Ice Thickness

[LostAnotherOne]

Does anyone know how thick the ice before I can head out there. I know there are different thicknesses for a person or a car. Just looking to head out when the time comes just with a few people walking.

 

[grubman]

Don't quote me, but long time ago I did hear on the news that to walk on the ice should be atleast 6". To support a car you need 1 1/2'. Or you could stand on the shore wait for people to go out, wait 1/2, see if they are still on top of the ice then go out.......lol.

EDIT: OK just found this site. Heed it's warnings.

http://www.nodakoutdoors.com/ice_fishing_safety.php

Be safe good luck.

 

[manitoubass2]

6 inches of "good ice" is the safe bet.

 

[buck]

.

 

[ChaseChrome]

Yeah...for me to get out on the ice the water has to be frozen RIGHT DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE LAKE...​

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I know CJR will back me on this one​

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cc​

 

[efka]

been on 4", scary sometimes as you feel it moving when someone walks by. but 6" is a safe bet. always wear flotation suit on first ice.

 

[Hardwaterlover]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLIwyw3-7QU

 

[Captain Barty]

3" of clear black ice on small back lakes and I feel safe.

Bigger lakes I like at least 4" of black ice.

 

[Ridx]

If you're going to cooks bay in Gilford. Jake Bunny uploads daily youtube videos of ice condiitions as well as reports from guys fishing. Since its quite the drive for me this is how I determine how early in the season to go.

http://www.youtube.com/user/terrygoy

 

[Hardwaterlover]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1NXIgJt_hE

 

[manitoubass2]

It should also be noted that rivers are a different beast then big lakes or back lakes.

I've had close calls on 20" of ice on Rainy River. Rapids (obviously) back eddies and current seams drastically change the way ice forms, and behaves, once frozen.

Float suits are MANDATORY for river ice fishing IMO

 

[dockmuskie]

It should also be noted that rivers are a different beast then big lakes or back lakes.

I've had close calls on 20" of ice on Rainy River. Rapids (obviously) back eddies and current seams drastically change the way ice forms, and behaves, once frozen.

Float suits are MANDATORY for river ice fishing IMO

Wow, I've never tried ice fishing on a river and based on your description I don't think I ever will! haha. You can never really be too safe I feel when it comes to ice fishing.

 

[ChaseChrome]

Wow, I've never tried ice fishing on a river and based on your description I don't think I ever will! haha. You can never really be too safe I feel when it comes to ice fishing.

That's right DM...see my response above

cc

 

[fishermandan420]

Ice is never safe. I've felt comfortable on 2" and been scared on 18.

 

[grubman]

Need to fish off an Argo....lol.

 

[fishermandan420]

argos float, but usually have a hard time climbing back out if you go in. usually need something to pull it out. got a buddy that ran a hut rental that ran them. they would go out first ice with no clients with them. heard some stories......... :grin:

 

[Garfield the cat]

Was out on the ice at port bolster today. No perch yet only one herring in four hours. Ice was 3-4" thick but choppy. felt safe with no worries. Met two super gentlemen up there at Casey's too. Great hospitality a plan to go back soon.