This article is intended to provide some ice fishing thickness guidelines to consider before heading out on your next trip. We have included the standard ice fishing thickness guidelines and some hints and tips on how to stay safe out there.
Are there many things in life better than a spot of ice fishing? As soon as winter arrives and the first ice hits the lake, I am always super eager to get out there with all my ice fishing gear ready to chase down my next big Northern Pike.
However, before I get carried away and run off onto the lake, it is important to consider the thickness of the ice and whether or not it is safe to fish on. So, this begs the question, how thick does the ice need to be for ice fishing?
Unfortunately, the answer is far from a straightforward one. It would be irresponsible of me to give you a number to follow universally in all circumstances. Instead, we must consider the variations and potential danger spots that can arise when we are ice fishing.
I was unfortunate enough to fall through the ice when I was around 19 years old in Minnesota. Luckily, it was pretty shallow and there were plenty of people around to help me out but I can tell you one thing for sure; it was not a pleasant experience and it could easily have been much worse. This is one of the main reasons that I am writing this article.
Fishing is a beloved sport for most of the people reading this article, so it is vital that we keep ourselves safe in doing what we love. Below I have gone over the different thicknesses that the ice needs to be for when it can be considered safe.
I have also included some safety precautions and basic rescue skills if the worst does in fact happen.
Ice Fishing Thickness Guidelines
With the drastic improvement of technology, ice fishing has become far more accessible and appealing to people who wouldn’t normally have dreamed of it.
Now, we can buy heated ice shelters, warmer coats, heated fishing gloves and ice augers to make our lives easier when battling the elements.
With more people taking up the wonderful sport of ice fishing, the more important it is that anglers are informed of the potential dangers and know how to stay safe on the ice.
Here are Minnesota State’s ice fishing thickness guidelines for each activity:
- 4 inches in the minimum required to head out onto the lake on foot
- 5-7 inches for a snowmobile or quad
- 8-12 inches for a small car
- 12-15 inches for a medium-sized truck.
I wouldn’t advise to go any bigger than that if I were you.
It is important to note that these are estimates given for NEW ICE and CLEAR ICE. If the ice is older (end of season) or if the ice looks snowy and white, then this indicates that it is weaker. Minnesota state advises doubling the above guidelines in these instances.
I know for a lot of fishermen out there, these numbers may sound rather conservative but it is far more important to be safe than risk your life chasing after a walleye.
To be completely honest, I have gone ice fishing in the past on lakes that were 3 inches thick and had no problems at all. At the end of the day you are responsible for your own safety, but any lower than 3 inches and you are taking a very serious gamble.
Below we will look at how to check the thickness of the ice and how to ensure your safety out there.
How to Make a Hole in the Ice for Measuring
It is advised to check the thickness of the ice that you will be walking on at least once every 150ft. There are a few methods for checking ice thickness, here are the best ways:
Ice Auger
This is by far the easiest way to drill a hole into the ice. Ice augers have come far in the past years and now you can pick up a decent one for pretty cheap.
I personally use a hand auger. They are cheaper, cleaner, lighter and drill through the ice like butter. You can find the one I use on amazon here.
Drill
The good old cordless drill. It is important to get the correct drill bit for this job. You will need a wooden auger drill bit to get through the ice. Once you have your bit, simply drill a hole into the ice and then measure the depth of the ice in the hole.
Hatchet
I’ve used this method before, but it isn’t really the most accurate. Have a good old swing of the hatchet into the ice and try to measure the depth of the hole.
Alternatively, measure the length of the sharp side on the hatchet and see if this reaches the water when you give it a swing. If it is over four inches, then you’re probably safe. Remember, I said probably!
Chainsaw
This is more of a brute force method that lacks a bit of grace. Cut out a small chunk of ice and measure it that way. Make sure you replace it afterwards.
Chisel
Chisel a hole into the ice and measure accordingly. You can make one of these at home if you have the right tools.
