Newbie Quick Question...

[Lwapo]

Hey everyone,

First post here. I'm from Mid-Mich near Lansing and I am hoping to make a trip out to a public lake soon for some Ice-Fishing.

Anytime I've ever gone before was with my Father and his theory on Ice was that if you can drive a car on it, he might go out. His idea of the "minimum amount of ice" is like 4 feet or something crazy like that.


Anyways...

How thick should the ice be for me to venture out? Minimum? Recommended? Etc? and is there anything besides depth to watch out for? I know that mouths of inlets, etc will have thinner ice, etc. Any input would be great!

Thanks in advance guys...

[deputy865]

Welcome to the Michigan-Sportsman!!

I'd have to say about 6" and your good, not enuogh for a car and i wouldnt count on a 4-wheeler on it either, but enough for a shanty and all that.... Just depends what the weathers been like...I've been going out this year on ice that has been 3"-5" and its been good....JUST WATCH YOUR STEP!

Shane

[William H Bonney]

Welcome to the Michigan-Sportsman!!

I'd have to say about 6" and your good, not enuogh for a car and i wouldnt count on a 4-wheeler on it either, but enough for a shanty and all that.... Just depends what the weathers been like...I've been going out this year on ice that has been 3"-5" and its been good....JUST WATCH YOUR STEP!

Shane
Thats sounds about right. If you're that nervous about it, just wait until there's a ton of people on the lake and just follow the footsteps. If no one else fell through,, theres a pretty good chance you're not gonna either.

[Michigan Mike]

I agree with the above posts and second that
there is safety in numbers. Start out on a popular lake in
the area when others are out.
Any new lake, besides getting a map, talk to people
on the lake for any areas to watch out far on that particular lake
such as springs that could be anywhere.
Ice picks and a good spud this time of year are a must.

Mike

[icefishermanmark]

3-4in. is usually good. Watch out on warm days for the edges to be weak, especially around rocks and cement. Don't drive a car on the ice either. It's not worth it.

[redneckman]

If you dont want to fall through at all just wait untill the quads show up. I like 5" inches maybe 4 if it is the clear/blue ice. Take a spud and test as you go along it will help because in one spot it could be 5'' and then 10 feet later it could only be 3''. Be safe.

Redneckman