This winters ice fishing season is about to get rolling. Many of the area smaller lakes are already ice covered. The ice on the larger lakes is closing in fast with the recent cold snap. Safe walking ice should be available within two weeks or less.
For many anglers the winter is a time when they can literally "walk on water". Many fishermen even prefer ice fishing to the dog days of summer. Its no wonder that each year during the new ice period there are stories of anglers eager to get out and then going through the ice on snow machines or on foot, sometimes with fatal outcomes.
Here is a good guideline for safe early ice as suggested by the Minnesota state DNR; 4 inches of ice for walking. 5 inches for snowmobiles or ATV. 8-12 inches for a car or small pickup and 12-15 medium truck. Here at Gus' Place Resort I plow lake access with an F250 diesel, its heavy and I prefer 16 inches of ice under me.
In summary, always be mindful of ice thinkness, quality and conditions. Ice thinkness will vary throughtout the lake.
Enjoy & Protect The Ourdoors. See you out there.