Safety Precautions
First things first, ice will never be 100% safe and you should have that in mind and prepare yourself for any situation.
Below I have listed some things to keep in mind when heading out onto the ice:
- Take some ice claws/spikes
These are the most basic tools that can save your life if you go through the ice. It is said that many of the lives lost could have been saved if they had some ice claws with them. Here are the ones I use on Amazon.
If you want to make your own at home, then check this guide out here.
- Take a buddy
It is always safer and arguably more fun if we take a buddy out ice fishing with us. That way we can keep an eye on one another, and if anything happens, you will have assistance. Of course it is fine to go alone and you can take steps to protect yourself if you do.
- Stay well spaced from your buddy
If you do take a buddy, then make sure that you stay well spaced from each other. If you stand close together, then you are only increasing the weight that the ice needs to bear and thus the likelihood of the ice breaking.
- Have a whistle
The simple whilst has saved many lives in its day. Use it to draw attention to yourself or call for others help if someone falls in.
- Wear a PFD (Personal Flotation Device)
This is a lifesaver if you fall in to those frosty waters. People die from drowning far quicker than hypothermia. If you are wearing a PFD, you will still leave yourself open to being rescued even after you pass out.
- Be careful of structures in the ice
Trees and rocks sticking out of the water may seem like a good place to walk near and try your luck fishing but don’t be fooled. These areas usually have the weakest ice due to the structure being heated by the sun and partially melting the nearby ice.
- Watch out with the beers
Kind of goes without saying, but be careful with too much alcohol consumption when ice fishing.
Basic Rescue Skills
Okay, so let’s say the worst happens and somebody falls in near you. What do you do? It’s good to have a basic knowledge of ice rescue skills so you can help others whilst keeping yourself safe.
- If someone goes in, back away and throw rope. Do not go towards them as you will only endanger yourself and most likely end up in the water too.
- Use your ice claws/spikes to try to self rescue. Alert others with your whistle.
- You will get winded and begin to panic and likely go into shock. It is important to try to remain calm.
- People usually die from drowning due to panic and exhaustion rather than hypothermia. If you have a PFD then great, if not, then try to keep your head above water, remain calm and alert others whilst conserving your energy.
- Check out this video on ice safety and self rescue,
Important things to note:
Okay, so here a few things to note about variations in the ice and how that can affect the ice thickness:
- New ice is stronger, old ice is weaker. If the ice is clear, then it is likely to be pretty strong and you can head out there on a 4” thickness. If it is snowy or more of a white color, then proceed with caution, especially towards the end of the season.
- Ice has many variations within the same body of water. You can test it in one area and it will be thick enough for a small car, however, in a different location on the same lake you may find that it is only 2 inches deep. Stay vigilant.
- There is a much higher chance for thinner sections of ice near moving water. If you hear the water moving, then be extremely cautious. Areas of the lake that come into contact with rivers and streams should be avoided.
- Snow can often cover up obviously danger spots in the ice that you would normally notice and avoid. Be wary of areas with heavy snow.
- Frozen rivers are far more dangerous. If you intend to go ice fishing on a river, then please proceed with caution. Ice can vary in depth dramatically. In one area, you can stand on 6 inches deep ice and within a few feet it could be as little as 2 inches.
How Thick Does the Ice Need to Be for Ice Fishing?
The absolute bare minimum quotes by most sources is three inches, but it is recommended to wait for 4 inches. I know a lot of people may disagree, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
If you really must head out before it’s at 4 inches then please make sure you take a buddy with you and be sure to follow the safety steps listed above.
If you head out alone, then you must drill your path as you go, measuring your depth. Remember to follow these ice fishing thickness guidelines and be sure to check the ice depth at least once every 150ft.
Ensure that you turn around or find a new route when the ice gets to 3 inches and under.
Don’t forget to check out our article on ice fishing etiquette too!
Be safe out there and happy fishing!