Ice conditions on Wisconsin lakes vary widely around the state. And with that in mind, Department of Natural Resources Chief Warden Todd Schaller recommends getting some good, local information, before you venture out.
“Because the conditions are so variable, we always recommend that they talk to somebody local,” like a sport shop or bait shop, Schaller said. “They’re probably going to have the best information on conditions in the area.”
And when you are on the ice, have tools to help you survive if you end up in the water. “With the lack of snow, we recommend creepers or something to give you better footing on the ice, possibly wearing a life jacket of having a life jacket nearby, and we also recommend carrying ‘picks for life’ or something similar to assist you in pulling yourself out if you fall into the frigid water,” Schaller said.
With relatively mild temperatures so far this year, Schaller said there is no place where it’s safe to take a vehicle on the ice. You can check out the DNR’s ice safety recommendations on the agency’s website.
