It may seem a little crazy to leave the comforts of your home for the purpose of dangling a jig or a worm through a small hole in the ice, and there are those who worry about the safety of ice fishing, especially when you hear occasional stories of people falling through the ice. However, if you prepare properly and follow a few basic safety tips, ice fishing can truly be a fun and safe way to spend a day outdoors during the winter.
Ice fishing safety
Here are some things to keep in mind.
- Typically, 4 inches of good, hard ice is required to support an individual, and about 6 inches is necessary to support an ATV or snow machine. To check ice depth, use an auger to cut a hole near the bank and again several feet away from the bank. You will find that ice depths can vary to some degree across the same body of water.
- Don’t assume that snow-covered ice is safe ice. In fact, ice covered with snow for a prolonged period can actually become warmed due to the insulating effect of snow. And rain-on-snow events (typical in early winter and spring) will cause rapid melting of ice around the shoreline and near any hole cut in the ice.
- Some anglers will carry a 20 to 30 foot rope as a precaution in case someone falls through the ice, and there are even hand-held ice picks you can use to help you crawl out of a hole. These picks are connected with a rope or cord so that you can “string” the picks through your coat sleeves, leaving the picks to dangle by your hands for easy access.
- Probably the single most important safety rule to follow (besides checking ice thickness) happens to also be a law. Do not cut holes in the ice greater than 10 inches across. Holes can freeze over incompletely — even become hidden with snow — and an unsuspecting angler can fall through. The exception to this hole-size rule is for those who dipnet for cisco on Bear Lake.
- A real key for enjoying ice fishing is buying good clothing that protects and insulates. You may recall the ad campaign that says something like “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear.” And let’s not forget that old but so wise saying from everyone’s mom, “dress in layers.” Portable heaters and quick-setup portable shelters sold at your favorite sporting goods store are wonderful, too, for staying warm out on the ice.
- Drink plenty of water and hot drinks (which offer both hydration and warmth), even if you don't feel thirsty. Being well-hydrated helps your body maintain a safe core temperature.
Ice fishing gear
Ice fishing requires special ice fishing equipment. An ice fishing pole is very short, and there is no casting involved. You just let the bait or lure sink below the hole; sometimes you have to add a sinker. You can use worms, stinky bait (sometimes garlic scents work really well) and lures such as jigs. Remember that only artificial lures are allowed on some bodies of water — so check the regulations before you go.
There are buckets you can take to sit on — some even come with padded seats — and they help hold your stuff when you are getting on or off the ice. Camp chairs are fine, too. You will need slotted spoons for removing ice from the holes. Because you can have up to five poles per person when ice fishing on many Idaho waters, pole holders that sit right on the ice come in handy.
A sled for pulling your gear out onto the ice is also a must. I have tried using the sleds our family takes on the hill, but they don’t hold very much and your items can slide off. You can actually buy sleds with high sides that are perfect for holding everything— including your auger.
Lastly, don’t forget your fishing license for those anglers over 14, and take the time to review the regulations before heading to your favorite ice fishing spot.
Ice fishing with kids
Above all, when the kids have had enough, then it is time to go. You want them to leave with happy memories about their special day with you, and more importantly, they will want to join you next time!
Make the fishing adventure about them and for them. That means most of your time may be spent keeping bait on hooks, removing ice chunks from the hole and keeping their bodies full of hot chocolate — even if it means you don’t get to fish very much or at all.
Pack good snacks, hot beverages and water (remember staying hydrated helps you stay warm), and extra clothing and socks. A portable heater or a portable ice fishing shelter makes things extra comfortable — for you, too.
Popular spots for ice fishing
There is no shortage of places to ice fish in southeast Idaho. Some of Southeast Idaho’s popular locations include:
- American Falls Reservoir: This is a great place to catch some big trout and even perch through the ice. Remember, this is a large body of water, so ice conditions can vary greatly across the reservoir.
- Bear Lake: Cutthroat, lake trout, rainbow trout, whitefish and cisco can be pulled from this large water body that spans two states, Idaho and Utah. Don’t worry! You just need one valid fishing license from either state to fish this lake. As with other large water bodies, the ice conditions can get tricky quickly from spot to spot, so be extra mindful of ice conditions as you fish across this water body. Trout limit is two, and don’t keep any cutthroat unless they have a clipped adipose fin as evidenced by a healed scar. Cisco limit is 30. Dipnetting for these fish is permitted Jan. 1 to Feb. 15. Dipnets cannot be larger than 18 inches in any dimension; however, any size hole may be cut through the ice to catch cisco.
- Chesterfield Reservoir: This is very productive fishery and a fun place to catch some really nice rainbows. Imagine pulling a 2-pound fish through the ice! Anglers can only keep two fish. Fish and Game works with Caribou County to plow the roads. It can take a few days for the roads to be cleared after a heavy snow storm.
- Deep Creek and Devils Creek reservoirs: These bodies of water often see good catch rates during the winter with plenty of 12-inch planters and even some nicer fish pulling on the line; rainbows mainly.
- Daniels Reservoir: Remember, this is a trophy water. Only artificial lures are allowed, and there are size regulations on fish.
- Pocatello’s urban fisheries: The fishing ponds at both Edson Fichter Nature Area and the Portneuf Wellness Complex in Pocatello are very popular places to ice fish and offer the convenience of being right in town. There is a two-fish limit for each fishery.
These are just a few of the great places to ice fish in this region. For more information on where to go fishing, here or anywhere in the state, check out Idaho Fish and Game’s Fish Planner at idfg.idaho.gov. Just scroll to the bottom of the home page and there you will find the Fishing Planner tool for exploring fishing opportunities in Idaho. You can find detailed information about Idaho’s waters, stocking reports, access, species, facilities, maps and rules.
Enjoy your time outdoors this winter, and be safe in your travels! Best “fishes” to you and yours in the New Year!
Jennifer Jackson is the Regional Communications Manager for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, southeast region.
