don't go to the area to grab the victim. Use a rope, jumper cables or even a fishing rod from a safe distance to pull them out.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW's wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen's license and conservation fees and a Federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.