DNR Warns Anglers to Be Careful on the Ice

Thursday, December 19th, 2024 -- 8:00 AM

(Evan Casey, Wisconsin Public Radio) Experts say the recent fluctuation in temperature across Wisconsin has made for dangerous conditions for ice fishers and hobbyists who are trekking out on lakes and ponds.

Much of Wisconsin experienced cold temperatures over the past few weeks. But at least two people in southeast Wisconsin had to be rescued after they fell through the ice last weekend when temperatures began to rise.

“That up and down fluctuation in temperature can really make ice conditions pretty dangerous,” said Jacob Holsclaw, the off-highway vehicle administrator with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

“We really don’t want to consider any ice to be 100 percent safe,” he added. “A big reason for that is that every body of water is different.” Multiple days of cold temperatures can lead to thicker ice.

But looks can be deceiving, Holsclaw said. “If there’s a pretty good current under that ice, or there’s maybe a spring under there that’s moving pretty quickly, it may not be as thick as you think,” Holsclaw said.

“You might have ice that can support you in one area and just a few feet away, that ice could be paper thin due to underwater currents or springs,” he added.

The Wisconsin DNR doesn’t keep statistics on how many people go through the ice across the state each year. But Holsclaw said vehicles, snowmobiles, ATV’s and ice fishing equipment are often lost after people don’t check ice conditions.

“That can get very expensive to get those machines out,” he said. John Zaworski, a lieutenant with the Milwaukee Fire Department, said hypothermia can set in within seconds if someone falls into a lake or river in cold temperatures.

“That water is 32 degrees (Fahrenheit) or less, and water takes away your body temperature 25 times faster, so it doesn’t take long at all,” Zaworksi said. “As soon as you hit that water, it takes a strong mental effort to keep your composure,” he added.

Before going out on a body of water in the winter, Holsclaw said people should check with a local fishing or sports club that tracks ice thickness. The Wisconsin DNR doesn’t track ice thickness.

The DNR also doesn’t offer safe minimum ice thickness guidance for activities like driving on ice or ice skating.

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