When the first bitter cold of December sweeps across Wisconsin, a familiar ritual begins. Lakes glaze over with a thin, glassy sheet, and anglers itching for the season to begin start eyeing their gear. Early ice is a cherished tradition here, but it’s about the enthusiasm it brings and the safety that comes along with it. The thrill of being among the first on the ice is undeniable, yet the risks of going to soon are just as real. For many Wisconsin anglers, early ice is the most exciting time of the season. There is less pressure this time of season, fish are often more active and less weary, making for potentially better catches. Usually there is pristine conditions with thin clear ice and light snow cover. While the temptation to get out early is strong, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and seasoned guides stress that safety must come first. Ice thickness can vary dramatically, even on the same lake. Some general safety guidelines is trying to find ice where there is 4 inches or more of clear, solid ice for walking; more for snowmobiles and ATVs. If you are walking on ice that is less than 4 inches you should always have the proper safety equipment. The equipment includes a spud bar which helps with checking ice thickness, if you hit the ice with the spud bar and it goes through with one hit, that is a good indicator that the ice is not safe. Another good tool is ice picks, if you would happen to fall through the ice these picks allow you to grab onto the ice and pull yourself out. One last piece of equipment/clothing that will help is a flotation suit, if you are fishing in deeper water and fall through the ice this floatation suit will give you enough buoyancy to float, making it easier to pull yourself out of the water. One last tip for early ice fishing is never fish alone, early ice is no time for solo adventures. Don Herman, a well-known ice safety expert in Oshkosh, warns that early-season accidents often happen because people assume the ice is uniform. “It’s not,” he says. “Currents, springs, and wind can make one spot safe and another dangerous just a few feet away.” Early ice fishing in Wisconsin is more than a sport, it’s a cultural marker of winter’s arrival. But the same qualities that make it thrilling also make it risky. The best anglers know that patience can be as important as skill. Waiting a few extra days for thicker ice might mean missing the very first bite, but it can also mean ensuring you’re around for many more seasons to come. In the end, early ice fishing is a test of judgment as much as it is a test of luck. The question every angler must ask is: Is the thrill of being first worth the risk of being too early?
Conservation Corner is a weekly article produced by the Forest County Land Conservation and Land Information Department. For more information contact Lucas O’Brien, Forest County Land Conservation Technician at 715-478-1387 or by e-mail at