DNR releases ice fishing safety tips

Indiana DNR: Beware of thin ice and warn children about playing on frozen lakes and streams without supervision. 

Every winter, thousands of Hoosiers enjoy fishing, skating, hiking or just sliding around on frozen ponds and lakes. And every year, people drown after falling through ice. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources says Hoosiers need to relearn how to have safe fun on ice.

Before you go ice fishing this season, be sure to review these top safety tips:

• Know the body of water that you're going to fish. Be mindful of creeks or springs along lakes and ponds, which could make ice unsafe. Beaver lodges will often have weak ice around them.
• Stay off of moving water. Indiana doesn't have cold enough winters to safely freeze our rivers and streams.
• Never walk on less than 4 inches of ice. Know that even 4 inches of ice late in the season may not be safe to walk on, as ice can be waterlogged or honeycombed at these times.
• ATVs need 8 to 12 inches of ice. Small vehicles need 12 to 15 inches of ice. Trucks need 15 inches or more of ice.
• Snow insulates ice. This can cause weak spots and slow the freezing process.
• Dress appropriately for the day. Wear a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device, brightly colored clothes, ice creepers, wool clothing, a hat and sunglasses.
• Never fish alone. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.

Find lakes and depth maps on the Where to Fish Interactive Map here, and visit https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/fishing/ice-fishing-safely/ for more safety tips.