|
|
WHERE TO FISH
Angler Information Guides
| Getting Started With Your Kids | Fishable Waters by Species | Ice Fishing | Licenced Fishing Guides |
|
Before you head out ice fishing on any of Nevada's water, you should be aware of safe ice conditions.
“Just because a lake or stream is frozen doesn’t mean the ice is safe,” said Loren Jamison, Game Warden Supervisor for Nevada Division of Wildlife’s Eastern Region. “Ice fishing has its own set of safety rules that if not followed, can cause a day of fishing to end in tragedy.”
While the ice can be safe in one part of a lake, combinations of warm weather, water currents, springs or snow can cause unsafe ice conditions in another part of the same lake, or even just a few feet away.
General Ice Safety Rules
- If the ice is less
than two inches thick, stay off.
- At four inches,
a person can walk on the ice and it should be safe for fishing, though
realize that ice thickness may vary from spot to spot and use extreme
caution when on the ice at minimum recommended thickness.
- Although 10-12
inches of ice may support a car or truck, NDOW doesn’t recommend
driving on the ice. Last winter an Elko angler and his son went through
the ice at Wild Horse Reservoir while on their ATV’s. At the time
of the incident, ice thickness varied between two and seven inches.
Always err on the side of caution.
- If there is slush on the
ice, stay off. This indicates that the ice is no longer freezing from
the bottom, and may be a sign of weak or deteriorating ice.
- Never ice fish alone
- Be cautious
- Carry a set of ice claws. Ice claws can be made using two pieces of one and a half inch diameter dowel about six inches long, with a large nail imbedded into one end of each dowel or broom handle. Join the two pieces of dowel using three to four feet of heavy cord or light rope that goes through the dowels at the opposite end from the nails.
Temperature and Wind Conditions
It
is especially important to be cautious both early in the winter and late
in the spring, as temperature fluctuations combined with wind have more
influence on the thickness of the ice at these times. An area that is
safe one day, may not be safe a couple of days later because of warm weather.
Also, as ice ages, the bonds between the ice crystals weaken, causing
the ice to lose its strength.
If there is slush on the ice, stay off. This indicates that the ice is no longer freezing from the bottom, and may be a sign of weak or deteriorating ice.
What to Do if You Fall Through Ice
- If you should fall through the ice, stay calm.
- Don’t take winter clothing off, as it will help keep warmth in and may add some buoyancy.
- When trying to get out, return in the direction from which you fell, the ice there is more likely to be thicker and may be able to support you better as you try to get out. Ice near open water is slippery and hard to get traction on, so use your legs to help you onto the ice with a swim-type kicking motion. Grip an ice claw in each hand, sticking the nail end into the ice and pull yourself to safety.
- Once on the ice remain in a prone position, spreading your weight over a larger area, until reaching ice that will definitely support you.
If a Companion Falls Through the Ice
- If a companion should fall through the ice, don’t approach the edge to try to help them; your role may quickly change from rescuer to victim.
- Never try to rescue them alone unless absolutely necessary, get help.
- Using a rope, stick, fishing rod, or some other long item to try to reach them from safe ice. As stated earlier, stay in a prone position, spreading your wait over a larger area while trying to help someone who has fallen through.
- Once safety is reached, treat for hypothermia.
There are other safety items that may be taken along. A rope for throwing to someone who has fallen through the ice is a good idea. Put a loop and a large knot at one end because cold hands don’t grip very well. A floating seat cushion from a boat can be thrown to someone in the water. It can be used to sit on until needed for an emergency.
“If people take the proper precautions before venturing onto the ice and follow common sense safety procedures,” Jamison added, “then anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts can safely enjoy northern Nevada’s winter outdoor activities.”
