Pay attention to ice conditions if ice fishing

Kelly Carter, the CEO of the Alberta Fish and Game Association, says popular fishing spots are generally safer to fish at. It’s recommended people avoid finding their own fishing spot or going to rivers. He also says to look for solid-coloured ice.

At rivers, since the water is moving underneath, it can make for uneven freezing layers.

In addition, when fishing as a group or taking snowmobiles onto the ice, eight inches of ice is recommended. Often, accidents happen towards the end of the season from the weight of snowmobiles and heavier machinery.

Carter says to stick to lakes and stock ponds, and to look for the signs, especially since Spring is approaching.

“When we get into spring, there’s a saying that goes: spring ice is rotten ice, and so we definitely want people to use their judgement,” said Carter.

“If its been warm, especially for an extended period of time, and you’re seeing some of that smooshiness and puddles forming, and it starts looking kind of yellower, obviously that’s not the best ice to be going on and to maybe rethink your plans,” he said.

He recommends that the public hold off on that activity for the day or at that location. It’s a good measure to test the ice in multiple locations before setting any hooks.

People should back away from unstable areas and get low to the ground, if there’s activity on the ice.

Please call 9-1-1 if you see someone in trouble or in need of help.

by Angela Kazmierczak

Pay attention to ice conditions if ice fishing

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