Ice may be unsafe for fishing
by Wyoming Game and Fish
February 28, 2012
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is advising ice ishermen that the thawing and freezing conditions on many waters in recent weeks has deteriorated ice conditions throughout much of the state and anglers are advised to use extreme caution before venturing out on the ice.
In addition, anglers who have been fishing on any of the 23 waters covered under the special winter ice fishing provision are advised that the liberalized regulations on those waters only apply when fishing through the ice. The special winter ice fishing provision allows anglers to use up to six poles on those waters during the ice covered period. When waters included in that provision are no longer ice covered, the regulation reverts back to the use of two poles. Anglers are also advised that regulations require removal of ice fishing shelters before ice-out.
While it is possible that upcoming cold snaps may refreeze some waters, it is unlikely safe ice conditions will return to waters that have been open. In Wisconsin, at a recent ice fishing event, 36 vehicles broke through the ice even though the ice was 12 inches thick, generally considered safe for vehicles. The Game and Fish warns that thickness of ice is not uniform on any water and advises against driving on ice at any time of year.
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