Email: "Hard Water Fishing By: Kevin Williams, Grundy County Conservation Director"
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I will start right off saying that I am not an ice fisherman or a “hard water” fisherman as I’ve heard them called. But a drive by Grundy County Lake will show that it is certainly being utilized by several people who are. I’m not sure what part of ice fishing appeals to folks the most. I’m sure that it’s a great way to relax. Maybe it’s the challenge of drilling all those holes in the ice with an auger to find fish, or avoiding being blown across the lake by bone-chilling winds while trying to erect a shelter. (Oh wait, that would be one of the reasons I might give for not being an avid hard water fisherman!) Anyway, I know one of the reasons for participating in the activity has to be the chance to pull large and/or numerous fish up through those holes in the ice. Ice fishing is a very simple sport, and you can generally get started with only a minimal investment. Before you even think about venturing onto the ice, make sure you wear warm clothes and dress in layers. Insulated boots are essential to keep your feet warm while resting for many hours on ice. And if you are going to be out on the ice, why not wear a life preserver or bring along a PFD cushion? This will not be a how to article on ice fishing. But I did think it appropriate to share a few thoughts on ice safety. When is ice safe? Three inches of solid ice is generally considered safe for walking, skating, or fishing. Make sure the ice is 4-inches thick if you’re with a group. Drill test holes as you move out from shore to make sure the ice is thick enough. Stay off ice that sags when you walk on it. Stay away from springs and areas with current. Thick snow cover will slow down ice formation. Ice may also be weaker near trees, rocks or other items that absorb heat. Always avoid slushy, honeycombed or dark, late-season ice. Of course, these tips are aimed at keeping you on top rather than beneath the ice. But in the event that you ever find yourself or others in that life threatening situation, here are a few things to remember. Keep a couple of large nails in the pocket of your coat. They can help you get a “bite” on the slippery ice in case you fall in. Many ice anglers make ice awls consisting of spike points protruding from easy-to-grab wooden handles. They keep them tied to a string and around their neck so that they are easily accessed. If you fall in, try to pull yourself out in the direction you came from. You know that ice supported you. It helps to kick your feet while trying to pull yourself up onto the unbroken ice or when someone is pulling you free. When you reach unbroken ice, don’t try to get up. Roll or pull yourself well away from the hole you made falling through. And if you do observe someone that has gone through the ice, don’t approach too closely to them. Carefully extend a rope, branch or ladder to the victim, and mostly let the victim pull and kick himself onto the ice.

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