Anglers looking to go ice fishing this season are being asked to be mindful of the ice conditions.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and is reminding those who intend to venture out that the ice does not freeze at a uniform thickness across most lakes and rivers. This can be hazardous at the start of the winter when near-shore ice is often much thicker and safer than ice further out.
Ministry Conservation Officer Kevin Sprague says ice conditions on waterways can be deceptive and variable.
"Some of those waterways are currently safe and getting safer, others are unsafe," he says. "It's important to remember if you are going out on the ice, you should ensure you have at least 4 in of clear blue ice to walk out on."
Sprague says while clear blue ice is the strongest, white or opaque ice is much weaker. At least 20 cm of clear blue ice is required for snowmobiles and ATVs.
Anglers must also remember to register new or previously unregistered ice-fishing huts on area lakes.
"At the end of the day, ice huts have to be registered to prevent people from leaving the structures out on the ice, and when the ice melts, having them in the waterway," he says.
For more information about ice fishing in Ontario or how to register an ice hut, click here.
