OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV) – The ice fishing and recreational season is getting underway in the region; however, safety needs to come first.
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As the temperature drops across northeast Wisconsin, some people are ready to get out on the ice on Lake Winnebago. But, experts like Don Herman say that at this time of the year, it can be the most dangerous time to be on the ice.
Herman owns SUNK Dive and Rescue, which specializes in retrieving vehicles and ATVs that fall through the ice.
“The ice is never 100% safe even if you’ve got 12 inches, so you’ve got to be careful this time of year,” Herman said.
Herman says the areas on Lake Winnebago with ice only have about 2-3 inches.
“There’s about 2-3 inches in all the bays right now, which is safe for walking, don’t take any four-wheelers out yet,” Herman said.
He recommends at least 4 inches for walking, and at least 6-10 inches for ATVs. For larger vehicles, you’ll need even more.
“Back years ago, trucks were only 4,000 lbs; now they are 10,000 lbs,” Herman said. “Now you need 15 inches to drive a big vehicle on the ice.”
Even when ice appears safe, conditions are always changing.
“Cracks open all the time. You can go out one day and then the next day cracks open, so you have to pay attention,” Herman said.
On bays in Lake Winnebago, Anglers like Stan Dorn are braving the conditions.
Dorn told Local 5 that he always brings safety tools like an ice pick, which is in his hands at all times, in case the worst happens.
“If you go in, you hit the ice with [an ice pick], and you can scoot yourself out of trouble if you fall through the ice,” Dorn said. “Two inches of ice is sketchy.”
Dorn said this year is colder than last, and the current ice is not ready for everything yet. He said that as it gets colder, more ice will form, making those trips out safer.
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“Everybody’s getting excited, they want to go out…and another 10 days of cold, it’s making ice every day,” Dorn said.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued a reminder Friday that no ice is ever 100% safe. Officials say it’s crucial to always check local reports, go out in groups and have safety gear on you at all times.
