Really? Is any fish worth the chance of deadly hypothermia or a cold-water drowning?
Over the past 10 winters in Minnesota there have been 37 deaths caused by people falling through ice, according to data from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Most victims have been on snowmobiles or ATVs that break through, but some have been on foot and in cars and trucks. St. Louis County has had the most deaths. By far the most victims have been men over the age of 50. Old enough to know better. (There have been no deaths of people age 17 and under.)
While ice has formed across most, but not all Northland lakes, and while it may appear solid near shorelines, veteran ice anglers and state natural resource agencies are asking people to wait a little longer before heading out.
“The first ice-fishing trip of the season is exciting, but there’s no fish that is worth falling through the ice,” said Rodmen Smith, director of the Minnesota DNR's Enforcement Division. “Vigilance around the water at this time of year isn’t just a good idea, it’s an absolute necessity.”
News Tribune fishing columnist Jarrid Houston reports that, as of earlier in the week, the most ice he had found near the Twin Ports was3 inches, and only in small, shallower back bays. Noted fishing guide Jeff Sundin said giant Upper Red Lake — always a favorite for first-ice walleye anglers — has formed and then lost ice a couple times already this season due to cold, then warm then windy weather. He reported a new sheet had formed as of last weekend but wasn't yet safe for travel.
The problem is that daytime high temperatures in some areas have risen above freezing on recent days, meaning ice is melting, not getting thicker. And while nighttime low temperatures have been below freezing, it’s not the kind of Arctic cold front needed to really firm lakes up.
In addition to air temperatures, water temperatures can vary due to springs. Currents can keep ice from freezing solid, as would a heavy, insulating snowfall any time soon. Even fish can keep water from freezing solid in some areas, the DNR noted in its annual plea to keep people off the ice for now. Rivers are especially notorious for unsafe early ice, with flow rates and water levels changing constantly.
The DNR recommends at least 4 inches of solid ice before walking out and warns anglers to keep checking the ice with a chisel or auger every 150 feet to make sure it’s consistent. Measure with a ruler or tape measure; don't guess. Ice thickness can vary across a single lake from feet thick to to mere inches, even in the middle of winter but especially now. Wear a flotation device if you walk out. Have ice picks ready to pull yourself out if you fall through. Always travel with a friend and keep several feet apart. Bring rope to throw.
Snowmobiles and small ATVs need at least 5-7 inches of ice while cars or large ATVs and small trucks need 8-12 inches. A medium-sized truck may need 15 inches of ice to be safe. And here’s a tip: Drill a hole next to the vehicle and if water starts to overflow the top of the hole, it’s time to move the vehicle. Fast.
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November 27, 2020 at 08:00PM
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Just don't do it; most ice still not safe - Duluth News Tribune
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