Date: 1/13/10
Contact: Doug Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127 x 3500

IT’S TIME TO GO ICE FISHING

It’s time for anglers to dig out their ice fishing rods and look for action at Nevada’s northern reservoirs. Though conditions are not yet safe at some waters, ice anglers will find conditions just right at destinations such as Eagle Valley reservoir and the reservoirs at Kirch Wildlife Management Area.

“I have to admit there is something unnerving about walking out on a slab of ice to go fishing,” said Doug Nielsen, conservation education supervisor for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, “But the whole experience is really fun once you start catching fish. Sometimes the action is very fast, and you don’t need any special equipment. Any fishing rod will do.”

Holes can be drilled through the ice using either a manual or power auger. Nevada regulation limits the allowable hole size to no more than 10 inches. Baits such as night crawlers, PowerBait and salmon eggs, or even hardware can be fished through the hole.

“I like to prop my rod tip up on a small cooler so I can keep an eye on the line while waiting for bites,” said Nielsen.

Experienced ice fishermen will tell you the most important information to have before you walk on the hard water is the current condition of the ice. Taking the time to ask before you go can prevent a tragic end to an outdoor adventure. Even if the ice is thick enough in one area, it might not be in others. If the ice is clear blue and consistently more than four inches thick, it can safely support adult anglers. On the other hand, when there are areas of dark ice and snow with slush, the ice is probably too thin or weak to support a person’s weight.

A rule of thumb in cold country is “Thick and blue, tried and true; Thin and crispy, way too risky!”

Even after checking on ice conditions, it is always a good idea to carry ice claws just in case the ice breaks and you or someone else falls through. Ice claws can be purchased at a commercial vendor or made by inserting a nail into one end of a four- to six-inch piece of a wooden dowel. With a string attached to two claws, anglers can easily wear them around their neck and have easy access to them should an emergency occur.

“Ice is always unpredictable, even when you take precautionary steps. You can never be too prepared. In addition to a pair of ice claws, I would recommend that anglers never go ice fishing alone, always go in pairs at a minimum. Each member of the party should carry a throw bag or length of rope that can be used in an emergency situation,” Nielsen said.

If you were to fall through the ice, turn toward the direction from which you came, use the ice claws to grab the ice and kick to push out of the hole. Once you are out of the ice roll a few yards away from where you fell in before standing up. 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 to pull them out from a safe distance.

If you are unsure about the ice, don’t go fishing. Wait until you know it’s safe. Thermals and a warm hat are a must as most body heat escapes through an uncovered head. Save the alcohol for after fishing as this will lower your body temperature and judgment. Instead, bring coffee or hot chocolate.

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.