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| BEFORE YOU GO: |
- Never go fishing alone (especially
at lakes inaccessible to traffic.) Make sure family and friends know
your destination in case an emergency occurs.
- Wear protective clothing in fabrics
which will continue to protect, even when wet. Layering clothing to
maintain a balanced body temperature is best using a thermal layer
close to the skin to absorb body moisture, an insulating material
for warmth (Polar/Artic fleece is a good one), and a protective,
water resistant layer on top.
- Bring an extra set of clothing and
keep it handy in case you do get wet.
- Carry a long pole to your fishing
destination. It can be used to test the thickness and soundness of
the ice, and it can prevent you from sinking if the ice does break.
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| < 4" |
Stay Off the Ice |
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| 4" |
safe to fish |
| 5" |
Safe for Snowmobile
or ATV |
| 8-12" |
ready for car
or small pickup |
| 12-15" |
fairly safe for SUV
and medium pickup |
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| Its impossible to judge the
strength of ice by its appearance, thickness, daily temperature, or snow
cover alone. Ice strength is actually dependent on all four factors,
plus water depth under the ice, size of the water, water chemistry,
currents and distribution of the load on the ice. Wait to walk out until
there are at least 4 inches of clear, solid ice. Four inches will
provide a margin of safety. Go out with a buddy and keep a good distance
apart as you walk out. Snowmobiles and ATV's need at least 5 inches, and
cars and light trucks need at least 8-12 inches of good clear ice. |
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